"Of course we cannot tell about the jewelry, but she did have a satchel, which is now missing. The porter remembers it, and we have searched thoroughly with no success." "We have stopped at New Haven and at Bridgeport. How many persons have left the train?" "No one has left the sleepers." "When you say that no one has left the sleepers, I suppose you mean you saw no one leave?" "No! I mean just what I said. I have sent the porters through the coaches and they report that all our passengers are in their berths. But here we come to a point. If no one has left the train, then the thief must be aboard?" "Certainly!" "The woman when she discovered her loss concluded to remain aboard and go on to New York. All the other passengers, save one, are booked for New York. That one is a man, and he is now dressing, as his destination is Stamford. If he leaves he may take the jewels with him, yet what am I to do?" "State the facts of the case to him. If he is innocent he will willingly submit to being searched. If, however, he refuses,--well we can be guided by circumstances. Call him in here now." A few minutes later a foreign and distinctly French-appearing man entered. In speech he disclosed his origin, but the accent was slight. He was of fine appearance, dignified and gentlemanly. Mr. Barnes sat at the window looking out. The conductor with considerable hesitancy explained the case concluding with: "You see, my dear sir, this is an awkward business, but we are so sure that the thief is still aboard, that----" "That you hesitate to allow me to leave the train, eh, Monsieur, is it not so? Yet why should there be any trouble? An honest man must never be hurt in his feelings when he is asked to assist the law, even though for the moment he is himself a--what you call it--suspect? In this case it is so simple, if only the honest men will make no trouble. They will say to you--'Search me.' You do so, and at last one comes who says, 'You insult me.' That one is of course the thief, eh, Monsieur, do you not agree with me?" He turned towards Mr. Barnes, addressing this last remark to him. The detective looked at him a moment steadily, as was his wont when he meant to remember a face. The Frenchman returned the gaze undisturbed. "I said almost the same thing to the conductor before you came in," said Mr. Barnes. "Exactly so. Now then with your permission I will disrobe. Look, if you please, most carefully. My honor is at stake. The more carefully you examine, the less suspicion can attach to me hereafter." The conductor made a thorough search, emptying every pocket and taking every precaution. He did not expect to find anything, but it was essential that extreme care should be observed. Nothing was found, and the man resumed his clothing. "Now, if you please, I have with me but two small satchels. If the porter will bring them I will unlock them for you. I have no trunk, as I only went to Boston for a day's trip."