"Well, you are conceited, but I don't mind making a thousand out of your egotism. Now I am sleepy, however, so good-night." "Good-night, old man. Dream of a way to earn an extra thousand, for I shall win." For Mr. Barnes himself sleep was now more impossible than ever. He was attracted to this new case, for so he counted it, and was determined to trap the individual who wagered against his acumen. It was a long step towards success to know as much as he had overheard. He would not lose sight of his man during the allotted month. He enjoyed the prospect of allowing him to commit his crime and then quietly taking him in the act. Carefully and noiselessly he dressed himself and slipped out of his berth. Then he crept into one opposite, so that he could have his eye on number eight, and settled down for an all-night vigil. "It would not surprise me if that keen devil were to commit his crime this very night. I hope so, for otherwise I shall have no sleep till he does." CHAPTER II. A DARING AND SUCCESSFUL TRAIN ROBBERY. The train was just approaching Stamford, and from the window in the section which he occupied Mr. Barnes was watching the sun glowing red over the hilltops, when he heard approaching him the guard who had assisted him to jump aboard the night before. The man was making mysterious gestures, from which Mr. Barnes understood that he was wanted. He arose and followed the porter to the smoking-room. "I think you called yourself Barnes," said the man, "as you jumped aboard last night." "Yes, what of it?" "Are you Mr. Barnes the detective?" "Why do you ask?" "Because, if you are, the conductor wants to see you. There was a big robbery committed on the train during the night." "The devil!" "Exactly, but will you come into the next coach?" "Wait a minute." Mr. Barnes went back into the main part of the coach and tip-toed towards number eight. Gently moving the curtains, he peeped in and looked long and earnestly. He saw two men undoubtedly sleeping soundly. Satisfied therefore that he could leave his watch for a brief period, he followed the porter into the next coach, where he found the conductor waiting for him in the smoking-room. "You are Mr. Barnes the detective?" asked the conductor. Mr. Barnes assented. "Then I wish to place in your hands officially a most mysterious case. We took on a lady last night at Boston, who had a ticket to South Norwalk. As we were approaching that point a short time ago she was notified by the porter. She arose and dressed preparatory to leaving the train. A few minutes later I was hurriedly summoned, when the woman, between hysterical sobs, informed me that she had been robbed." "Of much?" "She claims to miss a satchel containing a hundred thousand dollars, in jewelry." "You have stated that adroitly. She claims to miss! What evidence have you that she has met with any loss at all?"