Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1896-02-27

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At last his patience was rewarded by
seeing the curtains Of No moving,
and moment later fine looking young
man Of six and twenty emerged, partly
dressed. and went toward the toilet.
Mr.. Barnes sauntered after him, and en-
tered the smoking room. BE had scarce
ly seated himself before q man entered,
who was evidently the other occupant Of
section g. While this second man was
washing, the conductor explained to
the other about the robbery, and sug-
gested that he allow himself to be search
ed By this time the conductor was be-
coming excited. They were within a
few minutes of New York, and all his
passengers had been examined save these
two Yet these two looked more aristo-
cratic than any of the others. he was
astonished, therefore, TO observe that the
young man addressed seemed very much
disturbed. He stammered and suffered,
seeking words, and finally in hoarse
voice addressed his companion;
"Bob, do you hear, there's been a
robberyp'
His friend Bob was bending over the
water basin, his head and face covered
with stiff soap lather and his hands
rubbing his skin vigorously. Before
replying he dipped his head completely
under the water, held it so submerged
moment, then stood erect with eyes
shut and reached for towel. In a mo-
ment he had wiped the suds from his
eyes, ana looking at his friend he an
swered most unconcernedly:
"What of it?"
"But-but-the conductor wants to
search me-
Gan right What are you afraid of?
You are not the thief, are you?"
"No-but"-
"There is no but in it If you are in
nocent, let them go through you." Then
with light laugh he turned to the glass
and began arranging his cravat. His
friend looked at him a moment with an
expression which no one but Mr.. Barnes
understood The detective had recog-
nized by their voices that it was Bob
who had made the wager to commit a
crime, and it was plain that his friend
already suspected him. His fright was
occasioned by the thought that perhaps
Bob had stolen the jewels during the
night and then secreted them in his
clothing, where if found the suspicion
would not be on Bob.
Mr.. Barnes was amused as he saw the
young man actually searching himself.
In few minutes, with a sigh Of in
tense relief, having evidently discovered
nothing foreign in his pockets, he turned
to the conductor who stood waiting and
expectant.
"Mr. Conductor, he began, 81 fear
that my conduct has seemed suspicious,
I can't explain, but nevertheless ] am
perfectly willing to have you make a
search. Indeed I am anxious that it
should be thorough one." The exam
ination was made, and, as with the
others, nothing was found.
"Here is my card. I am Arthur Ran
dolph, of the firm Of J. @. Randolph &
Son, bankers. " Mr.. Randolph stood
trife more erect as he said this, and the
poor conductor felt that he had done
him a grievous wrong Mr.. Randolph
continued: "This is my friend, Robert
Leroy Mitchell Twill vouch for him.
At the name Mitchell Mr.. Barnes was
trit1e startled. 1t was the same as
that which had been given by the wom-
an who had been robbed At this point
Mr. Mitchell, a man Of 40, with clas-
sic face, spoke:
Thanks, Arthur, I can take care Of
myselfp
The conductor hesitated a moment,
and then addressed MI. Mitchell:
II regret very much the necessity
which compels me to ask you to allow
yourself to be searched, but it is my
duty"
"My dear sir, I understand perfectly
that it is your duty and have no per-
sonal feelings against you. Nevertheless
] distinctly refuse -
"You refuse?" The words came from
the other three men together. It is diff
cult to tell which was the most sur
prised. Randolph turned pale and
leaned against the partition for support.
Mr.. Barnes became slightly excited and
said:
''That amounts to tacit acknowledge
ment of guilt, since every other man
has been searched Mr.. Mitchel's re-
ply to this was even more of surprise
than what he had said before.
'fThat alters the case. If every one
else has submitted, SO will l." Without
more ado he divested himself Of his
clothing. Nothing was found. The
satchels Of both men were brought, but
the search was fruitless. The conductor
glanced at the detective helplessly, but
that gentleman was looking out of the
window. One who knew Mr.. Barnes
could have told that he was angry, for
he was biting the end of his mustache.
"Here we are at the Grand Central, :"
said Mr.. Mitchell "Are we at liberty to
leave the Ii sin?" Receiving an acquies-
cent nod, the two friends walked to the
other end Of the coach. Mr.. Barnes alb
ruptly started up, and without word
jumped from the train as it slowly roll
ed into the great depot. He went up to
man quickly, said few words in an
undertone, and both went back toward
the train. Presently the woman who had
been robbed came along, and as she
passed out Of the building Mr.. Barnes
companion followed her. He himself
was about to depart, when, feeling a
light tap upon his shoulder, he turned
and faced Mr.. Mitchell.
"Mr Barnes" said thu latter, II
want few words with you. Will you
breakfast with me in the restaurant"
"How did you know that my name is
Barnes?"
II did not know, though I do now,
and he 1auphed in a coTnnlapent manner