It was the first time he had opened his lips. The eyes of all in the carriage were fixed upon him. He was seated, apparently quite at his ease, a cigar in his mouth, one hand upon his knee, and, as he spoke, with the other he undid the top button of his overcoat.
"How could they be changed? Those in charge state that they never lost sight of the particular box in which the jewels were."
The captain took his cigar out of his mouth, and puffed out a wreath of smoke.
"I have a theory of my own upon the subject."
"And I say it is monstrous! preposterous! incredible! Do you mean to tell me such a trick as that could have been played in the light of day?"
This was from the stout old gentleman.
"Apparently it was done in the light of day, however it was done. I have only suggested a theory. Of course you are at liberty to accept it or reject it, as you please."
"I do reject it entirely! absolutely! I am sixty-seven next June, and I know perfectly well that no such trick would be played on me."
"You are, probably, a person of peculiar acumen."
But the stout old gentleman was not to be flattered.