"I am not disturbed."
"You are, and it is the sight of those buttons which has caused it. Now tell me your reason for coming here this morning."
Mr. Barnes thought the time had come to strike a deciding blow.
"Mr. Mitchel, first answer one question, and think well before you reply. How many buttons were made for this set?"
"Seven," answered Mr. Mitchel, so promptly that Mr. Barnes could only repeat, amazed:
"Seven? But you said six only a moment ago!"
"I know what I said. I never forget any statement that I make, and all my statements are accurate. I said that six is the entire set. Now you ask me what was the original number, and I reply seven. Is that clear?"
"Then the other button has been lost?"
"Not at all. I know where it is."