"You think," said Mr. Barnes, "that the thief might have simply handed the satchel and jewelry to a confederate at a station decided upon in advance."
"Bravo! Mr. Barnes," said Dora, "You are a great detective. You have won your wager. That is what is written here."
"I owe you a dinner Mr. Barnes, and it shall be a good one," said Mr. Mitchel.
"Would Mr. Barnes like to win another?" asked the Frenchman with slow distinctness.
"I would," said the detective sharply.
"Then I will wager with you, that if you ever clear up the mystery, you will be obliged to admit that none of the theories advanced is the correct one."
"I cannot accept that bet," said Mr. Barnes slowly, "because I am sure that we have not mentioned the true method adopted."
"Ah! You have another theory," Mr. Thauret almost sneered.
"I have and it is the correct one," retorted Mr. Barnes, "but I prefer not to disclose it."
"I think you are quite right, Mr. Barnes," said Emily. "In fact, knowing you by reputation as a man of great shrewdness, I have not thought that you were telling us your true ideas. It would have been foolish to do so."