“But it didn’t matter, any glass would have done.” She answered triumphantly.

“Thank you,” Said Ted, “that certainly explains it.”

“Perhaps it would help if you were to tell us who the thief is and how he got in.” Suggested Stephen.

”Oh, he didn’t have to get in, he was already in, sort of.” Boo-Boo answered/

“Are you saying it was one of us?” Asked Barney.

“Yes I am,” Replied Boo-Boo, “To be specific, you Barney.”

Barney pretended to faint. He rolled his eyes and slumped into his chair. Then he spoke patiently.

“ You have really boo-booed this time. I am the only one here who couldn’t have done it. Don’t you listen? I am in the clear, isn’t that right Inspector?”

“I’m afraid not.” The policeman replied. “ We have spent the afternoon making inquires in regard to some suggestions made by this young lady and we have confirmed her suspicions.”

Boo-Boo was standing in the middle of the room with a sad face.

“I’m Sorry Barney,” she said quietly, “I didn’t want it to be one of my friends, but it was wrong of you to steal the money from Stephen, especially as he would have given you the money if you were in need but I rather suspect that it was to pay gambling debts and he would not have given you money for that.”

Turning to the stunned audience she wipe away a tear that threatened to roll down her cheek.

“You see, first of all Barney left here to catch a train to town and back.

“Quite right.” Barney said in exasperation, “ By train, the last train.”

“But.” Went on Bo-Boo, “ the last train was cancelled last night. That is what I meant abut drinking. While I was at the pub I hear a man complaining that he was in trouble with his wife because she would not believe the train had been cancelled. No, he never took the train, he drove down the road a bit, waited for the right time and walked back. Stole the money that drove to town to the party.”

Ted heaved a sigh, “ At the risk of again being thoroughly confused, I will try again. Why the glass?”

“Well, when he got to the party he had to convince some people there that he had been there all night so he walked in carrying a glass and made some remark about needing fresh air but now needed a drink, He would then carry on a conversation about the way the party was going. Camouflage you see.”

“Well done/” Said Stephen. The police found the money in the boot of Barney’s car so, all is well. Let’s have a party.”

“Great idea.” Said all

Not Me,” Said Boo-Boo, “It has been a long day I just want a long rest. I am going to put on my bed and have a deep and refreshing sleep on my nightie.?

“Now that, I would like to see.” Exclaimed Ted.