Once Columbo heard the name "Rowe" at the restaurant where the kids were, he snickered to himself. But kept quiet. He had a common denominator and did not want that information to get out to the public.

Incidentally, Culp played a great role of the over bearing father who's son had better get into law school "or else."

Columbo tells the students at one point when they ask him for advice, not to talk too much. Knowledge is power as they say.

The boys are never aware at any stage that they are being strung along and until the 'gotcha' at the end they think they are hime free.