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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Burglar's Fate And The Detectives, by
+Allan Pinkerton
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Burglar's Fate And The Detectives
+
+
+Author: Allan Pinkerton
+
+
+
+Release Date: February 12, 2006  [eBook #17762]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BURGLAR'S FATE AND THE
+DETECTIVES***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Jeroen van Luin, Suzanne Shell, and the Project
+Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
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+      See 17762-h.htm or 17762-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/7/6/17762/17762-h/17762-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/7/6/17762/17762-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+THE BURGLAR'S FATE AND THE DETECTIVES.
+
+by
+
+ALLAN PINKERTON,
+
+Author of
+"Expressman and Detective," "Melnotte and Detectives,"
+"Professional Thieves and Detectives,"
+"Railroad Forger and Detectives,"
+"Mollie Maguires and Detectives,"
+"Spiritualists and Detectives,"
+Etc., Etc., Etc.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+New York:
+G. W. Carleton & Co., Publishers.
+London: S. Low, Son & Co.
+MDCCCLXXXIV.
+Copyright,
+by
+Allan Pinkerton.
+Stereotyped by Samuel Stodder, 42 Dey Street, N.Y.
+Trow's Printing And Book-Binding Co., N.Y.
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+In the pages which follow I have narrated a story of actual occurrence.
+No touch of fiction obscures the truthful recital. The crime which is
+here detailed was actually committed, and under the circumstances which
+I have related. The four young men, whose real names are clothed with
+the charitable mantle of fiction, deliberately perpetrated the deed for
+which they suffered and to-day are inmates of a prison. No tint or
+coloring of the imagination has given a deeper touch to the action of
+the story, and the process of detection is detailed with all the
+frankness and truthfulness of an active participant. As a revelation of
+the certain consequences which follow the perpetration of crime, I send
+this volume forth, in the fervent hope that those who may read its
+pages, will glean from this history the lessons of virtue, of honor,
+and of the strictest integrity. If in the punishment of Eugene Pearson,
+Dr. Johnson, Newton Edwards and Thomas Duncan, the young men of to-day,
+tempted by folly or extravagance, will learn that their condemnation was
+but the natural and inevitable result of thoughtless crime, and if their
+experience shall be the means of deterring one young man from the
+commission of a deed, which the repentance of years will not obliterate,
+I shall feel that I have not labored in vain. As a true story of
+detective experience, the actors in which are still living, I give this
+volume to the world, trusting that its perusal may not fail in its
+object of interesting and instructing the few or many who may read its
+pages.
+
+ALLAN PINKERTON.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+PREFACE                                                                  v
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+Geneva--The Robbery--Search for the Burglars--My Agency notified        11
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+The Investigation begun--John Manning's Visit to Geneva--Eugene
+Pearson's Story--The Detective's Incredulity--A Miraculous
+Deliverance with a Ten-Cent Coin                                        22
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+An Interview with Miss Patton--Important Revelations--Doubts
+Strengthened--Mr. Bartman's Story--William Resolves to seek Newton
+Edwards                                                                 38
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+The Work Progresses--Eugene Pearson's Early Life--On the Trail of
+Newton Edwards                                                          51
+
+
+CHAPTER  V.
+New Developments--Tidings of Newton Edwards--Suspicions
+Strengthening against Eugene Pearson--Mr. Silby's Confidence            63
+
+
+CHAPTER  VI.
+The Detective at Woodford--An Interview with the Discarded Wife of
+Newton Edwards                                                          77
+
+
+CHAPTER  VII.
+A Fire and a Talkative Fireman--Mrs. Edwards Receives a Letter          90
+
+
+CHAPTER  VIII.
+A Plan to Intercept Correspondence--Edwards fully Identified
+A pretty Servant Girl and a Visit to Church                            102
+
+
+CHAPTER  IX.
+Waiting and Watching--Two Letters--Newton Edwards' Hiding-Place
+Discovered                                                             116
+
+
+CHAPTER  X.
+The Burglar Tracked to his Lair--The old Stage Driver--A Fishing
+Party--A Long Wait--A Sorrowful Surprise--The Arrest of Newton
+Edwards                                                                125
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+Newton Edwards brought back to Chicago--Attempt to Induce a
+Confession--a Visit to his Relatives--The Burglar Broken Down          141
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+The Confession of Newton Edwards--The foul Plot fully Explained
+Eugene Pearson's Guilt clearly Proven--A Story of Temptation and
+Crime                                                                  154
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+Edwards taken to Geneva--The Arrest of Eugene Pearson
+His Confession--More Money Recovered--Dr. Johnson Arrested             167
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+Proceedings at Geneva--Speculations as to the Missing Five Thousand
+Dollars--John Manning Starts in Search of Thomas Duncan                182
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+On the Track of the fleeing Burglar--Duncan's Home--Some Reflections   192
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+Bob King meets with a Surprise--His Story of Duncan's Flight
+The Detective starts Westward                                          208
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+Manning Strikes the Trail--An Accommodating Tailor--Temporary
+Disappointment and final Success--The Detective reaches Minneapolis    224
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+The Detective at Bismarck--Further Traces of the Fugitive
+A Protracted Orgie--A Jewish Friend of the Burglar in Trouble          241
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+From Bismarck to Bozeman--The trail Growing Warmer--Duncan Buys a
+Pony--A long Stage Ride                                                254
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+The Stage Driver's Story                                               266
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+False Information which nearly Proves Fatal--A Night Ride to
+Helena--Dangers by the Wayside                                         280
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+In Helena--A Fruitless Quest--Jerry Taylor's Bagnio--Reliable
+Tidings--A Midnight Ride--Arrival at Butte City                        293
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+The Long Trail Ended--Duncan Traced to his Lair--Caught at last
+The Escaping Burglar a prisoner                                        306
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+The Burglar Returns to Chicago--Revelations by the Way
+The Missing Five Thousand Dollars                                      319
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+The Mystery of the Missing Five Thousand Dollars Solved at Last
+The Money Recovered--Duncan at Geneva                                  328
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+Conclusion--Retribution                                                337
+
+
+
+
+THE BURGLAR'S FATE AND THE DETECTIVES.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+Geneva--The Robbery--Search for the Burglars--My Agency Notified.
+
+
+Geneva is one of the prettiest and most thriving little towns in the
+west. Situated, as it is, in the midst of one of the finest agricultural
+districts in the country, its growth has been rapid beyond expectation,
+while its social progress has been almost phenomenal. Stretching for
+miles in all directions, over a country beautifully interspersed with
+gentle elevations and depressions, lie the well-cultivated farms of the
+honest tillers of the soil. The farm-houses, which nestle down beneath
+the tall trees, present an appearance of comfort and beauty rarely
+witnessed, while the commodious and substantial out-buildings evince the
+thorough neatness of systematic husbandry. Standing upon a high knoll,
+and gazing over the scene upon a bright sunny morning, the eye lights
+upon a panorama of rustic splendor that delights the vision and
+entrances the senses. The vast fields, with their varied crops, give
+indications of a sure financial return which the gathered harvests
+unfailingly justify, and the rural population of Geneva are, in the
+main, a community of honest, independent people, who have cheerfully
+toiled for the honest competence they so fully enjoy.
+
+Nor is the town dependent alone upon the farmer and the herdsman for its
+success in a financial sense. Nature has been bounteous in her gifts to
+this locality, and in addition to the fertile and fruitful soil, there
+is found imbedded under the surface, great mines of coal, of excellent
+quality, and seemingly inexhaustible in quantity. This enterprise alone
+affords employment to hundreds of men and boys, who, with their begrimed
+faces and brawny arms, toil day and night in the bowels of the earth for
+the "black diamonds," which impart warmth and light to countless happy
+homes, and materially add to the wealth of the miners.
+
+Numerous manufacturing industries also find a home here. Large
+buildings, out of whose huge chimneys the black smoke is pouring forth
+in dense volumes, and whose busy wheels and roaring furnace fires,
+mingled with the sound of scores of ringing hammers, make merry music
+throughout the day.
+
+On certain days in the week Geneva presents a cheerful and animated
+appearance. On every hand are heard the sounds of honest toil and the
+hum of busy trade. Farmers from the surrounding country come in numbers
+into the village to purchase their necessary supplies and to listen to
+the news and gossip of the day, and the numerous stores transact a
+thriving business and reap a handsome profit on their wares.
+
+The old mill, weather-beaten and white with the accumulating flour dust
+of ages, and with the cobwebs hanging thick and heavy from its dingy
+rafters, stands near by, and this too is an object of interest to the
+sturdy farmers of the surrounding country. From morn till night its
+wheels go round, transmuting the grain into the various articles of
+consumption for man and beast, and bringing a goodly share of "honest
+toll" into the coffers of the unimpeachable old miller. The mill is a
+great place of meeting for the farmers, and the yard in its front is
+daily filled with teams from the country, whose owners congregate in
+groups and converse upon topics of general interest, or disperse
+themselves, while waiting for their "grist," about the town to transact
+the various matters of business which had brought them hither.
+
+In common with all progressive American towns, Geneva boasts of its
+school-house, a large brick building, where rosy-cheeked children daily
+gather to receive the knowledge which is to fit them more thoroughly for
+the great battle of life, when the years shall have passed and they
+become men and women.
+
+Here, too, are banking institutions and warehouses, and every element
+that contributes to the thrift and advancement of a happy, honest,
+hard-working and prosperous people.
+
+Of its history, but few words are necessary for its relation. Not many
+years ago it was the home of the red man, whose council fires gleamed
+through the darkness of the night, and who roamed, free as the air, over
+the trackless prairie, with no thought of the intruding footsteps of the
+pale-face, and with no premonition of the mighty changes which the
+future was to bring forth.
+
+Then came the hardy pioneers--those brave, self-reliant men and women
+who sought the broad acres of the west, and builded their homes upon the
+"edge of civilization." From that time began the work of progress and
+cultivation. Towns, villages and cities sprang up as if under the wand
+of the magician. Fifty years ago, a small trading post, with its general
+store, its hand grist-mill, rude blacksmith-shop and the fort. To-day, a
+busy active town, with more than five thousand inhabitants, a hundred
+business enterprises, great railroad facilities, and every element that
+conduces to prosperity, honesty and happiness.
+
+Such is Geneva to-day, a substantial, bustling, thriving and progressive
+village of the west.
+
+It is a hot, sultry day in August, 18--, and the shrill whistles from
+the factories have just announced the arrival of six o'clock. Work is
+suspended for the day, and the army of workmen are preparing for their
+homes after the labors of the day.
+
+At the little bank in Geneva the day has been an active one. Numerous
+herders have brought their stock into market, and after disposing of
+them have deposited their moneys with the steady little institution, in
+which they have implicit confidence, and through which the financial
+affairs of the merchants and farmers round about are transacted.
+
+The last depositor has departed, and the door has just been closed. The
+assistant cashier and a lady clerk are engaged within in settling up the
+business of the day. At the Geneva bank the hours for business vary with
+the requirements of the occasion, and very frequently the hour of six
+arrives ere their customers have all received attention and their wants
+have been supplied. This had been the case upon this day in August, and
+breathing a sigh of relief as the last customer took his leave, the
+front door was locked and the work of balancing up the accounts was
+begun.
+
+Suddenly, a knock is heard at the outer door, and Mr. Pearson, the
+assistant cashier, being busily engaged, requested the young lady with
+him to answer the summons. As she did so, two men, roughly dressed, and
+with unshaved faces, burst into the room. Closing the door quickly
+behind them, one of the men seized the young lady from behind and placed
+his hand upon her mouth. Uttering a piercing scream, the young lady
+attempted to escape from the grasp upon her, and with her teeth she
+inflicted several severe wounds upon the ruffianly hand that attempted
+to smother her cries. In a moment she was knocked down, a gag was placed
+in her mouth, and she was tied helplessly hand and foot. While this had
+been transpiring, the other intruder had advanced to the assistant
+cashier, and in a few moments he too was overpowered, bound and gagged.
+In less time than is required to tell the story, both of them were lying
+helpless before their assailants, while the open doors of the bank vault
+revealed the treasures which had excited the passions of these depraved
+men, and led to the assault which had just been successfully committed.
+
+No time was to be lost, the alarm might be sounded in a moment, and the
+thieves, picking up a valise which stood near by, entered the vault,
+and securing all the available gold, silver and bank-notes, placed them
+in the satchel and prepared to leave the place.
+
+Before doing so, however, they dragged the helpless bodies of the young
+man and woman into the despoiled vault, and laying them upon the floor,
+they deliberately closed the doors and locked them in.
+
+Not a word had been spoken during this entire proceeding, and now, in
+silence, the two men picked up the satchel, and with an appearance of
+unconcern upon their faces, passed out of the bank and stood upon the
+sidewalk.
+
+The streets were filled with men and women hurrying from their work. The
+sun was shining brightly in the heavens, and into this throng of human
+beings, all intent upon their own affairs, these bold burglars
+recklessly plunged, and made their way safely out of the village.
+
+How long the two persons remained in the bank it is impossible to tell;
+Miss Patton in a death-like swoon, and Mr. Pearson, in the vain
+endeavor to extricate himself from the bonds which held him. At length,
+however, the young man succeeded in freeing himself, and as he did so,
+the young lady also recovered her consciousness. Calling loudly for
+help, and beating upon the iron door of their prison, they indulged in
+the futile hope that some one would hear their cries and come to their
+rescue.
+
+At last, however, Mr. Pearson succeeded in unscrewing the bolts from the
+lock upon the inside of the doors of the vault, and in a few minutes
+thereafter, he leaped out, and dashing through a window, gave the alarm
+upon the street. The news spread far and wide, and within an hour after
+the robbery had taken place, the town was alive with an excited
+populace, and numerous parties were scouring the country in all
+directions in eager search of the fugitives. All to no avail, however,
+the desperate burglars were not discovered, and the crest-fallen bank
+officers contemplated their ruin with sorrowful faces, and with
+throbbing hearts.
+
+Meanwhile, Miss Patton had been carefully removed to her home, her
+injuries had been attended to, and surrounded by sympathetic friends,
+who ministered to her wants, she was slowly recovering from the effects
+of the severe trial of the afternoon.
+
+An examination of the vault revealed the fact that the robbers had
+succeeded in obtaining about twenty thousand dollars in gold, silver and
+currency--all the available funds of the bank, and the loss of which
+would seriously impair their standing, and which would be keenly felt by
+every one interested in its management.
+
+Though sorely crippled by their loss, the bank officials were
+undismayed, and resolved to take immediate steps for the capture of the
+criminals, and the recovery of the stolen property. To this end they
+decided to employ the services of my agency at once, in the full hope
+that our efforts would be crowned with success. Whether the trust of the
+directors was well founded, and the result so much desired was achieved,
+the sequel will show.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+The Investigation Begun--John Manning's Visit to Geneva--Eugene
+Pearson's Story--The Detective's Incredulity--A Miraculous Deliverance
+With a Ten-Cent Coin.
+
+
+On the evening of the same day on which this daring robbery occurred,
+and as I was preparing to leave my agency for the day, a telegram was
+handed to me by the superintendent of my Chicago office, Mr. Frank
+Warner. The message read as follows:
+
+
+                        "GENEVA, August --, 18--.
+
+     "Bank robbed to-day. Twenty thousand
+      dollars taken. Please send or come at once.
+
+               "(Signed,) HENRY SILBY, President."
+
+
+This was all. There was no detail of particulars, no statement of the
+means employed, only a simple, concise and urgent appeal for my
+services. As for myself, realizing the importance of promptness and
+despatch in affairs of this nature, and fully appreciating the anxiety
+of the bank officials, I resolved to answer their call as speedily as
+possible. But few words of consultation were required for the subject,
+and in a short time I had selected the man for the preliminary
+investigation, and requested his presence in my office. John Manning was
+the operative chosen for this task, an intelligent, shrewd and trusty
+young man of about thirty years of age, who had been in my employ for a
+long time. Well educated, of good address, and with a quiet, gentlemanly
+air about him that induced a favorable opinion at a glance. Frequently,
+prior to this, occasions had presented themselves for testing his
+abilities, and I had always found him equal to any emergency. Sagacious
+and skillful as I knew him to be, I felt that I could implicitly rely
+upon him to glean all the information that was required in order to
+enable me to devise an intelligent plan of detection, and which would,
+as I hoped, lead to eventual success.
+
+Giving John Manning full instructions as to his mode of proceeding, and
+cautioning him to be particular and thorough in all his inquiries, I
+directed him to proceed as soon as possible to the scene of the robbery,
+and enter at once upon the performance of his duties.
+
+In a very short time Manning had made his preparations, and at eight
+o'clock that evening he was at the depot awaiting the departure of the
+train that was to bear him to his new field of operation.
+
+After a journey of several hours, in which the detective endeavored to
+snatch as much comfort as possible, the train drew up at the neat little
+station at Geneva, and Manning was upon the ground.
+
+It was two o'clock in the morning when he arrived, consequently there
+were but few people stirring, and the station was almost entirely
+deserted. Two or three passengers who were awaiting the train, the
+persons connected with the railroad, and the runners of the two hotels
+(Geneva boasted of two of these very necessary establishments), were
+the only persons who greeted him upon his arrival.
+
+Having never been to Geneva before, and being entirely ignorant of the
+accommodations afforded by either of these houses of entertainment,
+Manning, at a hazard, selected the "Geneva Hotel" as his place of abode.
+Consigning his valise to the care of the waiting porter, he was soon on
+his way to that hostelrie, and serenely journeyed along through the
+darkness, all unconscious of the reception that awaited him. On arriving
+at their destination, he perceived through the glimmering light that
+hung over the doorway, that the "Geneva Hotel" was an old, rambling
+frame structure, which stood in the midst of an overgrowth of bushes and
+shrubbery. So dense was the foliage that the detective imagined the air
+of the place was damp and unwholesome in consequence. Certain it was, as
+he discovered afterward, the air and sunshine had a desperate struggle
+almost daily to obtain an entrance into the building, and after a few
+hours engaged in the vain attempt, old Sol would vent his baffled rage
+upon the worm-eaten old roof, to the decided discomfort of the lodgers
+in the attic story.
+
+Ceremony was an unheard-of quality at the "Geneva House," and the
+railway porter performed the multifarious duties of night clerk, porter,
+hall boy and hostler. As they entered the hotel, the porter lighted a
+small lamp with the aid of a stable lantern, and without further parley
+led the detective up two flights of stairs which cracked and groaned
+under their feet, as if complaining of their weight, and threatening to
+precipitate them to the regions below. Opening the door of a little box
+of a room, out of which the hot air came rushing like a blast from a
+furnace fire, the porter placed the lamp upon a dilapidated wash-stand
+and the valise upon the floor, and without uttering a word, took himself
+off.
+
+With all its progressiveness, it was evident that Geneva was far behind
+the age in regard to her hotel accommodations; at least so thought
+Manning as he gazed disconsolately around upon his surroundings. The
+room was small, close and hot, while the furniture exceeded his powers
+of description. The unpainted wash-stand seemed to poise itself uneasily
+upon its three remaining legs--the mirror had evidently been the resort
+of an army of self-admiring flies, who had left their marks upon its
+leaden surface until reflection was impossible--two hard and
+uncomfortable-looking chairs--and a bed, every feature of which was a
+sonorous protest against being slept upon--completed the provisions
+which had been made for his entertainment and comfort. Casting a dismal
+look upon his uninviting quarters, but being thoroughly tired, the
+detective threw himself upon the couch, which rattled and creaked under
+him like old bones, and in a few moments was sound asleep.
+
+How long he might have remained in this somnolent condition if left to
+himself, it is impossible to state, for a vigorous alarm upon his door
+cut short his slumbers, and startled him from his dreams.
+
+Imagining that the hotel had taken fire, or that the porter had eloped
+with the silver ware, he jumped hastily out of bed and opened the door.
+
+"It's late and breakfast is waitin'," was the laconic message delivered
+to him by the porter of the night before, as he started away.
+
+With a muttered malediction upon this ruthless destroyer of his rest,
+the detective donned his clothing, and, feeling as tired and unrefreshed
+as though he had not slept at all, descended to the dining-room. If his
+experiences of the previous evening had been distressing, the breakfast
+which was set before him was positively heart-rending. A muddy-looking
+liquid which they called coffee--strong, soggy biscuits, a beefsteak
+that would rival in toughness a piece of baked gutta percha, and
+evidently swimming in lard, and potatoes which gave decided tokens of
+having been served on more than one previous occasion. With a smothered
+groan he attacked the unsavory viands, and by dint of great effort
+managed to appease his hunger, to the serious derangement of his
+digestive organs. After he had finished his repast he lighted a cigar,
+and as the hour was still too early for a conference with the bank
+officials, he resolved to stroll about the town and ascertain the
+locality of the Geneva bank, before entering upon the duties of the
+investigation.
+
+His stroll, however, was not a very extended one, for as he started from
+the hotel he noticed upon the opposite side of the street the sign of
+the bank. The building in which it was located was a large, square brick
+structure, occupied in part by the bank, and in part as a store for the
+sale of hardware and agricultural implements. The upper floor was used
+as an amusement hall, and was called the "Geneva Opera House." Here the
+various entertainments of a musical and dramatic nature were given, to
+the intense delight of the people of the village.
+
+There was no notice of the bank having suspended operations on account
+of the loss they had sustained, and the operative inferred from this,
+that business was being transacted as usual.
+
+When the doors were at length opened the operative entered the banking
+room, and requesting to see Mr. Silby, was ushered into the private
+office of the president. As he passed through the room he took a passing
+inventory of the young assistant cashier, Mr. Pearson, who was busily
+engaged upon his books. He appeared to be a young man of about
+twenty-four years of age; of a delicate and refined cast of countenance
+and about medium height. His hair and a small curly mustache were of a
+light brown shade, and his complexion was as fair as a woman's. The
+young lady who had been the other victim of the assault was not present,
+and the detective concluded that she was as yet unable to attend to her
+duties.
+
+These thoughts and impressions passed through his mind as he walked
+through the banking room into the office of the president. As he entered
+this apartment, he found several gentlemen evidently awaiting his
+appearance, all of whom wore a thoughtful, troubled look, as though they
+keenly felt the losses they had sustained and were resolved to bear up
+manfully under their misfortune.
+
+Mr. Silby, the president, a tall, fine-looking gentleman in the prime of
+life, arose as the detective entered. Mr. Silby was one of those persons
+who instinctively impress the beholder, with a confidence closely
+approaching to veneration. Of a commanding presence, a broad noble face
+surmounted with a wealth of hair in which the silvery touch of time has
+left many traces, while his deep blue eyes were as bright as those of a
+youth of twenty. There was such an air of rugged and uncompromising
+honesty, of kindly feeling and warm-heartedness about the man, that even
+before he had spoken the detective experienced a strong impulse of
+regard for him, and a corresponding determination to perform his full
+duty in this investigation and to devote all the energy of his being to
+the task before him.
+
+Presenting his letter of introduction, Mr. Silby hastily ran his eyes
+over the contents, and then extending his hand he gave the detective a
+most cordial greeting, and introduced him to the other gentlemen
+present, all of whom received him warmly.
+
+"Take a seat, Mr. Manning," said Mr. Silby, drawing up a chair. "You
+find us anxiously awaiting your arrival, and prepared to give you any
+information you desire."
+
+"Thanks," responded the operative, taking the proffered chair. "As I
+have come here for the purpose of making an examination into this case,
+I shall require all the information that is possible to obtain."
+
+"Very well," said Mr. Silby. "Now, what do you desire first?"
+
+"A full statement as to how the robbery was committed," answered the
+detective, promptly.
+
+"Mr. Welton," said Mr. Silby, turning to a gentleman at his right, who
+had been introduced to the detective as the cashier of the bank,
+"perhaps you can relate the particulars better than I can."
+
+"Excuse me," interrupted the detective, "but were you present at the
+time the robbery occurred?"
+
+"No, sir, I was not present," replied Mr. Welton. "Mr. Pearson, our
+assistant cashier, and Miss Patton, were the only persons in the bank at
+that time."
+
+"Then," said the detective, "suppose we have Mr. Pearson in at once, and
+hear the story from him. We always prefer," he added, with a smile, "to
+receive the particulars of these affairs from eye-witnesses."
+
+The other gentlemen nodded a cordial assent to this proposition, and Mr.
+Welton arose, and going to the door, requested Mr. Pearson to enter the
+consulting room.
+
+The young man entered the office, and upon being introduced, greeted the
+detective with an air of frank earnestness, and signified his readiness
+to relate all that he knew about the robbery.
+
+He remained standing, and from his statement the facts were elicited
+which I have given in the preceding chapter. As he finished, he pointed
+to a scar upon his forehead, which he stated was the result of the blow
+he received at the time from the robber who attacked him. The wound did
+not appear to be a very serious one, although the skin had been broken
+and blood had evidently flowed freely.
+
+"Mr. Pearson," inquired the detective, after the young man had
+concluded, "do you remember having seen either of those men before?"
+
+The assistant cashier darted a quick glance at the detective, and then
+answered:
+
+"Yes, sir; about three o'clock yesterday afternoon, a well-dressed
+gentleman came into the bank, carrying a small valise in his hand, which
+he requested permission to leave here until the next morning. I asked
+him if it was of any value, and he replied no. Informing him that I
+would then place it in the office, the man thanked me, and went away.
+When the two men entered the bank at six o'clock in the evening, I
+instantly recognized one of them as the man who had called in the
+afternoon. He was, however, dressed very roughly on the occasion of this
+last visit, and had evidently changed his clothes for the purpose of
+escaping detection or recognition."
+
+"Which one of the men attacked you?" now asked the detective.
+
+"The one who left the valise in the afternoon. While the tallest of the
+two was struggling with Miss Patton, who was screaming loudly, the other
+one came behind the counter and struck me upon the head with the butt
+end of his revolver. I became insensible after this, and knew nothing
+until I found myself in the vault."
+
+"How did you extricate yourself from this dilemma?" inquired Manning.
+
+"Well, sir," began Pearson; and the detective imagined that he noticed a
+hesitancy in his manner, which was not apparent before, "when I
+recovered consciousness, I found myself locked up in the vault, with
+Miss Patton lying beside me. When she recovered, we both shouted loudly
+for help, and beat with our hands upon the iron doors, in the hope of
+attracting attention. This failed, and we were nearly desperate. Just
+then, however, my foot came in contact with some loose silver upon the
+floor, and on stooping to pick them up, I found that they were ten-cent
+pieces. Instantly, the idea occurred to me, to attempt to remove the
+screws which fastened the lock to the inside of the door, and of using
+one of these coins for the purpose. To my intense joy the screws yielded
+to my efforts, and in a short time the heavy door swung open, and we
+were free. I have told you already what followed."
+
+As John Manning jotted these recitals down in his note-book, he could
+not repress nor account for, a feeling of doubtfulness which crept over
+him at this point. He looked up into the young man's face, but there he
+saw only the evidence of serious truthfulness, and honest frankness; but
+still that lingering doubt was upon him and he could not shake it off.
+
+At his request, young Pearson then furnished him with a description of
+the two men, as nearly as his memory would serve him, and these the
+detective noted down for future use.
+
+At length, finding that he had obtained all the information which could
+be afforded him here, he thanked the gentlemen for their assistance, and
+promised to call again in the course of the day.
+
+"Remember, Mr. Manning," said Mr. Silby, "we rely entirely upon the
+resources of Mr. Pinkerton's agency, and that we are confident that you
+will succeed."
+
+"I cannot promise that," returned Manning, "but you may be assured that
+if success is possible, we will accomplish it."
+
+So saying, he shook hands with the gentlemen, and left the bank. He
+betook himself at once to the hotel to prepare himself for further
+action in this investigation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+An Interview with Miss Patton--Important Revelations--Doubts
+Strengthened--Mr. Bartman's Story--William Resolves to Seek Newton
+Edwards.
+
+
+As the morning was not yet very far advanced, John Manning concluded to
+pay a visit to Miss Patton, the other eye-witness to, and active
+participant in the robbery.
+
+Ascertaining the locality of her residence, he walked along the pleasant
+shaded street, revolving in his mind the various points upon which he
+had been enlightened during the interview just concluded. Arriving at
+his destination, he found a neat, cosy little cottage, set in the midst
+of a bright garden of blooming flowers, the perfume of which filled the
+morning air. There was an appearance of neatness and beauty and comfort
+about the place, which at once gave evidence of the refinement of those
+who dwelt within, and as the detective walked along the graveled path
+that led to the front door, he found himself involuntarily arranging his
+shirt-collar, and calling up his best manner for the occasion.
+
+His knock was responded to by a kindly-faced, matronly looking lady,
+whom he instinctively felt was the mother of the young lady. Making his
+business known, and requesting an interview with Miss Patton, he was
+ushered into a cool, well-furnished parlor, to await the conveyance of
+his message and to learn the disposition of the invalid.
+
+In a few minutes the lady reappeared, and stated that although her
+daughter was still very weak and nervous from the shock she had
+sustained, she would see him, and requested him to step into her room.
+
+Entering a neatly furnished little chamber, he beheld the young lady
+reclining upon a couch, looking very pale, but with a pleasant smile of
+welcome upon her face that at once gave him the courage to proceed with
+the unpleasant business he had in hand.
+
+Bidding her a polite good morning, he took the seat, which had been
+placed for him near the bed, and as delicately as possible, stated his
+business and the reason for his calling upon her. At this point Mrs.
+Patton excused herself, and retired, with the evident intention of
+leaving them alone.
+
+Manning quietly and delicately made his inquiries, and the girl answered
+them in a plain, straightforward manner. Her story corroborated all that
+had previously been related by young Pearson, and left no doubt in the
+mind of the detective that the occurrences of the eventful afternoon had
+been correctly detailed. He could not, however, control the doubtfulness
+that was impressing him with regard to Eugene Pearson.
+
+"I cannot forbear the thought," said he, when Miss Patton had concluded
+her story, "that if Mr. Pearson had displayed a reasonable amount of
+manly bravery, this robbery could not have taken place."
+
+"There is something very strange to me," said the girl, musingly, "about
+the manner in which Eugene acted; and--there are some things that I
+cannot understand."
+
+"Would you object to telling me what they are?" said the detective.
+"Perhaps I can enlighten you."
+
+"Well," responded the girl reluctantly, "I fear that Eugene has not told
+the entire truth in this matter."
+
+"In what respect?" inquired the detective.
+
+"I would not do anything to injure Mr. Pearson for the world, Mr.
+Manning, and he may have forgotten the circumstance altogether, but I am
+sure that I saw one of those robbers on two occasions before this
+occurred, in the bank and talking to Mr. Pearson."
+
+"Why should he seek to conceal this?" asked the operative.
+
+"That is just what I cannot understand," answered the lady.
+
+"Tell me just what you know, and perhaps I can help you in coming to a
+correct conclusion."
+
+"I don't like to say anything about this, but still I think it is my
+duty to do so, and I will tell you all that I know. More than two weeks
+ago, I returned from my dinner to the bank one day, and I saw this man
+in the private office with Mr. Pearson; I noticed then that their manner
+toward each other showed them to be old acquaintances rather than mere
+strangers. This man left the bank in a few minutes after I came in. He
+had the manner and appearance of a gentleman, and I did not think
+anything of it at the time."
+
+"Did Mr. Pearson tell you who he was, or explain his presence there at
+that time?"
+
+"No, I did not ask anything about him, and he did not mention the matter
+to me."
+
+"When did you see them together again?"
+
+"That same evening about dusk. I had been making a call upon a friend,
+and was returning home when I met them walking and conversing
+together."
+
+"Did Mr. Pearson recognize you on that occasion?" inquired the
+detective.
+
+"No, sir, he did not seem to notice me at all, and I passed them without
+speaking."
+
+"You are quite sure about this?"
+
+"Oh, yes, quite sure. I recognized him immediately when he came
+yesterday afternoon to leave the valise in the bank, and also when he
+came with the other man when the robbery was committed."
+
+"Do you feel confident that you would be able to identify him, if you
+were to see him again?"
+
+"I am quite sure that I would," returned the girl confidently, "his
+features are too indelibly fixed in my mind for me to make any mistake
+about it."
+
+"Have you said anything to Mr. Pearson about this?"
+
+"Yes; as soon as we were out of the vault, I said to him--'One of those
+men was the man who left the valise and the same one I saw in the
+office the other day.'"
+
+"What reply did he make."
+
+"He appeared to be doubtful, and simply said, 'Is that so?'"
+
+"Very well, Miss Patton," said the detective at length, "we will look
+fully into this matter; but in the meantime, I particularly desire that
+you will say nothing to any one about what you have told me to-day. It
+is very necessary that a strict silence should be preserved upon this
+point."
+
+The young lady cheerfully promised compliance with this request, and in
+a few moments the detective, after thanking her for her kindness in
+seeing him, arose and took his departure.
+
+As he strolled back to the hotel, he revolved the information he had
+received carefully in his mind. He had also obtained from Miss Patton a
+description of the two men, and found that they agreed very nearly with
+what he had learned from Mr. Pearson. He went to his room immediately,
+and prepared a report of all that had transpired during the morning,
+carefully detailing all that he had heard relating to Mr. Pearson's
+alleged intimacy with one of the robbers, and of the successful attempt
+he made to extricate himself from the vault, by means of the ten-cent
+piece. After concluding his relations, he requested the assistance of
+another operative, in order that they might scour the country round
+about, in the hope of finding some clues of the escaping robbers.
+
+On the next morning, operative Howard Jackson, a young, active and
+extremely intelligent member of my force, arrived at Geneva, and placed
+himself in communication with John Manning, for the continuance of this
+investigation.
+
+When Manning's reports were duly received by my son, William A.
+Pinkerton, the superintendent of my Chicago agency, he gave the matter
+his most careful and earnest attention, and as he finished their
+perusal, he formed the opinion that young Pearson was not entirely
+guiltless of some collusion in this robbery. The more he weighed the
+various circumstances connected with this case, the more firm did this
+conclusion become, until at last he experienced a firm conviction that
+this young man knew more about the matter than he had yet related.
+
+It seemed strange to him that a young, strong and active man like
+Pearson should not have manifested even ordinary courage in a crisis
+like this. He was behind the desk when the attack was made upon Miss
+Patton at the door, and saw what was transpiring before the second
+assailant had time to reach him. Even if powerless to defend her, it
+seemed reasonable that he could have raised an alarm, which would have
+attracted the attention of the passers by; or, failing in that, he
+could, at least, have hastily closed the vault doors, and thus have
+saved the money of the bank. He knew that these doors were open, and
+that within the vault were nearly thirty thousand dollars, for which he
+was indirectly responsible. But a moment's time would have sufficed to
+close these doors and adjust the combination, and yet he made no effort
+to prevent a robbery which he knew was intended.
+
+The ordinary promptings of manhood would, it was thought, have induced
+him to make some show of resistance, or to have gone to the rescue of a
+young and delicate girl; but none of these things did he do, and, if the
+story related was true, the young man had acted like a base coward at
+the best, and submitted without a murmur to the outrages that were
+perpetrated in his presence. Instead of acting like a man, he stood
+tamely by and allowed a woman to be cruelly beaten, the bank robbed, and
+the robbers to walk off unmolested and unharmed.
+
+There was another matter which seemed impossible of accomplishment.
+Pearson had stated that while in the vault he had removed the screws
+from the lock upon the door with the aid of a ten-cent piece. This idea
+seemed to be utterly incredible, and prompted by his doubts, William
+attempted the same feat upon the lock on his office door. After several
+efforts, in which he exerted his strength to the utmost, he was obliged
+to desist. The screws utterly defied the efforts to move them, while the
+coin was bent and twisted out of all shape, by the pressure that it was
+subjected to.
+
+While he was thus engaged with his thoughts upon this perplexing
+problem, he was informed that two gentlemen from Geneva desired to speak
+with him. Signifying his readiness to receive them, two well-dressed
+gentlemen entered and announced their business.
+
+One of these men was a Mr. Perry, a director of the Geneva bank, and his
+companion was a Mr. Bartman, a merchant in Newtonsville, a little town
+situated but a few miles distant from Geneva.
+
+"Mr. Bartman," said Mr. Perry, addressing my son, "has some information
+to communicate, which I think is important enough to deserve serious
+consideration, and I have brought him to you."
+
+Mr. Bartman's information proved to be of very decided importance. He
+stated that he was a merchant, doing business in Newtonsville, and that
+he was in the habit of purchasing his goods from various traveling
+salesmen who represented Chicago houses. Among this number was a young
+man named Newton Edwards, who was in the employ of a large commission
+house, located on South Water Street, in the city of Chicago. He had
+known Edwards for some years, and had frequently dealt with him during
+that period. During the forenoon of the day on which the robbery
+occurred, he saw Newton Edwards in Newtonsville, but that instead of
+attempting to sell his goods, that gentleman was apparently seeking to
+avoid observation. He met him upon the street and familiarly accosted
+him, but Edwards received his salutations coldly, and did not engage in
+any conversation. Mr. Bartman thought nothing of this at the time, but
+in the afternoon, having business in Geneva, he drove over to that
+place, and, to his surprise, he found Edwards, in company with a
+strange young man, lingering around the public house in Geneva,
+apparently having nothing whatever to do. He noticed also, that Edwards
+was somewhat under the influence of liquor, and that he had effected a
+complete change in his apparel. A few hours after this he heard of the
+robbery, and instantly his mind reverted to the strange appearance and
+actions of Newton Edwards. He endeavored to find him, but, as if in
+confirmation of his suspicions, both Edwards and his companion had
+disappeared.
+
+Mr. Bartman gave a full description of Edwards as he appeared that day;
+and in substantiation of his suspicions, it was found to agree perfectly
+with that given by both Eugene Pearson and Miss Grace Patton.
+
+Mr. Perry stated that within two hours after the robbery had been
+discovered, men had been sent out in all directions, in search of the
+fleeing robbers, but without success. They had only been enabled to
+learn that two men, carrying a valise between them, had been seen
+walking along the railroad track in a north-westerly direction from
+Geneva, but that was all. In the darkness of the night, they had
+succeeded in eluding their pursuers, and on the following day all traces
+of them were obscured.
+
+Two things were now to be done at once; to ascertain the antecedents of
+Eugene Pearson, and to seek the whereabouts of Newton Edwards. To these
+tasks William applied himself immediately, and with what result will be
+shown hereafter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+The work progresses--Eugene Pearson's early life--On the trail of
+Newton Edwards.
+
+
+In the meantime operatives Manning and Jackson had been untiring in
+their efforts to obtain some traces of the robbers. They had found a
+number of people who recollected seeing two men, answering the
+description of the suspected thieves, who carried a valise between them,
+but beyond a certain point all traces of them stopped. It seemed that
+the ground had opened and swallowed them up, so effectual had been their
+disappearance.
+
+While thus engaged, operative Manning received instructions to keep a
+watchful eye upon young Pearson, and also to make quiet and judicious
+inquiries as to his habits and associates in Geneva.
+
+The result of these inquiries was most favorable to the young man, and
+under ordinary circumstances would have disarmed suspicion at once.
+During the progress of this search after truth, operative Manning had
+preserved the utmost good feeling and cordiality in his dealings with
+Eugene Pearson, and had succeeded in establishing a friendly intimacy
+with him, that would have allayed any fears which the young man might
+have had, as to the opinions entertained by the detectives with regard
+to himself. Mr. Pearson was very positive that one of the robbers was
+the same man who had left the valise at the bank during the afternoon,
+and, after learning that Manning had paid a visit to Miss Patton, he
+stated his belief that this same person had called at the bank a few
+weeks before. He could not remember the name he had given at that time,
+but thought he had inquired as to the financial standing of several of
+the business men of Geneva. During all these interviews Mr. Pearson
+displayed the utmost willingness to assist the detectives in their
+investigation, and with a frankness that was refreshing, answered every
+question that was put to him as if with the earnest desire of
+facilitating their labors and contributing to the accomplishment of
+their success.
+
+Eugene Pearson was a young man, it was learned, who had first seen the
+light in the little town of Geneva, then a straggling little village
+with none of the pretensions it now presented. His parents were most
+exemplary people, and his father at one time had been a wealthy grain
+merchant, but during one of the financial panics that swept over the
+country, he was unfortunate enough to suffer embarrassments which
+stripped him of his fortune and left him penniless in his old age to
+begin again the battle of life. At the present time, he was a
+benevolent-looking, intelligent old gentleman, who occupied the
+honorable and not very lucrative position of postmaster of Geneva, from
+the receipts of which, and a few other interests he was enabled to
+maintain his family in comparative comfort.
+
+Young Pearson had grown to manhood surrounded by the refining influences
+of his family, and, save for a few months spent at a business college
+in a neighboring city, had always dwelt in his native town. Among the
+residents of Geneva he was universally respected and admired. Possessed,
+as he was, of more than ordinary intelligence, and evincing good
+business qualifications, he had occupied his present position in the
+bank for several years, and at the time of the robbery, arrangements
+were being made for his promotion to the position of cashier, owing to
+the contemplated retirement of Mr. Welton, the present incumbent. His
+personal habits were unexceptionable, so far as known, and every one
+with whom John Manning conversed upon the subject, were loud in his
+praises. In the social circles of the town, he was an acknowledged
+favorite; he was a fair musician, was a member of the choir in the
+leading church of Geneva, and a teacher in the Sunday-school. His
+handsome face and pleasing manners gained for him a host of friends, and
+his companionship was eagerly sought by the young people with whom he
+associated. The young ladies were particularly partial to his society,
+and it was stated that he was engaged to be married to a beautiful young
+lady of the town, whose father was one of the wealthiest men in the
+country round about. At the bank, he was held in high esteem by both the
+officers and directors, and Mr. Silby's affection for him amounted
+almost to the love of a father for a favorite child. From infancy to
+manhood his name had never been associated with aught that was injurious
+or degrading, and among all the young men of Geneva, Eugene Pearson
+stood highest in public esteem and general favor.
+
+The result of these inquiries were not calculated to strengthen the
+doubts which had been formed of young Pearson's participation in this
+robbery, and yet the suspicion remained unchanged, and we determined to
+await developments before yielding our opinions to what seemed to be a
+pressure of circumstances.
+
+In the meantime, William had not been idle in the city. Ascertaining the
+name of the firm for which Newton Edwards was traveling, and determined
+to satisfy his mind upon this point, he dispatched an operative to the
+business house to which he had been referred. The result of this inquiry
+was that Mowbray, Morton & Co., the firm with which Edwards had at one
+time been engaged, stated that he had severed his connection with them a
+short time before, and since then had done nothing for them, but had
+been traveling for another house on the same street, and they believed
+he was the junior partner of the firm. Inquiry at this house elicited
+the information that Edwards had retired from this firm, and had
+connected himself with a large eastern house, which dealt extensively in
+fruits and a general line of groceries. At this place, however, several
+items of information were gleaned which were of importance. The
+gentlemen connected with this establishment were very well acquainted
+with Newton Edwards, of whom they spoke in the highest terms. He had
+been in Chicago during all of the week previous to the robbery, but had
+left the city on Saturday, stating that he intended to travel through
+Wisconsin and Minnesota in the interest of the new firm which he
+represented. He had not been seen since, nor had they heard from him.
+
+Finding that the gentleman who furnished this information was an
+intimate acquaintance of Edwards, the operative next inquired as to his
+family connections and his place of residence. On these points he was
+fully informed, and he cheerfully imparted the desired information.
+Edwards, it appeared, had been married recently to a lovely and
+accomplished young lady from one of the outlying towns, and since his
+marriage had been residing with the husband of his sister, a gentleman
+named Samuel Andrews, who resided at 29 Logan Place, in Chicago. Edwards
+also had a brother who was married, and who lived in the city, and the
+location of this gentleman's residence was also cheerfully furnished by
+the merchant.
+
+Upon returning with this information, the operative at once reported to
+my son William, who decided upon an immediate course of action.
+Directing the operative to inquire for tidings of Edwards at both of the
+places named, he indited a telegraphic message to the chief of police at
+Milwaukee and Minneapolis, for the purpose of ascertaining if Edwards
+had been at either place since leaving the city. He described the man
+fully, stated the name of the house which he represented, gave the
+fullest particulars as to his identity, and then requested to be
+informed if he had made his appearance in either of these cities.
+
+To all these messages the answer was received that Edwards had not, as
+yet, arrived, although the chief at Milwaukee stated that he had met a
+friend of Edwards, who informed him that he had received a letter from
+the young man dated four days prior to the robbery, stating that he
+would be in Milwaukee in a few days, and that he would be accompanied by
+his wife. As yet, however, he had not arrived, and nothing further had
+been heard of him.
+
+This was a corroboration of the first suspicion regarding Newton
+Edwards, and was convincing of the fact that he had not done as he had
+informed his friends that he would do. William was convinced, therefore,
+that he was upon the right track, and impatiently awaited the return of
+the operative who had been sent to the residences of Edwards' relatives.
+
+The detective delegated for that purpose proceeded to the locality to
+which he had been directed, where he found a comfortable-looking,
+well-kept brick dwelling-house, and upon a metal plate upon the door, he
+noticed the name he was in search of. Ascending the steps, he rang the
+bell, and shortly afterward was ushered into a handsomely furnished
+parlor, where he was greeted by a pleasant-faced lady, who announced
+herself as the sister of Mr. Newton Edwards.
+
+"Is Mr. Edwards residing with you?" inquired the detective.
+
+"Not now," answered the lady, "he was here until Saturday last, when he
+left, saying that he was going to Milwaukee upon business. I have heard
+however, that he was in town on Sunday last, but that I am not sure of."
+
+"Did his wife go with him?" now asked the operative, hoping to obtain an
+interview with her, if possible.
+
+"No, sir," replied Mrs. Andrews, with an air of sudden coldness and
+reserve, which was not lost upon the watchful man before her. "Mrs.
+Edwards left on the same day, in company with her brother, who has taken
+her to his home; I do not wish to allude to this matter, but I am afraid
+my brother and his wife do not live happily together."
+
+"Have they separated?" asked the detective, in a tone of solicitude.
+
+After a momentary hesitation, the woman replied: "I am inclined to think
+they have. Newton has not been himself lately, and has, I am sorry to
+say, been drinking a great deal. This naturally led to harsh treatment
+of his wife, and I presume she wrote to her brother, and on last
+Saturday he came and took her away."
+
+Finding the lady indisposed to furnish further information, the
+detective took his leave.
+
+At the second place he received much the same information, and
+concluding that he had exhausted this matter, he started to return to
+the agency. At this latter place, however, he had casually inquired for
+the name and residence of Mrs. Edwards' brother, and on learning that,
+had concluded his visit.
+
+Everything thus far had favored a belief that Edwards was concerned in
+this robbery. His leaving home a day or two before the act was
+committed, his quarrel with his wife, his statement made to friends that
+he was going upon a business trip, which it was evident he had not done,
+his strange appearance at Newtonsville and Geneva on the day the robbery
+took place, the fact that his personal appearance agreed perfectly with
+that given of the robber, by eye-witnesses to that event, and his
+mysterious disappearance since, all went to prove beyond question that
+Newton Edwards was the thief, and that decided steps should be taken to
+discover his whereabouts.
+
+Leaving William to devise a plan to accomplish this much-desired result,
+we will return to Geneva, and watch the movements of John Manning and
+Howard Jackson.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+New developments--Tidings of Newton Edwards--Suspicions strengthening
+against Eugene Pearson--Mr. Silby's confidence.
+
+
+In extending their investigations in and around Geneva, operatives
+Manning and Jackson had discovered numerous items of intelligence
+corroborative of their previous suspicions. A salesman, connected with a
+large mercantile house from one of the large cities, furnished the
+information that on Monday, the day on which the robbery occurred, he
+had traveled with Edwards as far as Newtonsville, and as he did not see
+him after leaving that place, he concluded that he must have stopped
+there. He also stated that Edwards appeared to be unusually cold and
+reserved, and that he was accompanied by a companion whom he did not
+introduce to his friends. At Newtonsville it was learned that a man,
+fully answering the description of Edwards' companion, had visited both
+of the livery stables in that town, and had attempted to hire a team of
+horses and a carriage. He had been refused in both instances, for the
+reasons that he was a stranger, and appeared to be under the influence
+of liquor. Several people both in Geneva and Newtonsville were found who
+remembered seeing Edwards, whom they knew--and a companion who was a
+stranger to them--about these towns on the day of the robbery, and they
+described their actions as being very peculiar. They had disappeared
+immediately after that and had not been seen since. If further proofs of
+the complicity of Edwards were required they could have been procured by
+the score, and as all traces of their route from Geneva had been lost,
+William resolved to commence a thorough and systematic process of
+espionage, which he believed would eventually lead to the discovery of
+his hiding-place. He thoroughly canvassed the situation and his
+conclusions were soon found. Newton Edwards had a father and mother--he
+had brothers and sisters; and in addition to these he had a lovely young
+wife, from whom he had parted in anger. It was not possible that he
+could shake himself loose from all these ties of kindred and affection
+at one blow, and it was reasonably sure that sooner or later he would
+attempt to correspond with them in some manner. Again, it might be the
+case that some of his relatives were already aware of his crime, and of
+the fact that he was hiding from the officers of the law, and it could
+not be expected that they would voluntarily give information that would
+lead to his discovery. However grieved and disappointed they might be,
+however angry they must naturally feel, they could not be expected at
+such a time as this to turn his accusers, and aid in his capture.
+
+I have known cases in the course of my professional practice, however,
+when fathers, actuated by what they considered the highest motives, have
+delivered up their sons to the law, and, though the ordeal was an
+exceedingly trying and distressing one, they never faltered for a
+moment in what they considered the performance of their duty. I need not
+say that such evidences of self-sacrifice were painful to me, and that
+my feelings were always deeply touched by the mental sufferings of the
+poor criminals, who in the hour of their sorest need, found themselves
+deserted by the only friends upon whom they believed they could rely in
+an emergency which threatened disgrace and servitude.
+
+While this is true, it is equally certain that I have yet to record a
+single case in which a female relative ever assisted, in any manner,
+toward the apprehension of a criminal. No power seemed able to force
+from her a word that would tend to work him injury, and though her heart
+was breaking, and her love for the lost one had passed away, yet, with a
+persistence worthy of all admiration, she refused to do aught that would
+add to the misery of the fallen one; and, if occasion offered,
+invariably rendered her assistance to secure his escape.
+
+Taking these ideas into consideration, therefore, it would not do to
+rely at all upon any assistance from the relatives of Edwards, and to
+advise them of our suspicions and search, would naturally only tend to
+place both him and them upon their guard.
+
+A slower and more laborious operation was therefore necessary. Fully in
+earnest in his determination to capture these men, and firmly supported
+by the officials of the bank, who were as resolute as he in their
+resolve to apprehend the robbers, William at once put this plan into
+execution.
+
+Operatives were posted to watch the residences of the relatives of
+Edwards in the city, and instructed to carefully note their actions,
+particularly in the matter of receiving or posting of any letters.
+Another operative was despatched to Woodford to note the movements of
+Mrs. Edwards, the wife of the suspected thief, and to endeavor to obtain
+some information that would assist us in the chase. It might be possible
+that this reported quarrel was a mere ruse, to blind the detectives, and
+to throw them off the scent; and it was important that the truthfulness
+of this story should be substantiated. At the same time, William decided
+on no account to lose sight of young Pearson, and directed the
+operatives at Geneva to maintain a strict watch over his movements, and
+by no means to permit him to leave town unaccompanied by some one who
+could note his every action. The young bank clerk, however, gave no
+cause for any new suspicion. He performed his duties at the bank with
+unflagging industry and evinced the greatest desire that the thieves
+might soon be captured. His solicitude for Miss Patton was apparently
+sincere and unceasing, and he frequently reproached himself for not
+having acted in a more manly manner at the time the assault was made. So
+humiliated did he appear at the loss the bank had sustained, and so
+earnest was he in everything that approached a vigorous and determined
+chase after the robbers, that he soon became an object of profound
+sympathy and higher regard to the bank officers and his numerous
+friends in Geneva. After fully considering this matter of young
+Pearson, William deemed it his duty to acquaint Mr. Silby with his
+suspicions. It was due to that gentleman, he argued, that he should be
+thus informed, and then if results should justify the suspicion he would
+be prepared for what would follow, while if the contrary should prove
+true he would have all the more reason for his high estimation of his
+young assistant cashier.
+
+He did not have long to wait before making this revelation, for in a few
+days after he had put his plans into operation and posted his men,
+William received a call from Mr. Silby, who desired to be informed of
+the progress that was being made. After fully detailing to the honest
+old banker all that we had thus far learned, and the steps which had
+been taken to ascertain the whereabouts of Newton Edwards, all of which
+met with his hearty approval, William delicately broached the unpleasant
+subject.
+
+"Mr. Silby," said he, "there is another matter which I desire to speak
+of, and one which I fear may occasion you some pain, or may meet with
+your opposition."
+
+"Let me know what it is, by all means," responded Mr. Silby, with a
+smile. "I am satisfied that what you have to say is for the best
+interests of the bank, and it would be absurd in me to offer opposition
+to that."
+
+"Well," said William, "there have been certain developments made in this
+case which, I regret to say, lead me to believe that Eugene Pearson is
+not entirely blameless in this robbery."
+
+"What do you mean?" exclaimed Mr. Silby, starting to his feet, and with
+a tremor in his voice, which told of inward agitation; "you do not mean
+that you suspect Eugene?"
+
+"I must confess that I do," said William solemnly, "and I regret it
+sincerely, both on your account and his own."
+
+"But this will not do," suddenly interrupted the old gentleman, "this
+cannot be. Why, I have known that boy ever since his childhood, and I
+have loved him as my own son. No, no, Mr. Pinkerton, you must be
+mistaken about this."
+
+"Mr. Silby," said my son, "let us look at this matter calmly and
+dispassionately. You have employed us to ferret out the thieves, and to
+recover, if possible, the money of which you have been robbed. We have
+therefore but one duty to perform, and that is to find the men. I have
+looked into this case carefully; I have noted every point thus far
+attained; I have weighed every item philosophically, and I tell you now,
+that I am convinced that Eugene Pearson knows more about this robbery
+than has yet been revealed."
+
+[Illustration: "I tell you, Mr. Silby, I am convinced that Eugene
+Pearson knows more about this robbery than has yet been revealed."]
+
+William then slowly and concisely detailed the various points upon which
+he founded his suspicions. The fact that Eugene Pearson had been seen in
+intimate conversation with the suspected man, his presence at the bank
+on the afternoon of the robbery, his actions, cowardly at best, when the
+assault was made upon the helpless girl, his peculiar statements since,
+and then the manner of his release by the aid of the ten-cent silver
+piece. Taking a coin from his pocket, he requested Mr. Silby to attempt
+the feat upon the slight lock upon the office door, which he tried, and
+though he labored strenuously, he was unable to move it. He also
+informed him that Manning had attempted the same thing upon the lock of
+the vault door, and that he could not budge a screw. All these facts he
+pointed out to the old gentleman as strong proofs of the young man's
+guilt.
+
+Mr. Silby sat during this recital with a dazed and stricken look upon
+his face, and when William had finished, he sat for a time in speechless
+amazement. Recovering himself at length, he said:
+
+"Mr. Pinkerton, this may all prove to be true; but at present, you must
+excuse me, I cannot believe it--it is too terrible."
+
+True and trustful old man! he could not be brought to believe that one
+so dearly loved and highly trusted could prove so base and undeserving.
+
+"Now, Mr. Silby," said William, "I have only this to ask--I may be
+wrong, or I may be right; but until definite results are achieved, I
+must request you to keep this matter a profound secret, and to keep a
+close watch upon young Pearson without exciting his suspicion; will you
+do this?"
+
+"I will do what you request," responded Mr. Silby; "but believe me, you
+will find that you are mistaken."
+
+"Another thing," continued William. "If at any time I should telegraph
+to you these words--'_Look out for that package_!' please remember that
+'that package' means Pearson, and he must not be allowed to go away."
+
+"All this I will do, because I know you are doing what you think best;
+but I am confident all will be made right for the boy in good time."
+
+"For your sake, Mr. Silby, I hope so, too, but I am not so sanguine of
+that: and we cannot afford to take any risks."
+
+Mr. Silby arose to his feet, and grasping my son's hand, withdrew
+without a word. As he passed out, William looked after him with a
+feeling of compassion he rarely experienced.
+
+"It is a great pity," he murmured to himself, "that so much strong,
+manly faith should be so sadly misplaced, and I fear very much that
+before we are through with this case, Mr. Silby's trust in human nature
+will be badly shattered. But we must do our duty, and the right must
+triumph at last--we must await the result."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+The Detective at Woodford.--An Interview with the Discarded Wife of
+Newton Edwards.
+
+
+It was on a hot sultry morning in August, about ten days after the
+robbery at Geneva, that William Everman arrived at the picturesque
+little city of Woodford. Woodford was the home of the brother of Mrs.
+Newton Edwards, with whom that lady was supposed to have taken refuge
+after her quarrel with her husband. Everman proceeded directly to the
+hotel upon his arrival, and quickly announced himself as a traveling
+salesman from a neighboring city. In a casual conversation with the
+clerk, he ascertained that Edwards and his wife were quite well known in
+the place, and that the clerk was an intimate acquaintance of the lady's
+husband.
+
+"Is Edwards stopping here now?" inquired the detective, in a careless
+manner.
+
+"No!" answered the clerk, as he fondly curled the ends of a very
+delicate and scarcely perceptible mustache. "He hasn't stopped here
+since his marriage; he usually goes to the home of his wife's family
+now."
+
+"Do you know whether he is in town now?"
+
+"I think not, unless he arrived last night," answered the young man.
+"There are several letters here for him, and he would have called for
+them before this. He has his mail always directed here."
+
+"I am sorry for that," said Everman. "I have some instructions for him
+from the house he travels for, and he ought to get them as soon as
+possible."
+
+"Perhaps Mr. Black could tell you where he is. I believe Edwards' wife
+is staying with him, and she certainly could tell you where you could
+address him, or whether he is expected here very soon."
+
+After thanking the clerk for his information and ascertaining the
+business place of Mr. Black, the detective left the hotel, and sauntered
+about the city.
+
+Walking leisurely down the main street, he soon came in sight of the
+place to which he had been directed. It was a small frame building,
+somewhat old and dilapidated, and was sadly in need of the painter's
+brush and a new covering of paint. Over the doorway swung a dingy,
+time-worn and weather-beaten sign, upon which he could barely decipher
+the words: "HENRY BLACK, Locksmith," and over which were
+suspended a pair of massive crossed keys which at one time had been
+bright golden, but which now were old and rusty looking. In the low
+window in front there was a rare and curious collection of articles that
+would have delighted the eyes of an antiquarian. Locks there were, that
+were relics of a by-gone age, and seemed as if they might have done
+service on dungeon doors in some ancient keep in feudal times--strange
+and grotesque locks that had evidently pleased the fancy of some old
+connoisseur, whose treasures were guarded by these strange looking
+protectors, which had now outgrown their usefulness, and were exhibited
+as curiosities in the practical age of to-day. Locks of latest finish
+and design, and locks red and rusty and worn out, were mingled together
+with a confusion and carelessness that bespoke a thriving business,
+which left no time for order or arrangement.
+
+Entering the shop without hesitation and with a careless air of
+assurance, Everman found himself in the presence of the locksmith, who
+was busily employed at his work. Mr. Black was a stout, good-looking,
+middle-aged man, who wore bushy whiskers and a pair of iron-rimmed
+spectacles. On the entrance of the detective he came forward with a
+pleasant smile on his face, as though expecting a profitable customer,
+and greeted the operative.
+
+"Well, sir, what can I do for you to-day?"
+
+"Nothing in the way of business," replied the detective; "I am seeking
+some information which perhaps you can give me."
+
+"Take a seat," said the locksmith, pushing a stool toward the detective,
+and at the same time seating himself upon the counter. "I don't know a
+great deal, but if I can tell you what you want to know I shall be happy
+to do so."
+
+"Thank you," replied Everman, as he produced a couple of fragrant
+cigars, and handed one to Mr. Black. "My name is Everman; I am a
+salesman for a city house, and am a neighbor of your brother-in-law,
+Newton Edwards. I have a message for him from his employer, and want to
+find out where to address him. I understood he had come to Woodford, and
+was informed at the hotel that I would be apt to learn from you whether
+he was in town."
+
+While he was speaking, he watched the countenance of the locksmith
+carefully, and as he mentioned the name of Edwards he noticed that the
+cheerful smile disappeared from his face and was replaced with a heavy
+frown; this remained but a moment, and when Everman finished speaking,
+he promptly and pleasantly replied:
+
+"I cannot tell you, I am sorry to say, where Mr. Edwards is at present,
+for I do not know myself. I only know that he was in Chicago on
+Saturday, a week ago, and at that time he stated that he was going to
+Milwaukee and St. Paul; whether he did so or not I cannot tell you."
+
+"I understood from his employer that he and Mrs. Edwards contemplated
+stopping in Woodford for a few days before he started upon his business
+trip."
+
+In response to this, Mr. Black stated to the detective, after much
+hesitation, but believing he was speaking to a friend, that on the
+Saturday mentioned, he had received a telegram from his sister, who was
+the wife of Newton Edwards, requesting him to come to her at once. He
+immediately responded to this summons, and on going to the house where
+she was stopping, he found her in great distress, and weeping violently.
+From her he then learned that Edwards had come to the house that
+morning in a state of intoxication, and had shamefully abused her. That
+he had ordered her to return to her family, and declared that he would
+never live with her again. Mr. Black had therefore brought his sister
+home with him, and threatened to inflict personal chastisement upon
+Edwards if he ever crossed his path again.
+
+Finding that the story of the separation was a truthful one, at least so
+far as the relatives of Mrs. Edwards were concerned, Everman decided to
+obtain an interview, if possible, with the forsaken wife. Inviting Mr.
+Black to accompany him to the hotel, which was but a short distance from
+the shop, the locksmith took off his leather apron and paper cap, and
+the two strolled away together.
+
+Over their cigars and a cooling draught of very good beer, the
+brother-in-law of the suspected criminal became quite friendly and
+communicative, relating many trifling particulars of Edwards' earlier
+life, which need not be repeated here. Preferring his request, at
+length, Mr. Black cordially invited him to his residence, and giving him
+explicit directions, suggested that he should call that afternoon. To
+this proposition Everman readily assented, and after a short time spent
+in friendly conversation, Mr. Black returned to his shop, and the
+detective wended his way to the locksmith's house.
+
+Arriving at the place designated, he found a pretty little cottage,
+overgrown with climbing vines, while a garden of bright blooming flowers
+rendered the front of the house an attractive spot. Ascending the stoop,
+he rang the bell, and in a few moments a pleasant-faced lady appeared at
+the door. Inquiring if Mrs. Edwards was within, and being informed in
+the affirmative, he was invited to enter the cool and cosy parlor and
+await her appearance.
+
+After a short delay Mrs. Edwards entered the room, and the heart of the
+detective was at once touched at the sad and sorrowful expression which
+she wore. She was young, scarcely more than twenty, and a handsome
+brunette. Her dark hair was brushed in wavy ringlets back from a broad,
+intellectual brow, and the dark eyes were dewy, as if with recent tears.
+Her cheeks were pale, and there were heavy shadows under the eyes, which
+told of sorrow and a heart ill at ease. Another thing the detective
+noticed, with a feeling of compassion, for he was himself a man of
+family, the lady was about to become a mother. How strange and
+unreasonable it seemed, that a young man of Edwards' position in
+society, with a lovely and loving wife, with business prospects of the
+most excellent character, could sacrifice all upon the altar of a base
+and ignoble ambition to be suddenly rich. That he could at one fell blow
+cast away the ties of kindred, the love of a devoted wife, the blissful
+anticipation of becoming a happy and proud father, and in an evil hour
+yield to a temptation which eventually would place the brand of the
+felon upon his brow, would cause him to be shunned and despised by his
+former friends and associates, clothe him in the garb of the convict,
+and, if justice were meted out to him, would make him an inmate of a
+prison. These thoughts flitted through the mind of the detective as he
+gazed upon the pale sad features of the suffering wife, and for a moment
+he regretted the profession which he had adopted. It is a common error,
+I fear, to imagine that a detective is devoid of those finer feelings
+which animate humanity, and to credit him with only the hard, stern and
+uncompromising ideas of duty which only appear upon the surface. This is
+a grave mistake, and does gross injustice to many noble men and women,
+who, in my own experience, have developed some of the most delicate and
+noble traits of which human nature is capable. It is true, their duty is
+hard and unyielding, its imperative requirements must be rigidly
+observed; but many a criminal to-day has urgent reasons to be thankful
+to the man who was instrumental in bringing him to account for the
+crimes he had committed. Many a convict's wife and children are the
+recipients of kindly actions from the very men whose duty it was to
+deprive them, by a legal process, of a husband and father. This may seem
+strange and incredible, but from my own experience I can testify to its
+absolute truthfulness. With the capture of the criminal the detective's
+duty ceases, and all the sympathetic promptings of his nature have full
+play. He has performed his duty to the state, to the law and to society,
+and that done, his knowledge of the sufferings which crime have caused
+leads him to acts of kindness and of practical assistance. To-day, I
+have some of the warmest and most grateful friends among the families of
+the men whom I was compelled to bring to justice, and in many cases the
+criminals themselves have acknowledged my actions, and have been better
+men in consequence. But this is a digression, and we will return to our
+narrative.
+
+Rising to his feet, the detective politely acknowledged the salutation
+of Mrs. Edwards, and in as few words as possible he stated his errand.
+With painful embarrassment of manner, Mrs. Edwards informed him that
+she could not tell him anything about her husband's movements, as,
+contrary to his usual custom, he had not informed her of the route he
+intended to take when he left home. Not a word or a hint was given of
+the trouble that was preying upon her heart, of the harsh, unfeeling
+treatment to which she had been subjected, or of the brutal order,
+expulsion and separation. The dignity of the noble little woman
+sustained her grandly, and no confession of her wrongs escaped her lips.
+She then informed the detective that she expected to hear from him every
+day, and that she believed he was now traveling through Wisconsin.
+
+That she was entirely unaware, at present at least, of her husband's
+whereabouts, the operative was firmly convinced; and she appeared to be
+equally uninformed of the suspicions that were entertained regarding
+him.
+
+After a few moments spent in friendly converse, the detective arose to
+take his leave; and after being invited to renew his visit, he departed
+from the house.
+
+"By George!" murmured Everman to himself, as he made his way back to the
+hotel; "that little woman is a wife to be proud of. That she knows
+nothing at present I am fully convinced, but I am also certain that if
+she learns of the crime her husband has committed, she would sacrifice
+her life rather than aid us in his discovery. What a strange, unequal
+world this is!--bad men linked with angelic wives; and vicious and
+unprincipled women yoked with men who are the very soul of honor. Well,
+well, I cannot set things right. I have only my duty to perform, and
+moralizing is very unprofitable."
+
+So pondering he returned to the hotel and resolving to call upon the
+chief of police in the afternoon, he went into the spacious dining-room
+and ordered his dinner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+A Fire and a Talkative Fireman--Mrs. Edwards Receives a Letter.
+
+
+After dinner operative Everman called upon the chief of police, and
+acquainting him fully with the nature of his business in the city, he
+enlisted his services in our behalf. Men were detailed to watch the
+arriving and departing trains, in order to discover if Edwards either
+paid a visit to Woodford or attempted to leave the place. This step was
+taken as a mere precaution, for the detective as yet felt confident that
+Mrs. Edwards was entirely ignorant of the movements of her husband or of
+the crime which he was suspected of committing. This was continued
+without result for three days, but on the afternoon of the fourth, the
+chief sought Everman at the hotel and informed him that he had
+important news to communicate.
+
+"What is it?" inquired Everman, when they were alone.
+
+"Well," said the chief, "it is just this. Last night, one of my men
+informs me, Mrs. Edwards received a letter from her husband, and to-day
+she appears to be in great trouble and distress of mind. There can be no
+doubt that she has been informed of his crime, and also that she now
+knows his present whereabouts."
+
+"She will never tell any one where that is, unless I am very much
+mistaken in her," interrupted Everman, "and we must look elsewhere for
+the information we desire."
+
+"Just my opinion exactly," replied the chief; "and I have thought of a
+way in which we might get what we want."
+
+"Let me hear what it is," said Everman.
+
+"It is just this--Mrs. Black has an intimate friend and confidante, to
+whom she tells everything she knows, and there is no doubt that she
+will soon, if she has not already done so, inform this lady of the
+letter received yesterday. Well, so far, so good. Now, this lady has a
+husband to whom she tells all she hears, and so he is apt to be as well
+informed in a short time. This man is Tom Nelson by name, a carpenter by
+trade, and a jovial, easy, good-natured fellow by nature. This man you
+must work up, and if you touch him correctly, you will find out all he
+knows."
+
+"Very good," replied Everman confidently; "now point out Tom Nelson to
+me and leave me to work the rest."
+
+At this moment an alarm of fire was sounded, and in a few minutes the
+street in front of the hotel was alive with people hurrying to the scene
+of the conflagration. Men and boys were running at the top of their
+speed, and shouting at the top of their voices; women were gazing from
+doors and windows, and the merry jingle of the bells of the fire-engines
+were soon heard, as the brave fire laddies were rushing to the rescue of
+the burning building.
+
+"The very thing!" ejaculated the chief. "I must go to the fire, and do
+you come along with me. Tom Nelson is one of the most active firemen of
+the city, and I will point him out to you. After that you must work your
+own way, for if I was to approach him upon the subject, he would become
+suspicious at once."
+
+So saying the chief hurried out of the hotel, closely followed by the
+detective. Turning a corner they saw, not a great distance off, the
+flames leaping from the windows and roof of a large frame structure,
+which was blazing and crackling like a huge pile of kindling prepared
+for the torch. Already the department was upon the ground, and when the
+chief and the detective reached the scene, several streams of water,
+shimmering like ropes of silver, were pouring into the burning building.
+With a noble self-sacrifice and a disregard for their own safety which
+was truly admirable, the brave fire laddies battled with the flames, and
+exerted themselves to the utmost to prevent the fire from reaching the
+adjoining buildings. At last, yielding to the almost superhuman efforts
+of the firemen, the fire was extinguished, leaving only the bare and
+blackened walls standing as monuments of the destruction that had been
+wrought. Foremost among the brave fellows who were performing their
+self-appointed and herculean duty was a man about thirty-five years of
+age, stout and muscular in form, and with a good-humored, honest face,
+that would attract your friendly regard at a glance. He was the most
+active and energetic man upon the ground, and it could be seen at once,
+that his whole heart was in the work in which he was then so earnestly
+engaged.
+
+"That's your man," said the chief, pointing toward him, "and now you can
+commence upon him as soon as you please."
+
+"All right," answered Everman; "I will see what I can do."
+
+The firemen had by this time, gathered up their hose and were preparing
+to return to their various houses, and Thomas Nelson, after assisting in
+this labor until it was completed, left his companions, and proceeded
+along the sidewalk in the direction of the hotel. Everman walked on
+slowly behind him, and seeing him enter the building, he followed
+closely after him. Nelson proceeded to the bar-room and had just tossed
+off a cooling glass of beer, when the operative made his appearance.
+
+"You seem to be thirsty after your hard work this morning," said the
+detective, in a laughing tone.
+
+"It was pretty hot work, and no mistake," replied Nelson; "and we were
+mighty lucky in saving the adjoining houses. I was afraid once they
+would certainly go."
+
+"Fill up your glass again," said Everman; and Nelson graciously
+acquiesced. "Yes," continued the operative, "you boys did excellent
+work, and you deserve great credit for it. I suppose your fire
+department here is composed entirely of volunteers?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Nelson, quite pleased with the encomiums which his
+pet hobby received; "and a better organized fire department is not to
+be found anywhere."
+
+"Well," said the detective, as he raised his glass, "here's to the
+health of your fire laddies; may you never miss a run, and always have
+as good luck as you did to-day."
+
+"Good," said the delighted fireman; "I don't know your name, but you're
+a good fellow, and I am glad to hear you speak so favorably of us."
+
+"My name is Everman," answered the detective frankly. "I only arrived in
+Woodford yesterday, and expected to meet a friend whose family resides
+here; but I regret to say I have been disappointed."
+
+"May I ask who you were waiting to meet?"
+
+This was the very question the detective most desired to be asked, and
+he answered at once.
+
+"Yes. I expected to meet Newton Edwards here, and I have some letters
+for him from his employer, which he ought to receive."
+
+At the mention of the name, Nelson started in astonishment, and then
+gave vent to a long, low whistle.
+
+"I am afraid you won't find him here," he said at last.
+
+"Afraid, Mr. Nelson! Why, what's the matter?" quickly inquired the
+detective.
+
+"Well, sir, I am afraid your friend has turned rascal, and has run
+away."
+
+"What do you mean?" sharply asked Everman. "Surely, you have no
+reference to my friend, Newton Edwards?"
+
+"Yes, I mean him exactly. He is a damned thief, that's what he is; and
+he has broken his wife's heart!"
+
+This was enough for Everman; and in a short time he had learned all that
+the honest carpenter could tell him. On the evening before, it appeared,
+Mrs. Edwards had received a letter from her husband, the contents of
+which had made her frantic with grief, and to-day she was unable to
+leave her bed. In this letter he had informed her that he had been
+connected with the robbery of the bank at Geneva, and that he had
+succeeded in eluding all pursuit, and was now hiding in some obscure
+place in the state of New York.
+
+"This is all I know about it," added Nelson, "and I suppose I ought not
+to tell this; but when a man turns out a damned rogue like that, honest
+people cannot afford to shield or uphold him in his rascality."
+
+"That's my opinion, exactly," rejoined the detective, "and I am sorry,
+indeed, for Edwards' wife, although I am free to confess that I have no
+further sympathy for him."
+
+"I ought not to have told you this," said Nelson, with some compunctions
+of conscience at his garrulity. "And if my wife was to hear that I had
+done so, she would take my head off."
+
+"Well, she won't hear of it from me, I can assure you, and I am too much
+disappointed in my friend to speak of it unnecessarily to any one."
+
+Their conversation was continued a few minutes longer, and then Nelson,
+promising to see my operative again, took his leave.
+
+Here was a revelation, which amounted to a direct confirmation of our
+suspicion regarding Edwards, and was convincing testimony of the fact
+that he was hiding from the officers of the law. The information about
+his location, while indefinite, was a surety of the fact that he had not
+gone west, according to his previous arrangement, and that he must be
+looked for in the state of New York.
+
+One thing, however, was necessary to be done at once, and that was to
+keep a sharp lookout for any letter which might be mailed by Mrs.
+Edwards or any member of her family. There was no doubt that this lady
+would sooner or later attempt to write to her husband, and that too
+within a few days. It was therefore of the utmost importance that a
+close watch should be kept upon all the movements of the members of Mr.
+Black's household, and then to endeavor to get at the address of any
+letters which they might attempt to mail.
+
+Everman immediately sent his report of what he had learned to me, and
+then sought the chief of police in order to enlist his further aid in
+such efforts as were now necessary to be taken.
+
+When the chief had listened somewhat incredulously to what Everman had
+been enabled to learn in the few minutes' conversation which he enjoyed
+with Tom Nelson, he was overwhelmed with surprise at the rapid success
+he had met with, and he readily proffered all the assistance in his
+power.
+
+Everman resolved to see Nelson again, and endeavor to induce him to
+ascertain the exact locality in which Edwards was hiding. The carpenter
+could not recollect it at the first interview, and was not sure that he
+had heard it, but Everman concluded to try to jog his memory upon that
+point still further. He did not have to seek an opportunity for meeting
+his man, for that evening he received another call from Nelson, who had
+evidently taken a great fancy to my affable operative. During the
+conversation that followed, Everman was informed by his new-found
+friend, that as well as he could recollect the name of the place from
+which Edwards' letter was posted began with a "_Mac_," and that was all
+that could be elicited from him.
+
+Everman gave as his reasons for desiring to learn this fact, that he
+wanted to write to him himself, and convey the letters which had been
+intrusted to him.
+
+After spending some time in the vain endeavor to refresh the carpenter's
+memory, they at length parted for the night.
+
+"Remember, Mr. Everman," said Nelson, as he left the hotel, "if I can
+find out for you what you want, I will surely do so; but for heaven's
+sake don't let my wife know it, or I will be scalped alive."
+
+The detective laughingly promised to beware of the sanguinary Mrs.
+Nelson, and the carpenter went his way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A Plan to Intercept Correspondence--Edwards Fully Identified--A pretty
+Servant Girl and a Visit to Church.
+
+
+While these events were transpiring at Woodford, William had not been
+idle in the city. A constant watch had been maintained upon the several
+premises occupied by the relatives of Newton Edwards, in the hope of
+detecting some attempt upon their part to communicate with the suspected
+thief. This at all times is rather a difficult object to achieve, but we
+have frequently been obliged to resort to this mode of acquiring
+information from lack of definite knowledge on which to base intelligent
+action. In order that one of the many of these expedients may be fully
+understood, a few words in detail may not be out of place. As is well
+known, the mail of an individual is so sacredly guarded by the laws of
+the country which govern the postal service, that an attempt to
+interfere with the letters of another is regarded as a felony and
+punished with severity. Of course, therefore, no efforts of ours would
+be directed to the obtaining or opening of any letters which might be
+mailed to the suspected individual. Our object was simply to obtain the
+addresses upon the envelopes, if possible, and then to search out the
+parties to whom they had been consigned. In this instance our manner of
+proceeding was quite simple, but it required that it should be managed
+with great care and without exciting the suspicion of any one. For this
+purpose each of the operatives, detailed for this duty, was provided
+with a number of envelopes of a peculiar size and color, and all
+addressed to fictitious persons. Our plan was, that if any one of
+Edward's relatives deposited a letter in any of the street boxes, the
+operative should be on hand and be prepared to drop his letter into the
+box immediately on the top of it. Another operative was then to await
+the visit of the postman on his round for collection, when he would
+step up to him and making a pretense of a mistake in the address of a
+letter which he had mailed, would from its position be enabled to obtain
+a glimpse of the suspected letters below, and their addresses.
+
+This watch was maintained unceasingly for several days without result,
+and it appeared either that the family were unaware of Edwards'
+hiding-place, or else that they were fearful of being watched, and
+avoided communicating with him on that account.
+
+In the meantime, William received another visit from Mr. Silby, the
+president of the despoiled bank, who stated very reluctantly, that he
+and Mr. Welton, the cashier, during the absence of Eugene Pearson from
+the bank, had attempted the feat of loosening the screws upon the lock
+of the vault, and had been unable to do so. They had exerted their
+strength to the utmost, and the screws had sturdily resisted their
+efforts. He was therefore compelled to admit that thus far the
+suspicions against young Pearson appeared to be well founded, and that
+the screws had evidently been loosened before the prisoners were
+confined in the vault, in order to allow them to escape, should the
+atmosphere prove too oppressive for their safety. Mr. Silby also stated,
+that he had obtained an interview with a Mr. Crampton, the president of
+the bank at Independence, where it was learned that the parents of
+Newton Edwards resided, and that without divulging any of our plans
+regarding that young man, he had acquired considerable information
+concerning him. It was learned that Edwards had for some time been
+regarded as a very fast young man, and several episodes were related of
+him, in which he had figured in no very enviable light.
+
+His parents were elderly people of eminent respectability, and were much
+distressed at the actions of their son, from whom they had expected so
+much. He had begun life with bright prospects, had entered into business
+with his own capital, but had failed after a short career, owing to his
+extravagant habits and his inattention to business. After this he had
+traveled for several firms, and while it was believed he received a
+large salary, there were many who shook their heads at the stories of
+his dissipation which reached their ears from time to time.
+
+This was information which was of some value, and opened up the way to
+accomplish an object which William had long desired. He therefore
+requested Mr. Silby to introduce John Manning to Mr. Crampton, and
+directed Manning to accompany that gentleman to Independence, and by
+their joint efforts endeavor to obtain a photograph of Edwards. This was
+attended to at once, and in a few days, through the assistance of the
+sheriff at Independence, we were enabled to secure an admirable likeness
+of the absconding burglar, although the same had been taken nearly two
+years prior to this. A number of copies of this photograph were at once
+printed, and they were furnished to the various operatives who were at
+work upon the case. Hitherto we had been compelled to rely upon the
+rather unsatisfactory method of identifying him by description only, and
+in many cases, except where persons are trained to the work of
+accurately describing individuals whom they meet, there is danger of not
+being able to identify any one who has no very prominent distinguishing
+marks about him.
+
+The first use to which this photograph was put was to exhibit it to Miss
+Patton, the young lady who had been assaulted in the bank, and she
+instantly recognized it as the picture of one of the men who had
+committed the robbery, and the one who had attacked Eugene Pearson,
+while the other intruder was engaged in the attempt to gag and bind her.
+This was very important, and no further efforts were now needed to
+establish the identity of Newton Edwards, or to connect him with the
+robbery as an active participant.
+
+After several days of unproductive watchfulness at the city residences
+of Edwards' relatives, it became apparent that something more decisive
+would have to be attempted. From the reports of the operatives who had
+been detailed upon this part of the investigation, it seemed evident
+that the inmates had become suspicious of the fact that their movements
+were being made the subject of espionage, and it was resolved to adapt
+another system of operation, and endeavor to have one of my men enter
+the family, and by some means establish a friendly footing with its
+members. By this means he would be enabled, while unsuspected, to learn
+of the movements of the people whom he was watching.
+
+I did not have far to seek for a man who would fully answer the purpose
+I had in view, and one who would succeed if success were possible. I had
+tried him in several operations where this kind of work was necessary,
+and he had invariably accomplished what had been delegated to him to
+perform. I therefore called Harry Vinton into my office, and stated to
+him the nature of the mission upon which he was to be sent. He was a
+handsome, jolly, quick-witted and intelligent young fellow, who had been
+with me for a long time. Entering my employment as an office boy, and
+evincing a decided task and talent for the profession of a detective, he
+had continued in my service, until at this time he was quite an adept in
+his particular line, and many a successful operation had been largely
+due to his intelligent efforts, while far removed from the directing eye
+of myself or my superintending assistants. His manners were frank and
+easy, and among the ladies he was a general favorite, therefore, I
+concluded to intrust him with the task of obtaining admission into the
+residence of the sister of Edwards, on Logan Place.
+
+Our operatives had reported that at this house there was employed, in
+the capacity of domestic, a young and handsome girl, whose conduct as
+far as could be judged was exemplary in the highest degree, and
+informing Vinton of this fact, William inquired if he thought he could
+manage it successfully.
+
+A merry twinkle shone in Vinton's eyes for a moment and then he
+answered:
+
+"I think I can, sir; and I am willing to make the attempt."
+
+"Very well," replied William, laughing. "Only look out for yourself. I
+hear she is a very charming young girl, and you may find yourself in
+earnest before you are aware of it."
+
+"Perhaps I may," said Vinton, "and perhaps I might not do better than
+that if I tried."
+
+"All right," said William; "I will not burden you with instructions at
+present, and you will proceed according to your own judgment, only
+remember what we want to discover, and succeed if you can."
+
+With these words Vinton took his departure.
+
+A few days passed uneventfully by and no report came from Vinton. He was
+evidently looking over the ground, and as undue haste would avail
+nothing in a matter of this kind William forbore to push him.
+
+Vinton, however, had not been idle, and his inquiries had developed the
+fact that the young servant of Mrs. Andrews was a regular attendant at
+church on Sunday afternoon, when she was allowed her liberty from her
+domestic duties.
+
+The following Sunday, therefore, found him wending his way toward the
+church. The day was bright and balmy, and the streets were thronged with
+pedestrians all bedecked in their Sunday attire, and apparently enjoying
+to the full their day of rest.
+
+Vinton reached the church, a magnificent structure, with its many spires
+glistening in the rays of the sun, and its chime of bells which were
+ringing out their harmonious cadences upon the air. He had been
+fortunate to find among his acquaintances a young man who also attended
+this church, and in his company he repaired to the sacred edifice, and
+joined in the services of the hour. When the last hymn had been sung and
+the congregation had been dismissed, Vinton and his companion hurried
+out to the sidewalk, where they could observe all who came out.
+
+Soon the doors were filled with little groups of men and women, all
+exchanging friendly greetings, and indulging in pleasant gossip before
+seeking their homes, and to the intense delight of Vinton, he noticed
+among a company of young ladies, the face and form of Mary Crilly, the
+pretty servant of the sister of Newton Edwards.
+
+Finding his gaze riveted upon this group, his companion lightly pulled
+him by the arm, exclaiming:
+
+"What's the matter, Vinton. Has Mary Crilly captivated your senses?"
+
+"I don't know who you allude to, but there is one of the prettiest girls
+I have seen for a long time."
+
+"I know who _you_ mean, though," said his companion laughingly, "and she
+is one of the nicest girls I know. Although she is simply a servant, she
+is both pretty, intelligent and industrious."
+
+"Do you know her?" asked Vinton, both delighted and surprised.
+
+"Certainly I do," answered his companion; "her name is Mary Crilly, and
+she is living with a family on Logan Place."
+
+"Can't you introduce me?" inquired Vinton anxiously.
+
+"Yes, if you want me to; that's my sister she is talking to now, they
+are fast friends, and Mary will probably spend the evening at our house.
+Come along, and perhaps you will lose your heart."
+
+The apples had certainly fallen right into his lap, and fortune had
+favored him this time, if never before.
+
+Stepping up with his friend, Vinton was soon made acquainted with the
+pretty young domestic, and in a short time afterward was walking by her
+side in the direction of his friend's house, where Mary was to spend the
+afternoon and evening.
+
+Strange as it may appear, young Vinton, when not on duty, associated
+freely with his companions, not one of whom suspected the business in
+which he was engaged. They only knew that he was employed in an office
+"down town," and that frequently he was required to be absent from the
+city for weeks. In a large city, however, there is not the same
+inclination to inquire about the private affairs of one's neighbors, and
+hence he had been able, for prudential reasons, to avoid announcing his
+real occupation, and was not compelled to make a social hermit of
+himself because of his profession.
+
+Being pressed to remain at the house of his friend, Vinton cordially
+accepted the situation, and devoted himself to the fair Miss Crilly so
+assiduously that he soon was in high favor with that young lady. After
+an enjoyable afternoon, he had the pleasure of escorting Miss Crilly to
+her home, and when he left her at her door, he was gratified to receive
+an invitation to call again, which he joyfully accepted, and resolved to
+take advantage of at an early date.
+
+Thus far we had been successful; we had obtained a photograph of
+Edwards, which had been promptly recognized. We had learned from his
+wife that he was hiding in the state of New York; and we had reliable
+men carefully posted in such a manner that in a very short time definite
+information must assuredly be obtained.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Waiting and Watching--Two Letters--Newton Edwards' Hiding-Place
+Discovered.
+
+
+Harry Vinton continued his attentions to the fair young domestic, and in
+a few days he invited her to accompany him to the theater. Edwards'
+sister, Mrs. Andrews, was present when this invitation was extended, and
+having formed a very favorable opinion of my good-looking operative, she
+at once consented, and Mary blushingly signified her inclination to
+accept his escort. His deportment toward Mrs. Andrews was most
+deferential and polite, and in a very short time he had quite won her
+kindly regard. This, of course, was precisely what he was most desirous
+of accomplishing, and he improved every opportunity that offered to
+ingratiate himself into the good opinion of Mary's mistress. So
+agreeably and gentlemanly did he conduct himself that ere a week had
+elapsed he was quite graciously received, not only by the pretty young
+servant girl, but by the members of the family as well. Mrs. Andrews,
+who appeared to be a kind-hearted lady, although seemingly oppressed
+with some trouble, which was not made apparent, was deeply interested in
+Mary's welfare, and had taken especial pains to cultivate Vinton's
+acquaintance. This was done evidently with the view of satisfying
+herself as to the sincerity of his intentions toward the girl, and to
+advise with her in the event of her discovering that he was an unworthy
+suitor for her hand.
+
+Vinton lost no opportunity to advance his friendly footing in the
+family, and frequently offered his services to Mrs. Andrews in the way
+of performing trifling commissions for her, which he could execute while
+on his way to and from his daily labor.
+
+From Mary, Vinton learned that the family were in much distress
+regarding a brother of Mrs. Andrews, but what it was she could not tell.
+
+He also learned that this brother (who was none other than Newton
+Edwards), and his wife had resided with the family for some time, but
+that Mrs. Andrews was very unfriendly to the young woman, and scarcely
+treated her with the respect which was due to her brother's wife. The
+young lady was very unhappy, Mary said, and several times she had seen
+her weeping bitterly in her room. Thus matters continued until on one
+Saturday morning, but a short time previous to this, the brother came
+home intoxicated, and abused his wife in a dreadful manner, and after
+ordering her to return to her family, had left the house, and had not
+been seen since.
+
+"What has become of the young lady?" inquired Vinton, after he had
+expressed his sympathy for her unfortunate condition.
+
+"Oh, her brother came for her that very afternoon, and after expressing
+his mind pretty freely to Mrs. Andrews, he took her to his home,
+somewhere away from the city."
+
+"Did her husband go away, too?" asked Vinton.
+
+"Yes, he went about the same time, and has not been here since."
+
+"Do the people in the house know where he is?" inquired Vinton.
+
+"I don't think they do," answered the girl, "and they are very much
+worried about him. There was a letter came from some one the other day,
+and ever since that time Mrs. Andrews has been in great trouble. She
+does not tell me anything about it, but I think it is about her
+brother."
+
+"That's very strange, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, and what is more so," answered the girl, "for several days past
+there have been several men about the neighborhood who are strangers,
+and Mrs. Andrews is very much frightened about it. She is afraid to go
+out of the house, and seems almost afraid to move."
+
+"Does she think they have anything to do with her?" asked Vinton,
+surprisedly.
+
+"Oh, I don't know about that; but it is a very unusual thing to have
+strange men loitering about our neighborhood, and she feels very nervous
+about it."
+
+Vinton expressed his profound sympathy for the unfortunate family, and
+without hinting any suspicion that anything of a criminal nature had
+occurred, he parted from the young lady and returned to his home.
+
+A few evenings after this, Vinton again called upon Mary Crilly, and
+while he was conversing with her, Mrs. Andrews came into the room.
+
+"Mr. Vinton," said she, "before you go, I want to give you a couple of
+letters to post for me, if it is not too much trouble."
+
+"Certainly not," he replied, "anything I can do for you, Mrs. Andrews,
+will be cheerfully done by me, I assure you."
+
+"Thanks," said the lady, "I will have them ready before you leave, and
+would like to have them posted this evening."
+
+"I will attend to it, madam," said Vinton respectfully.
+
+After passing a pleasant hour with Mary, Mrs. Andrews returned, and
+handed Vinton two letters which he placed in his pocket without looking
+at the addresses, a proceeding which he noticed gave Mrs. Andrews some
+degree of pleasure. After a few moments' further talk he took his leave,
+and hastened to the agency. Here he was fortunate enough to find my son
+William, and he immediately produced the two letters and laid them upon
+the desk.
+
+"I don't know whether there is anything in these or not," said he, "but
+I thought I had better let you see them."
+
+William took up the two envelopes, and looked at their addresses. With a
+start of surprise, he read the superscriptions. One of them was
+addressed to "William Amos, McDonald, New York," and the other to
+"Newton Edwards, Denver, Colorado, care Windsor Hotel."
+
+Here was a dilemma! Could it be possible that Newton Edwards, knowing
+that the detectives were upon his track, would continue to use his own
+proper name, and have letters addressed to him in that open manner? This
+was certainly a most foolhardy thing for a sensible man to do, who was
+seeking to evade the officers of justice. Was it not more reasonable to
+think that Mrs. Andrews, taking alarm at the possibility of the actions
+of herself and family being watched, and being fully aware of the crime
+her brother had committed, would be advised to direct her letter to him
+under an assumed name?
+
+A glance at the inside of these neat little envelopes would have
+satisfied all doubts upon the question, but with a delicate regard for
+the privacy of individual correspondence, William would not have opened
+them for any consideration.
+
+"This is very clever," said he; "but I am afraid Mrs. Andrews is not
+quite sharp enough for us this time. However, we will sleep upon the
+matter, and see what will turn up by to-morrow."
+
+The next morning all doubts were set at rest. Mr. Warner, my son William
+and myself, were seated in my office discussing this question. We were
+unanimous in our opinion that the letter addressed to Newton Edwards was
+a decoy; and with Everman's information before us, that Edwards was
+hiding somewhere in New York state, which began with a "Mac," all of us
+were convinced that the second letter alone was deserving of serious
+attention.
+
+While we were thus debating the question, the mail brought us a report
+from William Everman at Woodford, that settled all doubts. Mrs. Edwards,
+he stated, had been seen to mail a letter that evening, and after a
+serious effort, Everman had obtained a glance at the address. It was as
+follows:
+
+     William Amos,
+         McDonald,
+             New York.
+
+"That settles it!" said I; "send at once to McDonald, and my word for
+it, Edwards will be found."
+
+Whether I prophesied true or not, will soon be seen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+The Burglar Tracked to His Lair--The Old Stage Driver--A Fishing
+Party--A Long Wait--A Sorrowful Surprise--The Arrest of Newton Edwards.
+
+
+Our plans were soon completed for a visit to the place indicated by the
+address upon the two letters. In the meantime, however, I had telegraphed
+to the police officials at Denver, and learned from them that no such
+person as Newton Edwards had been about that place, or was known there at
+all. They also promised that if any one called for a letter addressed to
+that name they would arrest him at once and inform us immediately.
+
+McDonald, I soon learned, was a little village in the central part of
+New York, remotely situated, and with no railroad or telegraph
+facilities of any kind. An excellent hiding-place for a fugitive
+certainly, particularly, as I suspected, if he had relatives residing
+there. Far away from the swift and powerful messengers of steam and
+electricity, he might safely repose in quiet seclusion until the
+excitement had died away and pursuit was abandoned. Such places as these
+afford a secure harbor for the stranded wrecks of humanity, and many a
+fleeing criminal has passed years of his life in quiet localities, where
+he was removed from the toil and bustle, and the prying eyes of the
+officers of the law in the more populous cities and towns.
+
+Two men were selected for this journey, and their preparations were soon
+made. That evening they were flying over the ground in the direction of
+the little hamlet, where they were hopeful of finding the man they were
+seeking.
+
+As an additional precaution, and fearing that Edwards might not remain
+in McDonald for any length of time, I telegraphed to my son, Robert A.
+Pinkerton, at New York city, to also repair, as soon as possible, to
+that place, and if Edwards was there to arrest him at once, and await
+the arrival of my operatives from Chicago.
+
+Immediately upon the receipt of this message, Robert left New York city
+by the earliest train, and without event, arrived at the station nearest
+to the village of McDonald, which he learned was about twelve miles
+distant. Here he was obliged to take a stage coach, and after a long,
+hot and fatiguing journey of several hours, he arrived about nightfall
+at the sleepy little village, which was his point of destination. By
+making inquiries of the stage-driver in a careless manner, and without
+exciting any suspicion, he learned that there was a constable at that
+place, and on arriving, he immediately sought out this important
+official. From him Robert learned that there was a strange young man
+stopping with an old farmer about two miles out of the village, who had
+been there several days, and who was represented as a nephew to the old
+gentleman. Upon showing him the photograph of Edwards, he recognized it
+at once, and signified his readiness to render any service in the
+matter which might be required of him. After disclosing as much as he
+deemed advisable to the constable, whose name was Daniel Bascom, Robert
+gladly accepted his hospitality for the night, and feeling very tired
+and weary after his hard journey, he retired to rest, and slept the
+sleep of the just, until he was awakened in the morning by his
+hospitable entertainer. Springing from his bed, and looking out at his
+window, he saw that the sun was just peeping over the hills in the east,
+and throwing its first faint rays over the beautiful landscape that was
+spread before him, lighting up hill and dale with the roseate but
+subdued splendor of its morning beams.
+
+After partaking of a hearty breakfast, Robert and the village constable
+matured their plans of operation. As a well-dressed city young gentleman
+might occasion some curiosity in the village, and as young Edwards might
+take alarm at the unexpected appearance of a stranger in that retired
+locality, it was decided to make some change in Robert's apparel. The
+constable therefore very kindly offered him a suit of his clothing,
+which as the two men were nearly of the same size, and the articles
+slightly worn, answered the purpose admirably, and in a few moments
+Robert was transformed into a good-looking countryman, who was enjoying
+a short holiday after the labors of harvesting, which were now over.
+
+In company with Mr. Bascom, the constable, Robert sauntered into the
+village. It was a beautiful morning; the air was delightfully fresh and
+cool, and the rays of the sun danced and glistened upon the dew-drops
+which sparkled upon every tree and flower. The feathered songsters
+filled the air with their sweet melodies, and nature with all its
+gladsome beauty was spread before him. Such a feeling of rest and
+thorough enjoyment came over him, that it was with an effort, he was
+able to shake off the pleasures of the hour, and bring himself to the
+disagreeable business in hand. After a short walk they approached the
+general store of the little village, which was the lounging-place of
+all the farmers for miles around. When they arrived they found a motley
+gathering assembled to witness the great event of the day in this town,
+the departure of the stage-coach, and Robert was speedily introduced as
+a relative of Mr. Bascom, who had came to McDonald to spend a few days.
+
+The mail coach was an important institution in McDonald, and was
+regarded as the great medium of communication between that place and the
+great world outside. Every morning at precisely the same hour the coach
+departed, and every evening with the same regard for punctuality the old
+time-worn vehicle rolled up before the platform in front of the store,
+to the intense delight and admiration of the assembled crowd.
+
+For nearly forty years had this identical old coach performed this
+journey, and the same old driver had drawn the reins and cracked his
+whip over the flanks--I was about to say, of the same old horses. This,
+however, could not have been so, although the sleepy-looking, antiquated
+animals that were now attached to the lumbering old yellow coach,
+looked as if they might have done duty for fully that length of time.
+
+Two young men were already seated in the stage, and their luggage was
+securely stowed away in the boot. The postmaster--the village
+storekeeper filled that responsible position--was busily engaged in
+making up the mail, and old Jerry, the fat good-natured old driver, was
+laughing and joking with the by-standers, as he awaited the hour for
+departure. As Robert stepped upon the platform he bestowed a hasty,
+though searching glance at the two men in the coach, and to his relief
+found that neither of them was the man he wanted, and he quietly stepped
+back and watched the proceedings that were going on around him.
+
+The postmaster appeared at last, mail-sack in hand, which he consigned
+to Jerry's care, and that burly individual clambered up to his place as
+gracefully as his big body and exceedingly short legs would permit.
+Seating himself upon his box, he gathered up his reins and shouted a
+good-natured farewell to the crowd. A quick and vigorous application of
+the whip awakened the dozing horses so suddenly that they started up
+with a spasmodic jerk which nearly threw the old fellow from his perch.
+By a desperate effort, however, he maintained his seat, but his
+broad-brimmed hat went flying from his bald head and rolled to the
+ground, scattering in its fall his snuff-box, spectacles and a monstrous
+red bandanna handkerchief. This little episode called forth a peal of
+laughter from the by-standers, in which the old man heartily joined.
+
+"Stick to 'em, Jerry!" cried one, "too much oats makes them animals
+frisky," while another hastened to pick up the several articles and
+restore them to their owner.
+
+Jerry wiped the great drops of perspiration from his bald, shining pate,
+as he replied:
+
+"Them hosses are a leetle too high fed, I'll admit, but I'll take some
+of the vinegar out of 'em afore night, or my name ain't Jerry Hobson."
+
+Everything being now in readiness, he again spoke to his steeds, and
+this time without mishap, the lumbering old vehicle rattled away on its
+journey. The little crowd gradually dispersed and soon left Robert and
+the constable alone with the store-keeper.
+
+"I didn't see old Ben Ratcliffe around this morning," said Mr. Bascom to
+John Todd, the store-keeper.
+
+"No," answered that individual; "he was here last evening, and said if
+the weather was fine he was going with his nephew over to the lake,
+fishing."
+
+"That accounts for it, then," said the constable; "I don't think he has
+ever missed a day for ten years before."
+
+"No, I don't think he has; but that young Mr. Amos, who is stopping here
+with him, is very fond of fishing, and the old man promised to take him
+over to Pine Lake this morning, so 'Uncle Ben' missed the mail for
+once."
+
+After a short conversation with the store-keeper upon general matters,
+the two men took their leave. It seemed very evident that as yet there
+was no suspicion on the part of Edwards, as to the discovery of his
+hiding-place, and here in fancied safety, surrounded by nature in all
+its beauty, with affectionate relatives, the young burglar was enjoying
+himself as heartily as though no cares were oppressing him, and no
+thought of detection ever troubled his mind.
+
+The uncle of young Edwards, it was learned, was a general favorite about
+the country. A good-natured, honest old farmer, who had lived there from
+boyhood, and was known to all the farmers and their families for miles
+around. Even in his old age, for he was long past sixty now, he
+cherished his old love for gunning and fishing, and held his own right
+manfully among those who were many years his junior.
+
+It was decided, as a matter of precaution, that they should call at the
+house of Uncle Ben, in order to ascertain whether he and his nephew had
+really gone fishing, and to that end the constable harnessed up his
+horses, and in a few minutes they were on their way to the old
+farm-house, which stood at the end of a long shady lane leading off from
+the main road.
+
+[Illustration: The Robbery of the Geneva Bank.]
+
+Driving up to the gate, the constable alighted and approached the house,
+while Robert remained seated in the buggy. In a few moments he returned,
+and stated that Mrs. Ratcliffe, the good farmer's wife, had informed him
+that her husband and nephew had gone off before daylight to a lake about
+five miles distant, and they would not return until late in the evening.
+
+It was deemed advisable not to attempt to follow them, as their
+appearance at the lake might give the young man alarm, and as they were
+not sure of any particular place to find them, they concluded to quietly
+await their return. They accordingly drove back to the village, and
+Robert returned to the constable's house to dinner. In the afternoon the
+two operatives whom I had sent from Chicago arrived, having been driven
+over by private conveyance. Without publicly acknowledging them, Robert
+gave them to understand that he would meet them at the house of the
+constable, and upon repairing thither they were duly informed of what
+had taken place, and instructed as to the plans proposed for that
+evening.
+
+Nothing of any note transpired during the afternoon, and after sundown
+the party started out upon their errand. Night soon came on, throwing
+its sable mantle over the earth, the sounds of the busy day were hushed,
+and all the world seemed wrapped in the tranquil stillness of a summer
+night. The stars, in countless numbers, were twinkling and sparkling in
+the blue heavens above, while the new moon, like a silver crescent, shed
+its soft light upon a scene of rare beauty and quiet loveliness.
+
+Arriving within a short distance of the old farmer's house, the horses
+and buggy were secreted in a little grove of trees that skirted the main
+road, and the men stationed themselves in convenient hiding-places along
+the lane, to await the return of the farmer and his nephew. From the
+appearance of the farm-house, it was evident that the fishing-party had
+not yet returned, and they settled themselves down to a patient, silent
+waiting, which, as the hours wore on, grew painfully tedious and
+tiresome. At last, long past midnight, and after they had begun to
+despair of accomplishing the object of their visit, they heard a faint
+noise, as though footsteps were approaching.
+
+"Hist!" cried Robert, "some one is coming."
+
+They listened intently, and gradually the noises grew louder and more
+distinct. As they came nearer the constable distinctly recognized the
+voice of the old farmer, who was evidently relating some humorous story
+to his companion, who was laughing heartily. The merry tones of this
+young man's laugh were as clear and ringing as though he had not a care
+in the world, and had not committed a crime against the laws of the
+state. No one, to have heard that hearty, melodious burst of merriment,
+would have supposed for an instant that it came from the lips of a
+fugitive from justice.
+
+They were now nearly opposite to the crouching figures by the roadside.
+The old farmer had evidently reached the climax of his story, for both
+of them broke out again into a fresh burst of violent laughter that
+awoke the echoes round about them.
+
+The laugh suddenly died away, the merriment ceased abruptly, as a dark
+form emerged from the roadside, and the muzzle of a revolver was placed
+close to the cheek of the young man, while Robert called out menacingly:
+
+"Newton Edwards, I want you!"
+
+With an exclamation of pain, the young man dropped his fishing-pole and
+the bucket of fish he was carrying, while a chill ran through his frame,
+and he shivered like an aspen in the grasp of the determined detective.
+
+The others had now come forward, and as soon as he could recover from
+his astonishment, the old farmer cried out:
+
+"What does this mean?"
+
+"It means," said Robert coolly, "that we have arrested your nephew for
+burglary, and that he must go with us."
+
+[Illustration: "Newton Edwards, I want you!"]
+
+The moon just then came peeping from behind a cloud, and fell upon the
+haggard face and wild eyes of the hapless prisoner, who until then had
+not uttered a word.
+
+"It is all a mistake, Uncle Ben," faltered he; "but there is no use of
+making a denial here; if the blow has fallen, I must meet it like a
+man."
+
+The old man, with tears in his honest old eyes, gazed for a moment at
+his miserable relative, and then, putting his sturdy old arms around
+him, he turned to the officers:
+
+"Gentlemen, I suppose it is your duty. I have no fault to find. If the
+boy has done wrong, he must suffer; but bring him to the house now, and
+in the morning you can go your way."
+
+His offer was accepted, and directing the constable to return to his own
+home with his carriage, the others walked slowly up the lane toward the
+house.
+
+But few words were spoken during the night. The old farmer and his wife
+retired to their room, and during the few hours that remained, their
+voices could be heard as they sorrowfully discussed the painful
+situation.
+
+Securing Edwards' effects, which consisted of a small portmanteau, they
+learned from the honest old farmer, whose word was as true as gold, that
+nothing else belonging to the young man was in the house. All attempts
+to induce the young man to speak were unavailing, and they finally let
+him alone, and during the long hours he maintained a dogged silence. The
+detectives patiently awaited the dawning of the morn. At last the
+eastern sky was tinged with red, and the faint beams of a new day came
+streaming in through the windows of the old-farm house; and then
+Edwards, after bidding a tearful adieu to his aged and stricken
+relatives, and accompanied by the officers, left the house and proceeded
+on his way to McDonald, to commence his journey to Chicago.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Newton Edwards brought back to Chicago--Attempt to Induce a
+Confession--A Visit to his Relatives--The Burglar Broken Down.
+
+
+It was in the gray dawn of the morning when the party arrived at the
+house of the constable, Daniel Bascom. Here breakfast was prepared, and
+after full justice had been done to a bountiful repast, an examination
+of the effects of Newton Edwards was commenced. Ever since his arrest
+the young man had maintained a rigid silence, not deigning to notice the
+detectives in any manner whatever. He partook of his breakfast in a
+dazed, dreamy fashion, scarcely eating anything, and pushing back his
+plate as though unable to force himself to partake of food. In his
+satchel was discovered a roll of bank-bills, which on being counted was
+found to contain a trifle over three thousand five hundred dollars.
+
+Edwards gazed at this money with a greedy, frightened look, like a wild
+beast at bay, but did not utter a word, as Robert placed it in a large
+envelope and secured it about his person.
+
+"Will you be kind enough to inform me," said Robert, when this was
+completed, "how you come to have so much money about you?"
+
+After a moment's hesitation, Edwards replied, doggedly:
+
+"Yes, sir, I will. It is the proceeds of the sale of some property that
+I owned in the west."
+
+"Very well," replied Robert, finding it useless, at present, to attempt
+to induce him to tell the truth. "You will have ample opportunity to
+satisfy a court and jury upon that point in a very short time."
+
+Nothing farther was said to him until the time arrived for departing,
+and then the party, with their prisoner, walked into the village in
+order to take the stage for the railroad station at Birmingham.
+
+Before leaving Mr. Bascom's, however, Robert handsomely remunerated the
+energetic constable for his valuable assistance, and after thanking him
+warmly for his active and cordial aid in our behalf, requested his
+company to the village.
+
+As they approached the store, where the stage-coach was in waiting, they
+found an unusual crowd awaiting their appearance. The news of the
+robbery and arrest had by some means become known, and the eager faces
+of nearly three score of curiosity-seekers greeted them upon their
+arrival.
+
+Old Jerry himself seemed to be impressed with an idea of additional
+importance, as though he was about to be called upon to perform a noble
+service of great responsibility to his country, in assisting to convey
+such a distinguished company in his old coach. The farmers gathered in
+little groups about the platform, and conversed in low tones, as they
+furtively regarded with sentiments almost approaching a respectful awe,
+the unwonted presence of the detectives and their charge. There was an
+utter absence of the boisterous hilarity which had been manifested on
+the preceding morning, and one might have thought that they had
+assembled for the purpose of officiating at a funeral, so thoroughly
+subdued and solemn did they all appear.
+
+The journey to the railway station was made in due time, and without
+accident, and the party were speeding on their way to Chicago. Robert
+forbore to press the young man any further, and let him severely alone
+during the entire day. During the night they all retired to their
+sleeping berths, Edwards being securely handcuffed to one of my men, and
+occupying the same berth with him.
+
+In the morning, Robert noticed a slight change in the demeanor of
+Edwards, and thought he detected a disposition to converse. He did not
+encourage him, however, preferring by all means that the advances should
+be made by the young man himself. Nor did he have long to wait. They
+procured their breakfast in the dining car, and after the meal was
+concluded, Robert, without uttering a word, handed Edwards a cigar,
+which he very gratefully accepted. After sitting quietly smoking for a
+few moments, he turned to Robert and asked: "Mr. Pinkerton, how did you
+discover that I was in McDonald?"
+
+"In the same manner in which we have discovered many other things in
+connection with this robbery," replied Robert. "I may say, however, that
+the man we came for was William R. Amos; do you know anything about such
+a person?"
+
+As Robert spoke he gazed scrutinizingly at the face before him, and
+Edwards winced perceptibly under his glance.
+
+"I can explain that all right," he at length replied, with considerable
+embarrassment. "I got into some trouble at home with a young lady, and
+thought it best to leave town for a short time."
+
+"Edwards," said Robert sternly, "falsehood and impudence will not help
+you in this case, and I wish to hear no more. I have only to say that we
+have evidence enough against you to insure a conviction, and your only
+hope lies in making your sentence as light as possible."
+
+"How so?" he asked.
+
+"By telling all you know about this matter. One of your accomplices, we
+have got dead to rights, and if you won't tell perhaps he will."
+
+"Who have you got?" inquired Edwards, anxiously.
+
+"That I cannot tell you now; our business is with you for the present. I
+want you to consider this matter carefully. You are a young man yet, and
+though you have thrown away golden opportunities in the past, you have
+yet an opportunity to reform your ways, and by assisting the officers of
+justice in recovering the money which you and your companions have
+stolen, and in arresting the rest of your associates, you may receive
+the clemency of the court, and perhaps benefit yourself materially."
+
+Edwards was silent for a long time after this, and it was evident that
+he was seriously considering the matter. The words of the detective had
+made an impression upon him, but with the craftiness of an old offender,
+he was debating a plan by which he might turn his admissions into
+account for himself. At length he turned to Robert and asked:
+
+"Will I be able to escape if I tell what I know?"
+
+"I cannot promise that. But you are aware that the giving of information
+which leads to the capture of your associates and the recovery of the
+balance of this money, will work to your advantage very decidedly in the
+mind of the judge."
+
+"Very well," said Edwards, with a dogged sullenness, "your advice is
+very good, but I have no confession to make."
+
+"Take your own course," said Robert, carelessly. "My advice was for your
+own good, and as you don't seem willing to accept it, I have nothing
+more to say."
+
+Although he had not accomplished very much as yet, Robert was still
+hopeful of inducing Edwards to unburden himself; but he resolved to
+attempt nothing further with him until they arrived in Chicago, where he
+could be managed more successfully by those who were more fully
+conversant with the facts in the case. He well knew that we already
+possessed testimony amply sufficient to convict Edwards of participating
+in the robbery, but what we most desired was to obtain information
+concerning his partners in the deed. However, he decided to allow him
+ample time for reflection and said no more to him upon the subject until
+they reached Chicago, when he was at once conducted to the agency.
+
+A consultation was immediately held in order to devise the best means to
+be pursued to induce Edwards to reveal who his partners really were.
+William at once resolved upon a plan which he was hopeful would lead to
+good and immediate results. Calling a carriage, he directed the driver
+to take him to the residence of Edwards' sister, Mrs. Andrews, on Logan
+Place. On arriving at the house, he found that lady and her daughter at
+home, and he was immediately ushered into the parlor by the pretty
+servant, Mary Crilly. Without unnecessary preliminary, William informed
+the lady that we had succeeded in arresting Edwards for the robbery of
+the Geneva Bank, and that he was now in custody. He also stated that
+from information which he had obtained, he was led to believe that his
+family were perfectly aware of his actions in this matter, if indeed
+they had not aided him in accomplishing it.
+
+At this point both mother and daughter burst into tears and sobbingly
+denied any knowledge of Edwards' crime until after he had committed it,
+and then they could not act as his accusers. Mrs. Andrews finally urged
+him to visit Edwards' brother, who resided on Freeman street, and hinted
+that he could tell something about the matter, although she asserted he
+took no part in it, and knew nothing about it until it had been
+completed.
+
+Taking it for granted that they had told him all they knew about the
+robbery, William next hurried to the place of business of Edwards'
+brother, whom he was fortunate enough to find in his office, and
+disengaged. He at once stated who he was, and what he wanted to know.
+Mr. Edwards was at first disposed to deny all knowledge of the matter,
+but on William's informing him of his brother's arrest, and hinting that
+he had made a partial confession, he changed his mind and became quite
+communicative.
+
+The brother then stated that for years he had been troubled with
+Newton's bad habits and extravagances, although he had never known him
+to commit a crime until the robbery of the bank at Geneva. He remembered
+hearing his brother boast once when he was intoxicated, that he could
+get plenty of money without work; but as Newton gambled a great deal, he
+imagined that he had alluded to that means of obtaining his money.
+
+"Well," said William abruptly, "I want to know what you know about this
+robbery."
+
+"I will tell you all I know," answered Mr. Edwards. "Some three or four
+weeks before I heard of this robbery, Newton was at my house, and was
+intoxicated. He boasted in his maudlin way that he had an opportunity to
+rob a bank, and that the cashier was a party to the affair; but I
+attributed all this to the wild utterances of a drunken man, and paid no
+further attention to it. On the Saturday night before the robbery took
+place, however, he came to my house during my absence, and had a
+companion with him, for whom he made a bed upon my parlor floor. In the
+morning they went away, and I have not seen him since. My wife informed
+me afterward that Newton, who was drunk at the time, had told her that
+the man with him was the one that was to help him to rob the bank, and
+that she had then ordered both of them out of the house. I did not at
+any time know where the bank was located, nor did I ever seriously
+entertain the idea of his attempting anything of the kind; but when I
+heard of the robbery of the Geneva bank, I at once suspected my brother,
+and although humiliated deeply at the thought, I could not take any step
+that would tend to bring disgrace and ruin upon my own family."
+
+Without entering into the question of family honor, William inquired:
+
+"Do you know the man who was with him at your house, and who was to
+assist in this robbery?"
+
+"No," answered Mr. Edwards. "I never heard his name, and all that I ever
+knew of him was that he came from Denver, Colorado."
+
+"Can you describe him?" asked William.
+
+"Yes, I think I can," said Mr. Edwards, and he then gave a description
+of the man, which agreed perfectly with that of Edwards' companion on
+the day of the robbery.
+
+Having now obtained all the information that was possible to be gained
+from this source, William returned to the agency, and entered the room
+where Edwards was confined. He found the young man sitting with his
+face buried in his hands and evidently in sore distress.
+
+"Mr. Edwards," said William in his quick, imperious manner, "I have just
+had an interview with your brother and sister, who have told me all they
+know about this matter. You will readily see what little hope there is
+left for you if you persist in keeping from us the information which we
+desire. Whether you confess or not will make but little difference to us
+now, as sooner or later your associates will be caught, and your refusal
+to help us will only make it the harder for you. If you don't confess,
+Eugene Pearson will."
+
+As William uttered this last sentence Edwards started to his feet, and
+exclaimed:
+
+"My God, you know more than I thought! I will tell what I know."
+
+At last we had succeeded in breaking him down, and there was a gleam of
+satisfaction in William's eyes as he requested the presence of Mr.
+Warner and my son Robert, while the story was being told.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+The Confession of Newton Edwards--The foul Plot fully Explained--Eugene
+Pearson's Guilt clearly Proven--A Story of Temptation and Crime.
+
+
+The confession of Newton Edwards revealed a history of undiscovered
+crime that had been carried on for years. Beginning at first in wild and
+extravagant conduct, which consumed the liberal salary which he
+received, and then led to the incurring of debts which became pressing
+and impossible of payment by legitimate means; then followed a thirst
+for gambling, in which large returns were promised for small
+investments, and failing in this, came the temptation to crime and his
+consequent ruin.
+
+How certain it is, that once the downward step is taken, the rest
+follows swiftly and inevitably, and ruin and disgrace tread swiftly and
+surely upon the heels of folly and crime. Newton Edwards began life
+under the brightest aspects. Of respectable parentage, he had enjoyed
+the benefits of a liberal education, and his first essay in business had
+been both fortunate and profitable. Beloved by his family, and admired
+by a numerous circle of friends, he deliberately gave himself up to a
+life of excess and dissipation, and the end was soon to be a dark and
+gloomy prison.
+
+I will, however, leave him to tell his own story, and the moral of it is
+so plain that he who runs may read. We were all seated around the fallen
+young man awaiting his recital, and after a few moments of hesitation
+and embarrassment he began:
+
+"I will tell you all there is to relate, and in order that you may fully
+understand my present situation, I will commence with the first
+temptations, which finally led to the commission of this crime."
+
+"Yes," said William, encouragingly, "tell us all."
+
+"The robbery of the Geneva bank was planned more than six months ago,"
+continued Edwards, "but its real origin dates back more than a year. At
+that time I was traveling for a large house in the city, and was
+receiving a liberal salary. I had a large trade, and my employers were
+very generous with me. I cannot tell you how I drifted into habits of
+dissipation, but it was not very long before I found it a very easy
+matter to dispose of my salary almost as soon as received, and was
+forced to borrow money of my friends to enable me to maintain myself at
+all. From that I was tempted to gamble, and being fortunate at the
+outset, I soon found, as I imagined, an easy way to make money without
+serious labor; but I speedily discovered that my first success was
+doomed to be of short life, and I began to lose more money than I had
+ever won. It was after one of my losing experiences at the gaming-table,
+and when I was hard pressed for money to meet my immediate wants, that I
+visited Geneva, for the purpose of selling goods to some of my
+customers in that place. At that time I made the acquaintance of a young
+man by the name of Horace Johnson, who was a practicing dentist of that
+town. Like myself, he was a wild and reckless fellow, given to
+dissipation and drink, and who, like myself, had been able to conceal
+the fact from his family and their friends. Johnson's prevailing vice
+was an uncontrollable passion for gambling, and he had been addicted to
+this practice for a long time. I afterward understood that he had
+acquired this habit while attending a dental college in St. Louis, where
+he had become quite an expert in the handling of cards, and was well
+posted in the tricks so frequently resorted to by gamblers to fleece
+their unsuspecting victims. When he returned from college and
+established his business in his native town, he became the leader of a
+set of fast young men, and his office was the nightly resort of his
+associates, where they played and gambled frequently, until the morning
+hours drove them to their homes.
+
+"As I have said, I met Johnson at this time, and on my succeeding visit
+I was introduced by him to Eugene Pearson, the assistant cashier of the
+bank. That evening we spent together at Johnson's office in drinking and
+card-playing. Johnson stated that there was an excellent opportunity to
+make money offered, if we were disposed to accept it. I asked him what
+it was, and he stated that there were quite a number of well-to-do
+merchants in the town who were in the habit of meeting in a room which
+they had furnished for the purpose, and where they played cards for
+small amounts and for amusement.
+
+"Johnson stated that we could readily make their acquaintance, and once
+introduced into their games, it would be an easy matter to induce them
+to play heavily, and then, from his knowledge of gamblers' tricks, we
+could win their money in spite of them. We all agreed to this, although
+Pearson declined to become an active player, because of his position in
+the bank.
+
+"On the next visit I made to Geneva, I remained over Sunday, and being
+taken to the club, we managed to win several hundred dollars before
+morning. This continued for some time, and always with the same success,
+and as a consequence I became more reckless in my expenditure of money
+than ever before, because I knew of a sure plan to replenish my pockets,
+when they were empty. Shortly after this, I received a letter from
+Johnson requesting me to come to Geneva as soon as possible, as he and
+Pearson had devised another scheme to raise money and wanted my
+assistance. Being hard pressed at that time, I responded as soon as I
+could, and in a few days found myself in Geneva, where I was heartily
+welcomed by both Johnson and Pearson. After supper we met in Johnson's
+office as usual, and then the plan was made known to me. At first I was
+startled by the daring proposition, which was nothing more or less than
+to rob Pearson's bank by means of forged checks. The checks, which had
+been already prepared by Pearson, were exhibited to me, and I was
+surprised at the cleverness of the forgery. It looked easy and safe, and
+I consented. The person selected as the victim was a rich farmer by the
+name of Henery Sharpless, whose accounts were only settled about twice a
+year, and consequently detection was not likely to follow very soon.
+After carefully comparing the forged checks with an old one that was
+genuine, I no longer hesitated and signified my readiness to try the
+experiment.
+
+"On the following day, therefore, I went to Johnson's office, and there
+put on a hickory shirt, a pair of coarse boots and pantaloons, and in a
+few minutes I was transformed into a veritable countryman. Johnson
+colored my face and hands with some preparation which made me appear
+like a tanned and sunburnt farmer, and thus equipped, I started for the
+bank. I was provided with two checks for three hundred dollars each, one
+of which was to be presented to the Geneva bank, when, if I experienced
+no trouble, I was to present the other at the Union National Bank, where
+also Mr. Sharpless kept an account. I had no difficulty whatever in
+obtaining the money, and after dividing it among the other two, I left
+town on the first train. I received two hundred dollars for my share,
+and the forgeries were not discovered until a long time had elapsed, and
+when it was almost impossible to obtain any information concerning them.
+To this day I don't believe that any of the officers of the two banks
+have the slightest idea as to how the thing was done. Soon after this
+forgery, Johnson left Geneva and located at St. Louis, where he still
+resides. Emboldened by the success of this first venture, Eugene
+Pearson, who was really the master-spirit in these later efforts, boldly
+proposed to rob the bank in which he was engaged, but this was something
+too audacious to be considered for a moment. At length, by dint of
+repeated suggestions, Johnson and myself began to give some
+consideration to the matter, and upon Pearson's assuring us of the
+perfect ease with which the robbery might be accomplished, we at last
+began to discuss various plans by which the bank might be robbed.
+Several ideas and propositions were discussed, but either through fear
+or some other consideration, they all fell through.
+
+"At last we decided upon the plan which was finally carried out. Johnson
+and myself were to come to Geneva disguised as much as possible, and
+after the business of the day was over, and the other officers had gone
+home, Pearson was to give us the signal that the coast was clear. We
+were then to enter the bank, the doors of which would be left open, and
+after securing the young lady and Pearson, we were to rob the vault and
+place them within it. In order that they might not suffer from their
+confinement, Pearson was to start the screws in the lock, so that there
+would be no difficulty in opening the vault, after giving us time to
+make good our escape. It was understood that there was about twenty
+thousand dollars in the vault, in gold, silver and notes, and Pearson
+was to take his share out in advance and hide it, so that no danger
+should be incurred in the attempt to divide it afterward. As the time
+approached for carrying this plan into effect, Johnson began to show
+signs of weakening, and finally declined to have anything to do with it,
+although he promised to make no disclosures regarding our movements, and
+to keep our secret inviolate. After Johnson's backing out we did not
+know what to do, and were just about abandoning the whole thing, when I
+came across an old traveling friend of mine in Chicago, who had been on
+a protracted spree, and who was without money and friends, in a strange
+city, and who came to me to borrow enough to get him home to Denver. The
+idea at once occurred to me to induce him to join us and in this I was
+successful, for he was in a desperate state, and anything that promised
+to furnish him with money would have been greedily accepted at that
+time. Even after this, however, I don't believe that either of us would
+have had the courage to carry out the scheme, if we had not continued
+our drinking, and I don't believe I was sober a single moment until
+after we had accomplished our object and the robbery was committed. How
+it was done, you all know, and it is not necessary for me to detail the
+particulars of an event which will overcast my whole life."
+
+As he ceased speaking, Edwards buried his face in his hands, and wept
+aloud.
+
+"Who was this man whom you procured to help you?" inquired William.
+
+Edwards hesitated for some time, as though he was loth to divulge the
+name of his companion, but finally he said:
+
+"His name is Thomas Duncan, and he was in the clothing business, in
+Denver, Colorado."
+
+"Now tell us how much money you took from the bank, and how it was
+divided?" asked Mr. Warner.
+
+"There is something about that that I cannot understand," replied
+Edwards. "From what Pearson told me, there must have been more than
+twenty thousand dollars in the vault, twelve thousand of which was in
+gold. The agreement was that Duncan, Pearson and myself were to have six
+thousand dollars apiece, and the balance was to be paid to Johnson for
+his silence. Pearson took his share out on the Saturday before the
+robbery, and when Duncan and I came to divide the money, we found that
+we were five thousand dollars short. There is only one solution I have
+to give for this, and that is that Pearson did not act fair with us, and
+took five thousand dollars in gold more than he was to have done."
+
+"Where did you and Duncan separate after the robbery?" asked William.
+
+"At Clinton, Iowa," was the reply. "Duncan went on toward Des Moines,
+while I made my way east, where I remained until you found me."
+
+Upon being questioned further, Edwards stated that when he met Duncan,
+he had a room in the lower part of the city, with a very respectable
+lady, who rented furnished apartments, and that when he left the city,
+having no money, he left his trunk and baggage in his room until he
+could settle for his rent.
+
+This was all that could be gained from Edwards at this time, and it
+must be confessed was most important. Pearson's guilt was fully proven,
+and we had a strong clew as to the identity of the third man in the
+robbery. It is true that he had more than a month the start of us, but
+we did not despair of finding him at last. In the meantime, much was to
+be speedily done. Edwards must be conveyed to Geneva at once, Johnson
+must be arrested at St. Louis, and we must pay our respects to Eugene
+Pearson as soon as possible. We must also start immediately upon the
+track of Thomas Duncan, and endeavor to trace him to his hiding-place.
+Everything was therefore made ready for the departure of Edwards, who
+was consigned to the care of two trusty operatives until evening, when
+they would take him to Geneva; and William forwarded a telegraphic
+message to Mr. Silby, at Geneva, to this effect:
+
+     "WATCH THAT PACKAGE."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Edwards Taken to Geneva--The Arrest of Eugene Pearson--His
+Confession--More Money Recovered--Dr. Johnson Arrested.
+
+
+As may be imagined, our detective labors were now but fairly commenced.
+We had, it is true, succeeded in capturing one of the active
+participants in the robbery, and in securing nearly four thousand
+dollars of the money that had been taken. We had also obtained
+information which would enable us to arrest two more of the parties who
+were connected with the affair, and perhaps secure an additional sum of
+money. The information which Edwards had given, however, was of vast
+importance to us, and enabled us to pursue our further search with a
+more intelligent knowledge of the parties interested, and with a more
+reasonable hope of eventual success.
+
+Our suspicions regarding Eugene Pearson had been fully sustained, and
+while it was a source of regret to us that we would thus prove beyond
+question the deep guilt of a trusted and respected employé of the bank,
+and would be compelled to shatter the false foundations of an honorable
+name, our duty in the premises was clear. Indeed, I have no hesitation
+in asserting that of all the parties connected with this burglary I had
+far less regard or sympathy with this deceitful and base-minded young
+scamp than for any of the others. If Edwards' story was reliable, Eugene
+Pearson was the arch conspirator of the entire affair, and no possible
+excuse could be offered for his dastardly conduct. His position in the
+bank was a lucrative one, and his standing in society of the highest.
+His family connections were of the most honorable character, while the
+affection of his employers for him, would certainly have appealed to his
+sense of honor, if he possessed any, so strongly that guilt ought to
+have been impossible. For Eugene Pearson there was no consideration of
+regard in my mind. He had deliberately, and without the slightest cause,
+violated the most sacred pledges of affection and duty, and had proven
+recreant to trusts, the very nature of which should have prevented a
+thought of wrong-doing. He was not dissipated. He did not drink to
+excess, and his part in the gambling operations of his friends had
+always resulted profitably to himself. He was a regular attendant at
+church, conducted himself in the face of all men as one incapable of
+wrong, and against whom no taint of suspicion could possibly attach. A
+veritable "wolf in sheep's clothing" was this dishonest man, and as such
+I felt that he richly deserved the fate that was so soon to overtake
+him. The day of his hypocrisy and dishonesty was soon to set, to be
+followed by a long night of ignominy and disgrace which is the
+inevitable result of such a course of crime as he had been guilty of. I
+cannot find words to express the detestation in which I regarded this
+smooth-faced liar and thief, who had outraged all the finer attributes
+of manhood, and, like the ungrateful dog, had bitten the hand that fed
+him.
+
+Before taking Edwards to Geneva, it was necessary to make some
+investigations with regard to Thomas Duncan, who as yet had completely
+eluded our search, and whose correct identity had until this time, been
+entirely unknown to us. William resolved, therefore, to improve the time
+remaining until evening, in making an investigation of the premises
+previously occupied by Duncan while he was in the city.
+
+Having obtained the exact location of this house, William and Robert
+repaired thither at once. They found it, as represented, a quiet,
+respectable house, and located in a neighborhood of unexceptionable
+reputation. Upon being admitted, they requested to see the lady of the
+house, who was a quiet, modest-looking widow lady of about fifty years
+of age. William introduced his brother as a Mr. Staunton, lately of
+Boston, who was desirous of obtaining a pleasant room in that locality,
+and who could furnish undoubted references as to respectability and
+promptness. They were shown several unoccupied rooms, and finally
+entered the one which had probably been occupied by Edwards' companion
+in the robbery, for here were two trunks packed and strapped, and
+apparently ready to be taken away.
+
+"This room," said the lady, as the two gentlemen noticed the trunks,
+"has been occupied by a gentleman who has left the city. These are his
+trunks, and he has ordered them to be sent to him."
+
+William had already approached near enough to notice that the lettering
+upon the trunks was "T. J. Duncan, Des Moines, Iowa," and he was
+convinced that thus far Edwards' revelations had been correct.
+
+"I once knew a man by that name," remarked William, carelessly. "He
+traveled in the west for a clothing firm in Philadelphia."
+
+"Oh!" said the lady, "this gentleman, I think, was in the same
+business, and perhaps he may be the one you knew?"
+
+"I would not be at all surprised," replied William. "Where is Mr. Duncan
+now, do you know?"
+
+"No," answered the lady, "nothing further than that he has ordered his
+baggage sent to Des Moines, Iowa."
+
+Finding that thus far Edwards had spoken truthfully, and that no further
+information could be elicited from this source, Robert promised to call
+again, and the two men withdrew.
+
+At the next corner they found two operatives, who had been directed to
+await their appearance, and William, after describing Duncan's trunks to
+them, ordered them to keep a sharp lookout for their removal, and to
+endeavor to follow them to their destination.
+
+This done, they returned to the agency and completed their arrangements
+for taking Edwards to Geneva that evening. Operative Everman, who had
+returned from Woodford, was directed to proceed at once to St. Louis,
+and effect the arrest of Dr. Johnson, the dentist, on a charge of
+forgery, and to convey him to Geneva as soon as possible.
+
+It may be stated in passing, that until the confession of Edwards was
+made, I had no knowledge whatever of the forged checks which he
+mentioned, and the bank had made no efforts to discover the perpetrators
+of that fraud, which had now so unexpectedly been brought to light.
+
+We had been very careful to keep the fact of Edwards' arrest a profound
+secret, and as yet, the officers of the bank and the peaceful community
+at Geneva were in entire ignorance of what had taken place. William had
+telegraphed to Mr. Silby, stating that he would be in Geneva that night,
+and requesting him to meet him at the train. About midnight, therefore,
+when they arrived with their charge, there was no excitement or bustle
+about the place, and even the wakeful and observant railroad men were
+unsuspicious of the arrival of one of the robbers. A carriage was
+procured and the party were rapidly driven to the city hall, where, to
+the surprise of the officials, Edwards was placed in confinement,
+charged with being a participant in the robbery of the Geneva bank.
+Fearing that the information would leak out before morning, and that
+Eugene Pearson would take fright and endeavor to dispose of his share of
+the proceeds, it was deemed advisable to go at once to his residence and
+arrest him.
+
+This was done as speedily and quietly as possible, and before the young
+man was aware of the danger he was in, he was our prisoner. I will not
+attempt to depict the grief and anger of the family of this unfortunate
+young man when the object of our visit was made known; but their
+resentment of our action was just what might have been expected from
+people who believed implicitly in the innocence of their child, and
+regarded any attempt to deprive him of his liberty as an unpardonable
+outrage.
+
+As respectfully, but as firmly as possible William stated his
+determination to arrest the young man, and informed them that every
+opportunity would be afforded him to defend himself, and to remove the
+stain upon his character when the proper time arrived.
+
+Eugene Pearson, the culprit, was the least disturbed of the party. His
+coolness was imperturbable. He flatly denied all knowledge of the
+robbery, and in the strongest terms, assured his weeping and
+grief-stricken relatives of his innocence.
+
+The arrest, however, was quietly accomplished, and Pearson was soon
+confined beneath the same roof which sheltered his associate in crime,
+Newton Edwards.
+
+Early the next morning the town was alive with people and the greatest
+excitement prevailed. The news of Eugene Pearson's arrest had spread far
+and wide, and a universal sentiment of indignation pervaded the whole
+community. Angry men gathered at the corners of the street, and threats
+of vengeance against the officers of my agency were loudly uttered. A
+lawless outrage had been committed by us, and the righteous indignation
+of an injured community refused to be appeased. The hotel where my men
+were stopping was besieged by the angry citizens, and our actions were
+denounced in the most belligerent manner. Eugene Pearson, in their
+opinion, was above suspicion; he was their ideal of a moral young man,
+his father was respected everywhere, and the base and unwarranted
+invasion of their home by my officers was an indignity which they were
+resolved they would not allow to pass unpunished. As the morning
+advanced the excitement increased, and several of the boldest of the
+angry citizens approached William, and in no complimentary terms
+expressed their contempt, not only for him individually, but for the
+methods which had been used to ferret out and apprehend men who were
+innocent of any wrong.
+
+Under ordinary circumstances William would have resented these insults,
+and that too in a manner that would have convinced them that he was
+fully able to defend himself; but realizing the importance of coolness
+and discretion at this critical juncture, he preserved his good humor,
+and securing their attention for a few moments, he requested them not to
+be too hasty in their actions. If Eugene Pearson was innocent, he
+stated, no serious harm had been done the young man; and if he was
+guilty, as he could prove in a short time, they would deeply regret the
+course they were now threatening to pursue.
+
+[Illustration: William requested them not to be too hasty in their
+actions.]
+
+In the meantime he had not been idle in his attempts upon the stoical
+firmness of Eugene Pearson himself, and at length the young burglar was
+broken completely down; he confessed his guilt, and promised to conduct
+the officers to the spot where he had hidden his share of the booty. In
+company therefore with two of the officers, he repaired to the barn in
+the rear of his father's house, and buried in the ground in the yard,
+they found a sack of coin amounting to the sum of six thousand dollars.
+
+[Illustration: Here they found a sack of coin amounting to the sum of
+six thousand dollars.]
+
+So far, so good. We had now captured two of the robbers, and had secured
+nearly one-half of the stolen money of the bank.
+
+It is needless to say that immediately following the confession of
+Eugene Pearson and the finding of the money he had stolen, the opinions
+of the previously enraged citizens underwent a decided change. If
+William had desired any evidence of the overwhelming triumph which he
+had achieved, the deportment of these disappointed men toward him would
+have fully satisfied him. No longer regarded as a ruthless invader of
+the privacy of honest homes, and guilty of outraging the finer feelings
+of humanity, he was everywhere received with the utmost respect and
+deference, and many apologies were offered for their inconsiderate
+conduct of a few hours before. And yet it must be recorded, that with
+this indisputable evidence of Eugene Pearson's guilty participation in
+the robbery, there yet remained many, who, unable to refute the damning
+proofs against him, were filled with a sympathetic sentiment of
+regard for their fallen idol, and their prevailing feelings were those
+of sorrow and regret.
+
+The majority of them, however, came up by scores, frankly acknowledged
+their mistake, and freely apologized for their actions, which under the
+circumstances, were shown to be so hasty and ill-timed.
+
+In a day or two after this, Dr. Johnson made his appearance, under the
+escort of William Everman; and the delectable trio were placed in
+separate cells to prevent any collusion between them prior to their
+examination.
+
+Johnson's arrest had been very easy of accomplishment. He was entirely
+unaware of what had transpired with the other two, and having had no
+active participation in the robbery, had imagined himself perfectly
+secure and had taken no means of escape.
+
+Everman, on his arrival at St. Louis, had, in accordance with my
+instructions, obtained the assistance of the chief of police of that
+city, who very cheerfully and cordially volunteered all the aid in his
+power. Two men were therefore detailed to accompany Everman in
+searching for Dr. Johnson, and it was nearly midnight before they
+succeeded in ascertaining definitely where he lived. Shortly after that
+hour, however, the detectives ascended the stoop of the doctor's
+residence and requested to see him. He appeared in a few minutes, and as
+he stood in the doorway, Everman quickly placed his hand upon his
+shoulder, and informed him that he was wanted at police headquarters.
+The doctor turned pale at this announcement, and requested an
+explanation of such an unusual proceeding; but Everman informed him that
+all explanations would be made in due time, and at the proper place.
+Trembling in every joint, the discomfited doctor obeyed, and in a few
+minutes was conveyed to the office of the chief, where he was closely
+examined, but refused to divulge anything in connection with the robbery
+of the Geneva bank, and asserted boldly his entire innocence of the
+charge. Despite his pleadings for delay he was brought to Geneva upon
+the next train, and in a short time three of the guilty parties were
+safely in custody.
+
+[Illustration: Everman quietly placed his hand upon the young man's
+shoulder, and informed him that he was wanted at police
+headquarters.]
+
+Our work had thus far been prompt and successful. We had captured the
+leaders of this gang, and had recovered nearly half of the stolen money.
+Much more, however, remained to be accomplished, and we determined that
+our efforts should not be relinquished until Duncan, the remaining
+member of this burglarious band, had been secured, and some clew to the
+remainder of the money had been obtained.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Proceedings at Geneva--Speculations as to the Missing Five Thousand
+Dollars--John Manning Starts in Search of Thomas Duncan.
+
+
+The days which followed the arrest of the three young bank robbers were
+eventful ones in the history of Geneva. The three youthful offenders,
+now downcast and humiliated, were afforded a speedy hearing, and when
+the facts already adduced by us had been received, they were remanded to
+jail for trial at the next term of court.
+
+It is needless to say that the good citizens of the little town were
+shocked beyond expression at the unexpected results of our
+investigation. Both Pearson and Johnson had grown to manhood in their
+midst, and until this time no taint of suspicion had ever been urged
+against them. No thought of wrong-doing had ever attached to them, and
+no shadow had dimmed the luster of their fair fame. Now all was changed,
+and the irreproachable reputations of days gone by were shattered.
+Debased and self-convicted, they stood before the bar of justice, to
+answer for their crimes. Instead of being the objects of admiration,
+they were now receiving the well-merited scorn of those who had been
+their friends and neighbors. Scarcely past their majorities, and just
+stepping over the threshold of life, the future bright with promises and
+fruitful of golden experiences, they had recklessly thrown all to the
+winds, and now stood before their former friends with the brand of the
+felon upon their brows. No sadder spectacle could have been presented,
+and certainly none more full of warning to the careless youths who
+thronged the court-room, than the presence of the aged parents of these
+young men on the day of the hearing. Their cup of bitterness and sorrow
+was indeed full, and as they raised their tear-stained eyes to their
+children, there was not one present whose heart did not throb in
+sympathy for their misfortunes. More especially was this the case with
+the mother of Eugene Pearson. He was her idol; and until the very moment
+of his arrest, she had never known him to be guilty of aught that would
+bring the blush of shame to his cheek. Now, however, the awful
+revelation came, and the boy on whom she had lavished all the wealth of
+her true heart's affection was proven, before all the world, to be the
+blackest of ingrates, and a designing hypocrite and thief. Mr. Silby,
+too, was much affected by the discovery of Pearson's guilt. His
+affection and regard were so sincere and trustful, that, had he been his
+own son, he could not have been more painfully disappointed at
+discovering his cupidity.
+
+Another interview had been obtained with Edwards at Geneva, and he gave
+us some further particulars about the course which he and Duncan had
+taken after having robbed the bank. Shortly after leaving the city of
+Geneva, they made their way to the railroad, along the track of which
+they journeyed for some distance. The day was exceedingly warm, and the
+valise in which they were carrying the stolen money became very heavy
+and burdensome. Finding it impossible to proceed any further with such a
+heavy load, they decided to take out all of the money but a few sacks of
+silver, amounting altogether to about three hundred dollars. This they
+did, concealing the money about their persons, and then hiding the
+valise in a corn field which skirted the railroad track. Being furnished
+with a description of the locality, William proceeded, in company with
+the officers of the bank, to the place designated, and after a short
+search, succeeded in finding the satchel which they had discarded. Upon
+opening it, they found, as Edwards had said, three small canvas sacks
+containing about three hundred dollars in silver coin. No trace,
+however, was discovered of the sack supposed to contain the five
+thousand dollars whose disappearance was still a mystery. Pearson
+indignantly denied having taken more than six thousand dollars as his
+share, and this had been found in the yard of his father's house.
+Edwards was equally positive that he had not seen this sack, and yet the
+fact remained that there were five thousand dollars in gold coin which
+could not, as yet, be accounted for.
+
+Numerous theories were now advanced to account for this mysterious
+disappearance. One was that some outside party had found the valise, and
+finding the gold, had left the silver in order to make it appear that
+the satchel had not been disturbed. This was discarded at once, as the
+position and condition of the valise when found was such that it could
+not have been tampered with, or even opened. This was a surprising thing
+to contemplate, for the ground for miles around had been thoroughly
+searched by hundreds of people, and it was evident that no one had
+discovered the hiding-place of this valise.
+
+Another theory was that it was improbable that the two robbers would
+overlook a sack containing that large amount of money. Its very weight
+would have betrayed its presence, and added nearly nineteen pounds to
+the burden which they carried, and therefore there were still some
+grounds for entertaining a belief that Pearson had taken more than his
+share of the booty. To this belief I was not inclined to give much
+weight, as I felt convinced that Pearson had made a full confession of
+what had taken place, and had made honest restitution of the money he
+had taken. Under all the circumstances, therefore, I was inclined to
+think that Edwards and his companion had taken the gold, and that the
+capture of the remaining robber would unravel the seeming mystery.
+
+I was further convinced of this by another incident which transpired in
+this connection. After the valise had been found and returned to the
+bank, Edwards was taken into the building. The silver coin which had
+been recovered was placed within the satchel, and handed to him. After
+taking it in his hand, he immediately exclaimed:
+
+"Why, that isn't nearly as heavy as it was when we left the bank!"
+
+Mr. Silby then brought out a sack containing five thousand dollars in
+gold, and placed it in the satchel. Again Edwards lifted it, and this
+time he at once said:
+
+"That is more like it!"
+
+This experience strengthened me in the belief of Eugene Pearson's
+innocence, and that Edwards and his companion had either lost the gold
+in some manner, or had disposed of it in some other way.
+
+Acting upon this theory, the ground in the vicinity of the spot where
+the valise was found was thoroughly searched by both the bank officials
+and my operatives. All in vain, however; no trace was obtained of the
+missing sack of gold, and the matter of its loss was as much a mystery
+as ever.
+
+After the preliminary hearing had been held, the prisoners were removed
+to the county town, some miles distant, where they were placed in
+confinement, awaiting the day of trial, which would not take place for
+some time to come.
+
+While these events were transpiring, we had by no means been idle. Our
+primary success in arresting the three men thus far secured, had been
+most gratifying to the officers of the bank as well as to ourselves. Of
+course I was anxious to continue the search for the missing robber, but
+no one possessed a better knowledge than myself of the expense and delay
+that would be contingent upon such an undertaking. I therefore, as was
+my duty, fully informed the officers of the bank of the difficulty to be
+encountered if our investigation was continued. More than thirty days
+had elapsed since the robbery had been committed, the news of the
+burglary had been spread far and wide, and the information of the
+capture of the three robbers would be equally disseminated. This would
+probably place the fugitive upon his guard, and we could not pretend to
+fix a limit to the time that would be necessary to effect his capture.
+All these facts were fully explained to the bank officials, and with
+the assurance that we would achieve success if it were possible to do
+so, the matter was left to their decision.
+
+They were not long, however, in coming to a determination, and without
+hesitation, I was directed to prosecute the search according to my own
+judgment, in which, they assured me, they placed the utmost reliance.
+
+Thus supported, we made immediate arrangements for a protracted and
+unceasing search for the fleeing burglar, and before the hearing had
+taken place in Geneva, operative John Manning had been despatched to
+Clinton, Iowa, at which point it was designed to commence operations.
+
+The two operatives who had been detailed to look after the trunks of
+Thomas Duncan, in Chicago, had also reported the result of their
+espionage. After waiting for more than two hours, they noticed that an
+express wagon was driven up before the door, after which the trunks were
+brought out, placed in the wagon, and rapidly driven away. The
+operatives followed as rapidly as they were able to do, and ascertained
+that they were taken to the railroad station for shipment to Des Moines.
+
+As has already been detailed, Edwards and Duncan parted company at
+Clinton, Iowa, Duncan proceeding west, while Edwards had come direct to
+Chicago, from which point he had made his way eastward to the little
+village in New York, where he remained in fancied security until he was
+so unexpectedly taken into custody.
+
+Clinton, Iowa, was therefore the place from which to trace the flight of
+the bank robber, and John Manning was dispatched to that place, with
+full authority to exercise his own judgment about his future course of
+action.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+On the Track of the Fleeing Burglar--Duncan's Home--Some Reflections.
+
+
+Within a few hours after receiving his orders, John Manning, satchel in
+hand, stepped from the train at Clinton, and proceeded to a hotel. It
+was nearly nightfall when he arrived, and after hastily partaking of his
+evening meal, he started out to make some inquiries about the man he was
+in search of. Having by some means gained a knowledge of Thomas Duncan's
+associates in Clinton, he had no difficulty in finding them, and
+dropping into a saloon which they frequented, he quietly introduced his
+name in a casual conversation with the proprietor.
+
+"Do you know Tod?" asked that gentleman, with some surprise.
+
+"Oh yes, very well," replied Manning. "I spent several days with him in
+Chicago, about a month ago, and had quite a pleasant time."
+
+"Oh, I remember; he stopped here after that, on his way to his home in
+Des Moines. You must have had quite a time, for Tod looked very much
+broken up."
+
+"Well, he was on quite a spree, I believe--and so he went to Des Moines,
+did he?"
+
+"Yes, he started for that point; but I believe he intended stopping some
+time in Ames, where he has a good many friends."
+
+"Did he say what he intended doing there, or whether he was going on out
+to Denver?" asked Manning.
+
+"No, I think he said he was going with a fishing-party from there and
+would be gone several weeks." After stating that he was about to travel
+in that direction himself, and learning the names of several of Duncan's
+friends in Ames, Manning left the saloon, and returned to his hotel.
+Ascertaining that he could leave on a train that night, he hastened to
+the depot and was soon speeding on his way.
+
+He arrived at Ames in due season, and here he was fortunate enough to
+find a friend of Duncan's, who informed him that instead of remaining in
+that city he had only lingered there one day, when he left on a freight
+train for Des Moines, stating that he was to meet a friend in the latter
+city and could not wait for the regular passenger train.
+
+Manning without delay then started for Des Moines, and upon arriving
+there, telegraphed the result of his investigation thus far. In reply he
+was informed that Duncan's baggage had been sent to Des Moines, and
+directed to inquire at the office of the American express whether it had
+been received or delivered.
+
+Immediately on the receipt of these instructions Manning repaired to the
+express office, and there to his intense delight, he discovered Duncan's
+trunks among the unclaimed baggage. Making himself known to the express
+superintendent, who was friendly to our interests, he remained around
+the office until late in the evening, when as the office was about to be
+closed, and feeling confident that the trunks would not be called for
+that night, he repaired to his hotel and sought his much-needed repose.
+
+The following morning he was up betimes, and deferring his visit to
+Duncan's friends until he had seen the trunks removed, he made his way
+again to the express office and took up his position as a watcher.
+
+Shortly before noon, a wagon was driven up before the door, and a man
+presented himself and demanded the trunks in which the detective was so
+much interested. The wagon bore the name of a grocer, John Miller, and
+was evidently used in delivering the wares dispensed by the merchant
+whose name was painted upon its sides. After the trunks had been
+transferred to the wagon, the driver mounted to the seat and slowly
+drove away. Manning followed on behind them, and after a short journey,
+the driver drew up before a handsome residence, surrounded by a
+beautiful lawn, adorned with numerous beds of bright blooming flowers.
+The building was a two-story one, with a wide porch extending around
+three sides, and was evidently the abode of a gentleman in fortunate
+circumstances. The trunks were removed from the wagon, and carried into
+the hall, after which the driver returned and drove away. After waiting
+for some time in view of the house, he saw the trunks taken in, and
+placed in a front room in the second story.
+
+Having now traced Thomas Duncan's trunks to their destination, and
+feeling the need of additional assistance, Manning repaired to the
+office of the chief of police and requested an interview with that
+functionary. Upon being conducted into the private office of the chief,
+Manning at once introduced himself, and stated the cause of his
+appearance in the city. He met with a most cordial reception, and the
+chief, without hesitation, promised him all the assistance in his power.
+He had heard of the robbery at the time of its occurrence, and had also
+read of the capture of the three men, who were suspected of being
+implicated in that affair. Upon being informed that Thomas Duncan was
+connected with the burglary, the chief evinced considerable surprise,
+for he was well acquainted with the young man, and had been for several
+years, in fact, almost since his boyhood. From the chief, Manning
+learned that Duncan's parents had lived in the city for a long time, and
+that "Tod" was rather a wild, careless fellow, who was frequently found
+in bad company. For a long time the young man and his father had been
+estranged, owing to the son's persistent course of folly and
+dissipation. Long and patiently had the old gentleman borne with his
+son, and had repeatedly opened his purse to liquidate debts which Tod
+had contracted; but finally, finding it useless to attempt to induce him
+to change his mode of life, he had forbidden him the house, and had not
+received him since.
+
+It was barely possible that Duncan might be found in the city, but the
+chief was inclined to a different belief. In any event, however, it
+would be useless to seek for him beneath his father's roof. Manning
+described the house at which the trunks were left, and was informed that
+it was occupied by a man named John Miller, a grocer, and an intimate
+friend of Duncan's. Duncan always made Mr. Miller's house his home
+during his visits to Des Moines, and if any one was acquainted with his
+movements, this John Miller ought to be the man.
+
+Instead, however, of calling upon Mr. Miller at once, Manning proposed
+to shadow the house during the day, in order to see if any one answering
+Duncan's description should enter or leave the place. This was deemed
+particularly advisable, as if Mr. Miller was approached at once, his
+suspicions might be excited, and if Duncan was in the city the alarm
+could be given, and he could readily make his escape before we could
+reach him.
+
+No one at all resembling Thomas Duncan, however, made his appearance
+during that day, and in the evening Manning repaired to the chief's
+office, as that gentleman had promised to accompany him on his visit to
+the friendly grocer.
+
+John Miller and Mr. Wallace, the chief of police, were warm friends, and
+he felt confident that Miller would not tell him an untruth; but it was
+deemed best to introduce Manning as a friend of Duncan's, from Chicago,
+who wanted to see him upon a matter of business. Of course, it had not
+yet reached the public ear that Thomas Duncan was suspected of
+complicity in the robbery, as we had kept that fact entirely secret,
+fearing that a divulgence of Edwards' confession would seriously
+interfere with our search for the missing burglar, and perhaps prevent
+us from ever apprehending him.
+
+The two men therefore repaired to the store of the grocer, and were
+fortunate enough to find him at home. He greeted the chief warmly, and
+acknowledged the introduction of Manning with good-natured heartiness
+and sincerity. Inviting them into his private office, Mr. Miller
+requested to know the nature of their call, and Mr. Wallace at once
+explained to him what had already been agreed upon. Manning further
+explained that when he left Duncan, that gentleman informed him that he
+intended coming to Des Moines, and would probably stop with Mr. Miller.
+
+"Has he been here recently?" asked Mr. Wallace.
+
+"Well, I'll tell you," replied Mr. Miller. "More than three weeks ago he
+was here. It was about midnight, and I had retired to bed. Suddenly I
+was awakened by a loud ringing at my door-bell. Hastily dressing myself,
+I went down, and there, to my surprise, stood Tod Duncan. He was so
+disguised, however, that I did not recognize him until he addressed me
+and told me who he was. He was attired in a suit of coarse brown
+ducking, heavy boots, and a slouch hat; around his neck he wore a large
+red handkerchief, and he looked more like a German tramp than like my
+old friend. I felt at once that something was wrong, or that he was in
+some trouble; so I asked him in, and we went to my room. My family were
+away at the time, and there was no one in the house but myself, and as
+he looked tired and hungry, I produced what eatables I had in the house,
+and he made a hearty meal. After he had finished, he turned to me, and
+laughingly said:
+
+"'The devil himself wouldn't know me in this rig, would he?'
+
+"I told him I thought not, and then asked him what was the cause of his
+strange disguise and his unexpected appearance in Des Moines. He told me
+that he had got into some trouble about a game of poker in Leadville,
+and that he had shot and perhaps killed a notorious gambler in that
+city. He wished me to help him, as he was hiding from the officers who
+were after him, until the affair blew over. He seemed particularly
+anxious that I should help him to get away. Upon asking him how the
+affair happened he related the following incident to me. It happened
+that he was playing a game of poker in Leadville, with a notorious and
+unscrupulous gambler, and that at one time when there was a large amount
+of money on the table, this gambler deliberately displayed four aces,
+when Duncan held an ace which had been dealt to him in the first hand.
+Upon accusing the gambler of attempting to cheat him, that worthy drew a
+pistol and attempted to intimidate him. He was too quick for his
+opponent, however, and quick as a flash, he had fired upon him, and the
+man fell. Hastily gathering up the money that was upon the table, Duncan
+succeeded in making good his escape from the house, amid a scene of
+confusion and uproar impossible to describe. He showed me," continued
+Mr. Miller, "a considerable sum of money, in proof of his assertion, and
+of course I have no reason to doubt his word. He further informed me
+that his trunks were in Chicago and that he was desirous of obtaining
+them. I provided him with pen and paper, and he wrote a letter which
+purported to be written in St. Louis and addressed to myself, stating
+that he was in that city, without a dollar, and requesting me to send
+for his trunks at Chicago, promising to repay me at an early day. I did
+not understand this proceeding, particularly as after writing this
+letter, he gave me twenty dollars, to pay for having his trunks sent to
+Des Moines, and requested me to allow them to remain in my house until
+he should send for them. That this letter was intended to mislead some
+one, I have no doubt; but I was at a loss to understand how it could
+succeed in its purpose if I retained possession of it. At his request
+then I inclosed his letter to me to the landlady at Chicago, and I know
+nothing further about it except that Duncan's trunks arrived to-day and
+are now in my house, awaiting his disposition."
+
+"How long did Duncan remain in town at that time?" asked Manning.
+
+"I think he left the next day," replied Mr. Miller. "He left my house on
+the following morning at any rate, and I learned afterward that he went
+away with an old friend of his, who is a brakeman on one of the roads
+here, on the same day that he left my house."
+
+"Do you know who the man was that he went away with?" now asked Mr.
+Wallace.
+
+"Yes; his name is Bob King, and if I am not mistaken, King obtained a
+leave of absence from the railroad company for a few days in order to go
+with Duncan. They hired a horse and carriage and started off in the
+direction of Grand Junction. King was absent several days, and then
+returned with the team, stating that Duncan had gone west. I thought
+this very strange, as, if he had ran away from Leadville, it would
+certainly be very unwise for him to return. However, I heard no more
+about him, but I have seen Bob King frequently. He comes in several
+times a week, and you can most likely find him about some of the
+boarding-houses around the Union Depot."
+
+This was all that could be gained from Mr. Miller, and after receiving
+that gentleman's promise to inform Mr. Wallace, in case he should hear
+anything of Duncan, the two men took their leave of the accommodating
+and loquacious grocer.
+
+Leaving the chief at his office, Manning resolved to pay a visit to the
+residence of Duncan's parents. Not, however, to make himself known or to
+institute any inquiries; but to quietly watch from the outside whatever
+was transpiring within. He found the house to be a large frame dwelling,
+with extensive grounds surrounding it; everything evinced the utmost
+refinement and good taste, and it was evidently the abode of
+respectability and wealth. The lights were gleaming through the windows
+of a room upon the lower floor, and Manning quietly opened the gate, and
+screened himself behind some tall bushes that were growing upon the
+lawn. Here he was effectually hidden, both from the inmates of the
+house, and the passers-by upon the street. The scene that greeted his
+vision was so peaceful and homelike, that Manning was convinced that
+Duncan's family were entirely ignorant of his movements or his crime.
+The father, a hale old gentleman with a smiling face, was reading aloud
+to the assembled members of his family, his wife and two daughters, who
+were busily engaged in some species of fancy work, so popular with
+ladies at the present time, and their evident enjoyment of the narrative
+was unmixed with any thought of wrong-doing or danger to one of their
+family.
+
+"How strange are the workings of circumstances," thought the detective.
+"Here is a happy home, a family surrounded by wealth, refinement and
+luxury, peaceful and contented, while a beloved member of it is now an
+outcast from the world, a fugitive from justice, hiding from the
+officers of the law, and vainly seeking to elude the grasp that sooner
+or later will be laid upon his shoulder."
+
+Silently maintaining his watch until the family retired, the detective
+slowly made his way to his hotel, and as he tossed upon his pillow, his
+dreams were peopled alternately with happy home-scenes of domestic
+comfort and content, and a weary, travel-stained criminal, hungry and
+foot-sore, who was lurking in the darkness, endeavoring to escape from
+the consequences of his crime.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+Bob King Meets with a Surprise--His Story of Duncan's Flight--The
+Detective Starts Westward.
+
+
+The most important object now to be accomplished was to secure an
+interview with Bob King, the brakeman, who had accompanied Duncan when
+he left Des Moines. Manning was convinced that King was fully aware by
+this time of the crime which Duncan had committed, and perhaps for a
+share of the proceeds, had assisted him in his flight from justice.
+
+Early on the following morning, therefore, he left the hotel, and
+started off in the direction of the depot, resolved to make a tour of
+the numerous boarding-houses before calling upon the chief of police. He
+had already obtained an accurate description of the man he was in
+search of, and had no doubt of recognizing him, should he be fortunate
+enough to meet him. Passing quietly along, he came to the large
+switch-yards, and here he was almost deafened by the rumble and noise of
+the trains, and the screeching and puffing of the engines. Here Manning
+paused awhile in the hope of seeing his man among the number of brakemen
+engaged about the yard; but finding no one that answered his
+description, he approached a party of men standing near, and inquired:
+
+"Can you tell me where I will find Bob King?"
+
+"Bob is not working to-day, and you will probably find him at the Union
+House, yonder," was the reply, as the man stretched his dirty finger in
+the direction indicated. Thanking the man, he passed through the yard to
+the street upon the opposite side. Here he found a long row of houses of
+various descriptions, but all of them apparently occupied as
+eating-saloons, boarding-houses and hotels. On the corner of the street,
+and directly opposite from where the detective stood, was a low,
+dingy-looking frame building, with the name of Union House painted
+across the front.
+
+"Here we are," said Manning to himself, "and we will soon ascertain if
+Mr. King is about."
+
+So saying he crossed the street and entered the office or waiting-room
+of the hostelry. An old settee, a half-dozen or more well-whittled
+wooden arm-chairs, a rusty stove set in a square box filled with
+saw-dust, were about all the movable furniture which the room contained.
+In the corner, however, was a short counter behind which, arranged on
+long rows of hooks, were suspended a number of hats, caps and coats of a
+decidedly miscellaneous character.
+
+An ancient-looking register, filled with blots and hieroglyphics, lay
+upon the counter, and as the room was empty, Manning walked toward the
+open volume and examined the names inscribed thereon. Under the date of
+the preceding evening, he found the name he was looking for, and a
+cabalistic sign on the margin designated that he had lodged there the
+night before and indicated that he might still be in the house.
+
+While he was thus standing, a frowsy-headed young man, whose face was
+still shining from the severe friction of a coarse roller-towel, which
+hung behind the door, entered the room, and saluting the detective
+familiarly, proceeded to comb his hair before a cracked mirror that hung
+behind the desk. After he had hastily finished this operation, he turned
+again to Manning, who had been smilingly observing his movements.
+
+"Have you had breakfast, sir? last table just ready."
+
+"Thank you," replied Manning, "I have already had my breakfast. I am
+looking for a man who is stopping here, by the name of King."
+
+"What's his first name--Bob?"
+
+"Yes, that's his name. He is a brakeman on the road."
+
+"Oh, yes, Bob's here. He's eating his breakfast now. Just sit down,
+he'll be here directly."
+
+After waiting a few minutes, a tall, broad-shouldered young man, of
+rather good-natured and intelligent appearance, entered the room, and
+taking a cap from one of the hooks upon the wall, placed it upon his
+head.
+
+It did not require the rather officious indication of the young clerk to
+induce the detective to recognize the new-comer as the man whom he was
+most desirous of seeing; his appearance tallied precisely with the
+description of him which he had previously obtained.
+
+Stepping quietly up to the young man, the detective said, carelessly:
+
+"Your name is Bob King, I believe?"
+
+Somewhat confused by the abrupt salutation, the young fellow replied,
+rather awkwardly:
+
+"Yes, that's my name; but you've got the brakes on me, for I don't
+remember that I ever saw you before."
+
+"Perhaps not," answered Manning, "but I want to have a little private
+conversation with you for a few minutes. Can we go somewhere where we
+will not be interrupted?"
+
+"Why, yes," responded the other, still evidently ill at ease, "come in
+here." And turning about, he led the way through a door across the hall,
+and entered a small and plainly furnished sitting-room.
+
+"Wait," said Manning, as if suddenly conceiving an idea. "The morning is
+pleasant, and I have a good cigar here; suppose we take a short walk
+together. We can talk as we stroll along."
+
+"All right," said King, as he took the proffered cigar, and lighting it,
+they went out of the hotel into the street.
+
+Mr. Robert King eyed the detective furtively ever and anon, and seemed
+to be impatient for him to begin the conversation, and inform him what
+it was all about. There was, however, such a perfect air of ease and
+unconcern about Manning, that the young brakeman felt impelled to
+accompany him whether he would or not. Manning led the way in the
+direction of the office of the chief of police, and after they had
+fairly started, he turned to his companion, and good-naturedly said:
+
+"Mr. King, I suppose you are quite anxious to know who I am, and what is
+the nature of my business with you?"
+
+"Well, yes," answered King, smilingly, for the _sang froid_ of Manning
+had quite won his heart. "I would like to know both of those things."
+
+"Well," said the detective, "my name is John Manning, and I am a native
+of Chicago. I am an intimate friend of 'Tod' Duncan's, and want to know
+where to find him."
+
+"You will have to ask somebody that can tell you, then," answered King,
+who had now fully recovered his composure, "for I don't know anything
+about him."
+
+"Why," ejaculated Manning, as though quite surprised at the information,
+"I thought that you and Tod went off on a hunting or fishing party a
+few weeks ago, and that you came home, leaving Tod to continue his
+journey alone."
+
+"That's a mistake," said King, "and whoever informed you to that effect
+was as much mistaken as you are."
+
+Mr. King was evidently trying the good-natured game of bluff, and
+Manning noticed with some satisfaction that they were now approaching
+very near to the office of Mr. Wallace.
+
+"See here," said he, suddenly turning on his companion. "Mr. King, this
+won't do. Duncan is wanted for the Geneva bank robbery. He was here
+three weeks ago, and you were with him. You got him out of town, and if
+you are not disposed to be communicative, I have simply got to place you
+under arrest."
+
+The change in King's manner was very complete. He was utterly surprised
+and nonplused, and before he could answer a word Manning placed his hand
+on his shoulder and said, peremptorily: "Come in here, Mr. King;
+perhaps Mr. Wallace can loosen your tongue."
+
+[Illustration: "Come in here, Mr. King; perhaps Mr. Wallace can loosen
+your tongue."]
+
+They were now directly in front of the office of the chief, and King
+knew that any attempt at resistance would be futile, and decidedly
+unwise, so he deemed it best to submit at once.
+
+"Don't be too hard on a fellow," said he at last. "I have a good
+position and I can't afford to lose it. If you will give me a chance, I
+will tell you all I know."
+
+"Very well, come right in here," said Manning, "and if you tell me the
+truth, I promise you no harm will come to you."
+
+In a few minutes they were closeted with the chief, who knew King very
+well, and who added his assurances to those of Manning, that if he would
+unburden himself fully, no danger need be apprehended.
+
+"I want to say first," said King, at last convinced that it would be
+better to make a clean breast of the whole matter, "that what I did, was
+done in good faith, and I only thought I was helping a friend who had
+got into trouble through acting in self-defense."
+
+"Very well," said Manning, "we will admit all that, but tell us what you
+know."
+
+"Well," answered King, after a pause in which to collect himself, "It
+was about three weeks ago, that Duncan came to the city, and knowing
+where I stopped, he came to see me. I happened to be in from my run when
+he called, and he wanted to know if I could get a leave of absence for a
+week, as he wanted to go on a fishing trip and would pay all the
+expenses. I went to the master of transportation and found no difficulty
+in obtaining my leave, and then I saw Tod and told him I was at his
+service. We then procured a team, guns, fishing-tackle and provisions,
+not forgetting a good supply of smoking and drinking articles, and the
+next day started off in the direction of Grand Junction. Before we
+started, Duncan told me about getting into a scrape over a game of cards
+at Leadville, and that he had shot two gamblers and was keeping out of
+the way until the excitement over the affair had died out."
+
+"Duncan has raised one man, I see," laughed Manning. "When I heard this
+story first, he had only killed one gambler in his fight over the
+cards."
+
+"Well, I am telling you what Duncan told me," answered King.
+
+"That's all right," said Manning quietly, "but suppose you go ahead and
+tell us what he told you about robbing the Geneva bank."
+
+The cool assurance of the detective, and the easy assumption with which
+he stated his conclusions, so disconcerted King, that he was speechless
+for a few moments. Recovering himself quickly, however, he answered
+doggedly:
+
+"Well, I intended to tell you the whole story, and I was simply telling
+it in my own way."
+
+"Go on, Mr. King," said Manning, "all I want is the truth, but the card
+story won't do."
+
+"I guess it won't do me any good to tell you anything else but the
+truth," rejoined King. "Well, Tod told me about this shooting business
+before we started, and of course I believed it. I noticed, though,
+before we were away from the city very long, that there was something
+else on his mind, that made him very uneasy, and gave him a great deal
+of trouble. He was moody and silent for hours, and it was only when he
+drank a great deal that he was at all lively, or seemed like his old
+natural self. Finally, on the morning of the third day, I put the
+question fairly to him, and he then told me what he had done. He said he
+and two others had robbed a bank, and that he was making his way
+westward. He was resolved not to be captured, and said that no two men
+should take him alive. He then told me that he wanted me to take the
+team back to Des Moines, and that he would take the train at Grand
+Junction, and try to make his way to Manitoba. We parted company at the
+Junction, where Tod took the train for Sioux City. He paid all the
+expenses of the trip and offered to give me some of the money, but I
+refused to accept any, and told him what I had done was done simply for
+friendship."
+
+"How much money did Duncan have at that time?" asked Manning.
+
+"He had nearly four thousand dollars, I should judge," answered King.
+
+"Did he say who assisted him in this robbery?"
+
+"Yes; he told me that a man by the name of Edwards was one, and that the
+assistant cashier of the bank was the prime mover in the whole affair.
+He also said that the cashier had not played fair, but had taken out
+twelve thousand dollars in gold instead of six thousand. He was very
+bitter against this man, and said he believed that he would give them
+all away to save his own neck, if it came to the pinch."
+
+After some further conversation, which convinced Manning that King was
+telling the truth and that he was entirely ignorant of Duncan's
+hiding-place, the young brakeman was allowed to go his way, with the
+understanding that they were to meet again in the evening.
+
+Manning now hastened to the telegraph office, and a cipher message,
+containing in brief all he had thus far learned, was soon upon its way
+to me.
+
+My reply was to the effect that he should again see King, and inquire if
+Duncan had mentioned anything about the valise which they had carried
+away from Geneva. Then to endeavor to obtain a photograph of Duncan, and
+finally thereafter to lose no time in starting out for Sioux City.
+
+I was considerably exercised about this missing package of gold. I could
+not believe that Pearson had taken it, although both Edwards and Duncan
+appeared to be positive of it. The young cashier now seemed to be too
+utterly crushed down and humiliated to permit me to believe that he had
+lied still further, and that he was still keeping back a portion of the
+plunder he had secured. Still, however much I was desirous of discarding
+such a belief, I was resolved to leave no stone unturned in order to
+explain the mystery. I felt positive that some explanation would yet be
+made that would account for this package, and in a manner that would not
+connect Eugene Pearson with its disappearance. Up to this time, however,
+we were as far from the truth in this connection as when we commenced,
+and I could do no more than await the arrest of Duncan, before the
+matter could be definitely settled. I came to this conclusion on the
+assumption that all the parties thus far had told the truth, and it
+seemed to me that one or the other of them must certainly be mistaken in
+their original impressions.
+
+This theory, however, yet remained. Edwards and Duncan might have
+obtained the money, and being still under the influence of the liquor
+they had drank, and excited over what had transpired, had thrown away
+the valise, and at that time it might still have contained the gold.
+
+In accordance with my instructions, Manning remained in Des Moines two
+days succeeding this, but was unable to learn from King that Duncan had
+mentioned the valise in any manner whatever.
+
+In his attempt to obtain a photograph of Duncan, however, he was more
+successful, and with the assistance of Capt. Wallace, he was fortunate
+enough to be placed in possession of a very excellent picture of young
+Duncan, which had but recently been taken. This accession to his stock
+of knowledge was destined to play an important part in his continued
+search after the fugitive burglar. Finding that nothing more could be
+learned in Des Moines, and receiving assurances from the friendly chief
+that any information would be forwarded to him at once, Manning departed
+from the home of the youthful law-breaker and started for Sioux City.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+Manning Strikes the Trail--An Accommodating Tailor--Temporary
+Disappointment and final Success--The Detective reaches Minneapolis.
+
+
+August, with its hot, sweltering days, when the very skies seemed to be
+a canopy of lurid, quivering heat; and when every breeze seemed
+freighted with a depressing warmth that almost rendered labor
+impossible, had passed away, and we were now in the enjoyment of the
+clear, cool days of September. The skies were bluer, the air was purer,
+and the beautiful, golden autumn was welcomed with a grateful sense of
+pleasure and relief. Nearly a month had now elapsed since the robbery of
+the Geneva Bank, and, although we had accomplished much, our work was
+not yet completed. Thomas Duncan was still at liberty, and our task was
+yet unfinished. I have already, as briefly as I could, related the
+various events which had transpired since the robbery, and detailed the
+efforts which we had thus far made toward accomplishing the capture of
+the perpetrators of this crime. Of Thomas Duncan, however, I had learned
+comparatively little, and of his movements still less; and yet, at
+times, I found myself indulging in feelings of sympathy for the young
+man, who had so recklessly and inconsiderately thrown away the best
+chances of his life. Of a careless disposition and inclined to folly, I
+was convinced that until this time he had never stooped to commit a
+crime. This was his first flagrant violation of the law, and when I
+thought of him a hunted fugitive, seeking to hide himself from the
+vigilant eyes of the officers of the law, and of the quiet, peaceful and
+happy home of his parents, I could not repress a feeling of regret and
+sorrow for the wayward youth in this, the hour of his humiliation and
+trial. Far different from Eugene Pearson, who had no cares and no
+temptations to commit crimes, and who had practiced a scheme of vile
+deception and ingratitude for years, Thomas Duncan had been found in a
+moment of weakness and desperation, and under the influence of wily
+tempters, had yielded himself up to their blandishments, and had done
+that which had made him a felon. As to Eugene Pearson, the trusted,
+honored and respected official of the bank, who had deliberately planned
+and assisted in this robbery of his best friends, I had no words of
+palliation for his offenses; but for "Tod" Duncan, the weak and tempted
+victim of designing men and adverse circumstances, I experienced a sense
+of sympathy which I could not easily shake off.
+
+Where was he now? Perhaps hiding in the forests of the far west, amid
+the barbaric scenes of savage life; perhaps giving himself up to a
+reckless life of dissipation, seeking in the delirium of intoxication a
+forgetfulness of the deed he had committed, and of the consequences
+which must befall him. How many long, weary nights since he fled from
+Geneva, with his ill-gotten booty, had he, even in the midst of a
+bacchanalian revel, started suddenly, as if in fear of the officer he so
+much dreaded, and then with a boastful laugh drank deeper to drown the
+agonies that oppressed him? Perhaps, on the other hand, the first step
+taken, the rest had come easy and without effort, and he had already
+become hardened and reckless. Whatever might be the case, we were as yet
+uninformed, and operative John Manning arrived in Sioux City with no
+definite clew to the missing man.
+
+Seeking, as before, the assistance of the police authorities, Manning
+proposed to make a tour of the so-called houses of pleasure, which
+infest all cities, deeming it most likely that he would obtain some
+traces of Duncan by that means. This proved successful in a comparative
+degree, for in one of these places Manning found a gay young cyprian,
+who recognized Duncan's picture immediately. A bottle of very inferior
+wine at an exorbitant price was ordered, and under its influence the
+girl informed the detective that Duncan had come there alone one
+evening about two weeks prior to this time, and that she had accompanied
+him upon a drive. They had become quite familiar during their short
+acquaintance, and Duncan drank a great deal. On the following morning he
+had left the house, and stated that he was going to leave the city that
+day. Further than this, the girl could not say, and Manning must needs
+be content with even that trifling amount of encouragement for the
+present.
+
+Manning had also been provided with a facsimile of Duncan's handwriting
+and signature, and he carefully examined the registers of the several
+hotels, in order to discover whether he had stopped at any of them under
+his own or any fictitious name which resembled in any manner the one he
+bore, but without any success whatever.
+
+On returning to the hotel, he occupied himself debating as to the best
+movement to make next. He was surprised on arriving there to find a
+telegram from Capt. Wallace awaiting him. On removing the inclosure he
+found a message informing him that Duncan had an acquaintance in Sioux
+City whose name was Griswold, and who was engaged in the tailoring
+business at that place.
+
+Aided by this important piece of intelligence, the detective was not
+long in finding the establishment presided over by Mr. Griswold. That
+gentleman was located in the business section of the city, and his
+neatly arranged store was well stocked with goods of excellent quality
+and apparently of recent style. On entering the shop, Mr. Griswold was
+found perched on a table in the rear, his legs crossed, and with nimble
+fingers was engaged in the manufacture of some of the articles of his
+trade. He was a small, sharp-featured man, about forty, with a shrewd
+though not unpleasant face, and as he came briskly forward to greet a
+prospective customer, his countenance was wreathed in a smile that was
+almost irresistible.
+
+"Can I do anything for you this morning?" was the polite salutation of
+the little tailor.
+
+"Yes," replied the detective. "I want to look at some goods that will
+make a good suit of clothes."
+
+"Certainly," replied the knight of the shears. "I have some excellent
+styles here, and I am sure I can give you your full satisfaction."
+
+"I have no doubt of that," said Manning pleasantly. "I have been
+recommended here by my friend Tod Duncan, and he speaks very highly of
+you."
+
+The face of the little tailor was again wreathed in smiles, as he
+delightedly inquired:
+
+"Do you mean Duncan, the traveling man from Des Moines?"
+
+"Yes," replied Manning, "that's the man; I am a traveling man myself,
+but in a different line, and I expected to meet him in this city, but I
+was disappointed. I guess he must have got ahead of me."
+
+"Let me see," said Mr. Griswold, with his needle-pricked finger pressed
+against his nose. "He was here about two weeks ago, I guess."
+
+"Do you know which way he was going?"
+
+"I think he said he was going to St. Paul. I made a suit of clothes for
+him in a great hurry, as he was very anxious to get away."
+
+"What kind of a suit did he get?" asked Manning, now anxious to learn
+the clothing of the man, in order that he might the more accurately
+describe him.
+
+"It was from this piece," said Mr. Griswold, throwing on the table a
+roll of dark green cassimere. "That is one of the latest importations,
+and as fine a piece of goods as I have in the house."
+
+"I like that myself," said the detective. "Would you object to giving me
+a small piece of it as a sample? I want to show it to a friend of mine
+at the hotel, who has pretty good taste in such matters."
+
+"Of course not," replied Mr. Griswold, as he clipped off a piece of the
+cloth, little dreaming of the use to which the detective would put it.
+
+Declining to make a selection until he had sought the advice of an
+imaginary friend, and stating that he would probably call again in the
+evening, Manning took his leave of the little tailor. The detective then
+repaired to the railroad ticket office, where he had a friend of long
+standing, from whom he hoped to derive some material information.
+
+At the railroad station he found his friend on duty, and after the usual
+friendly salutations, he requested a few moments' private conversation.
+Being admitted to an inner office, Manning at once displayed the
+photograph of Duncan, and asked:
+
+"Harry, have you seen that face about here, say within about two weeks?"
+
+Taking the picture, and regarding it intently for a moment, he said:
+
+"Why, yes--that's Duncan from Des Moines. I know him very well. He has
+been here often."
+
+"Well, has he been here within two weeks?"
+
+"Yes, he was here about two weeks ago on a spree, and he bought a ticket
+for St. Paul."
+
+"Are you quite sure about that?"
+
+"Perfectly sure," answered the ticket agent. "I remember it distinctly,
+and what impressed it the more forcibly upon my mind is the fact that he
+wanted to know if I could give him a ticket on the Northern Pacific road
+from here, and I told him he would have to go to St. Paul for that."
+
+"Did he mention any particular point on the railroad that he wanted a
+ticket for?" asked Manning.
+
+"No, I think not. He simply said he was making for Dakota."
+
+Ascertaining that a train would leave for St. Paul in an hour, the
+detective purchased a ticket for that city, and thanking the agent for
+his information, he returned to the hotel to make arrangements for
+continuing his journey. Before leaving, however, he telegraphed me his
+destination, and what he had been able to learn.
+
+From this information it was evident that Duncan was endeavoring to
+reach the far west, and there seek a refuge among some of the numerous
+mining camps which abound in that section of the country, hoping by that
+means to successfully elude pursuit, should any be made for him. It was
+plainly evident to me that he was entirely unaware of being followed,
+and, in fact, of anything that had taken place since the robbery, and
+that he was simply following his own blind inclinations to hide himself
+as effectually as he could.
+
+The first task performed by Manning after reaching St. Paul, was to
+examine all the hotel registers, in the hope of discovering some traces
+of an entry resembling the peculiar handwriting of Duncan. He also took
+the precaution to quietly display the photograph of the young man to all
+the clerks of the various hostelries, trusting that some one would
+recognize him as one who had been their guest on some previous occasion.
+In this, too, he was disappointed. Among the many to whom he displayed
+Duncan's picture, not one of them had any recollection of such an
+individual.
+
+Feeling somewhat disheartened at this non-success, Manning next sought
+the chief of police, and enlisted his services in our behalf. That
+evening, in company with an officer, he made a tour among the houses of
+ill repute, and here, too, disappointment awaited him. Not one among the
+number whom he approached had any knowledge of the man, and therefore
+could give him no information.
+
+Tired and puzzled and vexed, he at length was compelled to return to the
+hotel, and seek his much-needed repose.
+
+His experience in St. Paul had thus far been far from satisfactory, and
+yet the thought of abandoning his investigations in that city never
+occurred to him. He had too frequently been compelled to battle with
+unpromising circumstances in the past, to allow a temporary discomfiture
+to dishearten him now. He felt that he was upon the right track, that
+Duncan had certainly come from Sioux City to St. Paul, but whether he
+had remained here any length of time, or had pushed on without
+stopping, was the question that bothered him immensely. Resolving,
+therefore, to renew his efforts in the morning, he soon fell asleep.
+
+On the morrow, when he descended to the office of the hotel, preparatory
+to partaking of his morning repast, he noticed with some little surprise
+that a new face was behind the counter.
+
+Surmising that this might be the night clerk, yet unrelieved from his
+duties, and that Duncan might have arrived during the time he
+officiated, Manning approached him, and propounded the usual question.
+When he brought forth the photograph, to his intense delight, the clerk
+recognized it at once. Turning to the register and hastily running over
+the leaves, he pointed to a name inscribed thereon.
+
+"That's the man," said he confidently.
+
+Manning looked at the name indicated, and found scrawled in a very
+uncertain hand:
+
+     "_John Tracy, Denver, Col._"
+
+"He came in on a night train," continued the clerk. "He only remained to
+breakfast and went away shortly afterward."
+
+"Have you any idea which way he went?" inquired Manning.
+
+"No, I cannot tell you that. He left the hotel shortly after breakfast
+in a hack. He did not return after that, but sent the hackman here to
+pay his bill and to obtain his valise. He acted very strange while he
+was here, and I felt somewhat suspicious of him."
+
+"Can you tell me the name of this hackman?" now asked Manning.
+
+"I think his name is Davids," answered the clerk, "but I will ask the
+baggage-man about him; he can, no doubt, tell me who he is."
+
+The baggage-man was summoned and he distinctly remembered the
+occurrence, and that the driver's name was Billy Davids, who was
+well-known throughout the city, particularly among the sporting
+fraternity.
+
+Thanking both of these men for the information which they had given him,
+the detective, forgetting all about his breakfast, hastened to the
+office of the chief of police, and acquainting him with what he had
+heard, expressed his desire to see this hackman at once.
+
+The chief, who knew the man, at once volunteered to accompany him, and
+they left the office together in search of the important cab-driver. It
+being yet quite early in the morning, they went directly to the stable,
+and here they found Billy Davids in the act of harnessing his horses and
+preparing for his day's work.
+
+"Good morning, Billy," said the chief, good-naturedly. "You are making
+an early start, I see; are you busy?"
+
+"No, sir," answered Mr. Davids; "I can take you gentlemen wherever you
+want to go."
+
+"Not to-day, Billy; but I have a friend here who wants to talk to you,
+and you may find it to your interest to tell him what he wishes to
+know."
+
+Manning stepped forward and stated, in as few words as possible, what he
+desired, and at length displayed the inevitable photograph.
+
+Davids recognized it at once, as a "party" who had engaged him to take
+himself and a woman from the hotel, to a resort some distance from the
+city, known as the "Half-way House." He performed this duty, and later
+in the day, after waiting several hours, the man had given him ten
+dollars and sent him back to the hotel to pay his bill and to obtain his
+valise. After performing this service, he returned to the Half-way
+House, and waited there until dark, when Duncan came out alone, and was
+driven to the Northern Pacific depot. Arriving here, he paid the hackman
+quite liberally and dismissed him, saying that he was going to leave
+town on the next train westward.
+
+"Have you any idea where he was going?" asked Manning.
+
+"I think he went to Minneapolis, for he asked me if that road would take
+him there, and I saw him get aboard the train for that city;" answered
+the driver.
+
+This was all that Davids could tell; and after remunerating him for his
+trouble, Manning left him to finish his preparations for the day.
+
+Here was the very information he wanted, and he had struck the trail
+again. Anxious to pursue his journey, Manning invited the chief to
+breakfast with him; after which, finding he could leave in a very short
+time, he bade the courteous and valuable officer good-by, and was soon
+on his way to Minneapolis, there to commence again the trail of the
+fleeing burglar.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+The Detective at Bismarck--Further Traces of the Fugitive--A Protracted
+Orgie--A Jewish Friend of the Burglar in Trouble.
+
+
+On arriving in Minneapolis, Manning was able to discover without serious
+difficulty that Duncan, after remaining in that city two days, had
+purchased a ticket over the Northern Pacific railroad for Bismarck, a
+thriving town in Dakota. This information he had been able to gain by a
+resort to his old method of visiting the houses of ill-fame, and then
+carelessly exposing Duncan's photograph to the various inmates, in such
+a manner as to excite no suspicion of his real errand. His experience
+thus far had been that Duncan, either to evade pursuit, to gratify
+bestial passion, or to endeavor by such excitements to drive away the
+haunting fear that oppressed him, had invariably sought the
+companionship of the harlot and the profligate. Being possessed of
+plenty of money, it may be imagined that he experienced no difficulty in
+finding associates willing to minister to his appetites, and to assist
+him in forgetting the dangers that threatened him, by dissipation and
+debauchery. All along his path were strewn these evidences of reckless
+abandonment, which, while they temporarily enabled him to drown the
+remembrances of his crime, yet, at the same time, they served most
+powerfully to point out to his pursuer the road he was traveling.
+
+It appeared, therefore, that my first theories were correct, and that
+Thomas Duncan was making his way to the far western country, where,
+beyond the easy and expeditious mode of communication by railroad and
+telegraph, he would be safe from pursuit. He was evidently seeking to
+reach the mining district, where, among men as reckless as himself, he
+hoped to evade the officers of law.
+
+Manning lost no time in following up the clew he had obtained in
+Minneapolis, and so, purchasing a ticket for Bismarck, he was soon
+thundering on his way to the Missouri river. At Brainerd, at Fargo in
+Minnesota, and at Jamestown in Dakota, during the time when the train
+had stopped for some necessary purpose, he had made inquiries, and at
+each place was rewarded by gleaning some information, however
+fragmentary, of the fugitive. He was therefore assured that he was upon
+the trail, and that unless something unforeseen occurred, he would
+sooner or later overtake the object of his pursuit.
+
+On the following day Manning arrived at Bismarck, a thrifty and growing
+little town on the banks of the muddy Missouri. As the train left the
+more thickly populated country and emerged into the region of this as
+yet comparatively undeveloped west, the detective was surprised to
+witness the rapid advancements that had been made within a few years.
+The spirit of American energy and enterprise was reaching out into this
+vast region, and already the influences of modern civilization and
+thrift were manifesting themselves. No longer a trackless waste,
+abandoned to the roaming bands of Indians and the wild beasts of the
+forest, and plain, the western continent was fast yielding to the
+plowshare of the husbandman, and to the powerful agencies of education
+and improvement.
+
+Bismarck itself was a wonderfully active town, and during the season of
+navigation a large commercial business was transacted with the various
+towns upon the river, both above and below it. Before the advent of the
+Northern Pacific railroad, Bismarck had an existence, but simply as a
+sleepy river station, with its periodical bursts of life and animation
+during the months when the river was navigable and when trade along its
+waters was possible. When winter came, however, with its chilling
+blasts, and the river was frozen, trade almost ceased entirely, and
+Bismarck remained in sluggish inactivity until spring with its
+refreshing showers and balmy breezes awakened it to new life and being.
+Now, however, all was changed. The railroad with its facilities, had
+opened the way to emigration; the pioneers had penetrated the solitudes,
+and Bismarck had grown with that wonderful rapidity so characteristic of
+the western town. The advent of the iron horse had opened up new and
+hitherto undreamed of possibilities. Real estate, which had previously
+no fixed value whatever, was now in demand at almost fabulous prices.
+Stores and dwellings sprang into being, hotels and churches were built,
+school houses and even banking institutions flourished with a vigor that
+seemed almost miraculous.
+
+Sauntering about the town on the morning after his arrival, Manning was
+surprised at the activity and bustle, the thrift and energy which
+greeted him on every hand. His past experiences had taught him many
+things which he found of use to him in making his inquiries in Bismarck,
+and it was not long before he succeeded in learning definite particulars
+of Duncan's stay in this place. From reliable sources he ascertained
+that the young man had arrived in the town about two weeks prior to
+this, and had remained several days, enjoying himself in much the same
+manner that had marked his residence in the other cities along his
+route, except that in Bismarck he had exposed himself to a greater
+extent than at any other place. It seemed that as he got further west,
+his fears of pursuit and detection grew less, and he became more bold
+and open in his actions. Here he had not attempted concealment at all,
+except as to his name, which he gave as Tom Moore, of Chicago; his
+carousals were publicly known, and the lavish expenditure of his stolen
+money was commented upon by many.
+
+In a conversation with the proprietor of the hotel at which Duncan had
+stopped, the detective learned that his stay in the city had been marked
+by the most reckless dissipation and extravagance. So careless did he
+appear in the display of his money, of which he appeared to have a large
+amount, that the proprietor had taken it upon himself to warn him
+against the danger to which such a course would expose him. The town was
+infested with a gang of roughs and thieves, and he feared that if once
+they became aware of Duncan's wealth, his life would be of comparatively
+little value. Several of these characters had been seen about the hotel,
+and the landlord had remonstrated seriously with Duncan about his folly.
+To this Duncan had impudently replied that he could take care of
+himself, and needed no advice. Finding it of no use, therefore, to
+advise him, the landlord desisted in his efforts, and left him to follow
+his own inclinations.
+
+Manning also learned from his host that Duncan had associated quite
+intimately while in the city, with a Jew clothing merchant, who was a
+resident here, and who seemed to be an old acquaintance. The name of
+this man was Jacob Gross, and ascertaining where his place of business
+was located, Manning determined to give him a call.
+
+When he entered the store of Mr. Gross, that gentleman was
+engaged in waiting upon a customer. He was a perfect type of the
+Israelite--sharp-featured, with prominent nose, keen, glittering eyes
+and curly black hair. If any doubt of his race remained, the manner in
+which he conducted his bargain with his unsuspecting customer would have
+convinced any one of the presence of the veritable Jew.
+
+Manning watched, with amused interest, the tact with which the Hebrew
+clothier endeavored to convince his customer that a coat, much too large
+for him, was "yust a fit and no mistake," and that the price which he
+asked was not half as much as the garment was worth.
+
+After the customer had departed, the clothier advanced, bowing and
+smiling, toward the detective, as if anticipating another sale as
+profitable as the last one. Manning informed him in a few words that he
+was looking for Duncan, and was a friend of his, who was desirous of
+gaining some information of his present whereabouts, as unless he saw
+him, Duncan might be getting into more trouble.
+
+It appeared that Duncan had told the same gambling story to Mr. Gross,
+who seemed to be dreadfully shocked at the affair.
+
+"Py gracious," said he excitedly, "I hafe knowed dot boy ven I sold
+cloding in Des Moines, more as fife years ago, and so help me Moses I
+did nefer belief he vud do such a ting loike dot."
+
+After further conversation, he learned that Duncan had spent a great
+deal of his time at this store, and when he left, had stated that he
+intended to go on to Miles City, and perhaps to Butte City, Montana. It
+appeared that Duncan had an uncle who was engaged in the clothing
+business at Butte City, and that it was possible he might eventually get
+there.
+
+"If you find him," said Mr. Gross, after he had given the above
+information, "you musn't told him where you heard this, because he told
+me, I should say nothing about him to anybody."
+
+"All right," replied Manning, "if I find him, it won't make much
+difference to him who told me about him."
+
+As he uttered these words a peculiar look came into the shrewd face of
+the Jew, a look which was partly of quick suspicion and of fear, and he
+eyed the imperturbable detective for a few moments as though seriously
+in doubt about the whole affair. Manning, however, had nothing further
+to say, and bidding the clothier a pleasant farewell he left the store.
+
+On returning to the hotel, he found that he had several hours to wait,
+as no train would leave Bismarck until evening, and he therefore
+employed his time in writing up his reports and mailing them to me.
+
+After partaking of an early tea, he returned to the railroad station,
+where he discovered that he had yet some time to wait before the arrival
+of the train, which was belated. As he was standing on the rude
+platform, musing over the events which had taken place in his journey
+thus far, and speculating as to the probable result of his chase after
+an individual who had seemed, phantom-like, to have eluded his grasp at
+every point.
+
+He knew full well the desperation of the man he was following, and the
+threat that "no two men should take him alive," was, he realized, no
+idle one. He had no doubt that unless he could circumvent him in some
+way, his capture might be no easy task, and that in this undeveloped
+country he was taking his life in his hands in the journey he was now
+making. He never faltered for an instant, however; he was determined to
+capture this criminal, if possible, and he quietly murmured to himself:
+"Well, let the worst come, a quick eye and a steady hand are good things
+to have in a meeting like this may be, and I'll take care that Thomas
+Duncan does not catch me napping."
+
+His meditations were suddenly interrupted by the unexpected appearance
+of the little Jewish tailor, who, breathless and panting, now came
+scrambling up on the platform and exclaimed:
+
+"Py gracious, Mr. Manning! I vas afraid you vas gone, and I hafe
+somedings on my mindt dot bodders me like de dickens!"
+
+[Illustration: "Py cracious, Mr. Manning, I hafe somedings on my mindt
+dot bodders me loike de dickens!"]
+
+"What is it that troubles you, Mr. Gross?" inquired the detective,
+laughing in spite of himself at the little fellow's distress.
+
+"Vell, I'll told you," he answered, mopping the perspiration which was
+streaming from his face. "I was tinkin' dot may be if you git dot
+fellow, you vould be vantin' me for a vitness, and s'help me Moses I
+vould not do dot--not for dwo hundred tollar."
+
+"Oh, you need not give yourself any uneasiness on that score, Mr.
+Gross," said Manning; "you will not be wanted in any case whatever."
+
+"My gootness, I vas glad of dot. If I vas to leaf my bisness I vould be
+ruined. Dot's all right, dough. Let's go und take a glass of peer."
+
+At this juncture, the shrill whistle of the approaching train was heard,
+and this fact enabled the detective to decline the proffered
+beverage. After a hearty hand-shake from the nervous little clothier,
+Manning sprang upon the train and in a few moments later he was on his
+way to Miles City.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+From Bismarck to Bozeman--The Trail Growing Warmer--Duncan Buys a
+Pony--A Long Stage Ride.
+
+
+The distance from Bismarck to Miles City is about three hundred miles,
+and as Manning left the former place early in the evening, he secured a
+couch in the comfortable sleeping car, and shortly afterward retired to
+rest. It seemed almost incredible the giant strides which had been made
+in a few years in the process of civilization in our western country.
+But yesterday the ground which our operative was now traveling in
+comfort, was overrun by the Indian and the wild beasts of the forest,
+and to-day along his entire route were rising up substantial towns and
+villages, bringing in their wake the enlightening influences of
+education and morality. The railroad, that mighty agent of
+civilization, is rapidly forging a chain of communication between the
+two great oceans, and travel in the western wilds, formerly fraught with
+hardships and dangers unspeakable, is now performed with rapidity,
+comfort and safety. In the morning the train stopped at Little Missouri,
+where the passengers were refreshed with breakfast, then on again past
+Sentinel Butte, they left the boundaries of Dakota and entered the great
+territory of Montana. On again like the rush of the wind, until about
+five o'clock in the afternoon, they arrived at Miles City, where the
+train was to remain nearly two hours, before continuing their journey.
+
+Miles City was another striking illustration of the wonderful growth of
+American towns. Less than a year ago, a barren waste marked the spot
+where now was growing a thriving city. The railroad, as in other
+localities, had played an important part in awakening this uninhabited
+region to life and activity. The trackless, boundless prairie had been
+reclaimed, and was now a flourishing city, full of bustle and vigor.
+Making his way to a neat and comfortable hotel, which bore the rather
+euphonious title of St. Cloud, Manning partook of a substantial meal and
+then set about his investigations. He soon found news of the object of
+his inquiries. From the proprietor of the St. Cloud, he learned that
+Duncan had remained here two days, and upon the register he saw the now
+well-known signature of Tom Moore of Chicago. He had informed the
+inn-keeper of his intention of going to Bozeman, a town lying to the
+north of the Crow Reservation.
+
+Manning resolved, therefore, to press right on, and he returned to the
+railroad station, where the train was still waiting. Purchasing a ticket
+for Billings, he started again on his way, and at nearly midnight he
+arrived at his destination, where he secured quarters for the night.
+
+Billings was, at this time, the terminal point of the Northern Pacific
+railroad, and as the detective sought the open air on the following
+morning, he was amazed at the scenes that were presented to his view.
+The place was literally swarming with people. Prospectors, land-buyers,
+traders, merchants, and a miscellaneous army of railroad men were
+everywhere. No time had been afforded in which to build suitable
+structures for housing the ever-increasing population, and the town
+presented the appearance of a huge encampment; nearly one-half of the
+city being composed of canvas tents. In the hotels, on the corners of
+the streets, and in the places of business, the universal topic of
+conversation was the phenomenal growth of the city, and the grand
+prospects which the future had in store for this embryotic western
+metropolis. Along the railroad, a perfect army of workmen were
+assembled, awaiting their orders for the day. Graders, tie-men,
+track-layers and construction corps, were already on the spot, and they
+too seemed imbued with the same spirit of enthusiasm which filled their
+more wealthy and ambitious neighbors in the city. As may readily be
+imagined, crime and immorality followed hand in hand with the march of
+improvement. The gambler and the harlot plied their vocations in the
+full light of day, and as yet unrebuked by the ruling powers of a
+community, too newly located to assume the dignity of enacting laws.
+
+The detective made his way through the streets, mentally noting these
+things, while his efforts were directed to finding some trace of Thomas
+Duncan. He made a systematic tour of the hotels, or more properly
+speaking, the boarding-houses with which the town was filled, and after
+numerous disappointments, was at last successful in learning something
+definite of the movements of his man. At a hotel called the "Windsor,"
+he found the unmistakable signature he was looking for, and was
+convinced that Tom Moore of Chicago had preceded him but a few days.
+Exhibiting his talismanic photograph to the proprietor, he was informed
+that Duncan had been there some ten days before, and after remaining a
+day or two, had gone over to the military cantonments, some four or five
+miles distant, where a detachment of United States soldiers were
+quartered.
+
+Procuring a horse, Manning started for the cantonment, where he was
+kindly received by Major Bell, the officer in charge, who informed him
+that Duncan had been there some days before, and that he had remained
+about the camp for several days, playing cards with the soldiers and
+enjoying himself generally. During his stay he had purchased a pony from
+a Crow Indian, and while he was at the cantonment he rode into Billings
+and bought a Sharp's repeating rifle, after which he had mounted his
+horse and rode off in the direction of Fort Custer. He had remained away
+several days when he again returned to the cantonment, and after
+remaining there one night, he had started on horseback for Bozeman and
+Helena.
+
+This was authentic and gratifying intelligence. Manning had received not
+only reliable information as to the movements of Duncan, but the
+distance between them had been materially lessened by the fugitive's
+long detention at the cantonment. The burglar was now but a few days
+ahead of him, and if nothing transpired to delay him, he would soon
+overtake the man, who, from all indications, was entirely unsuspicious
+of the fact that a detective was upon his track who had followed his
+trail as closely and as unerringly as the Indian follows the track of
+the beast through forest and stream. As an additional means of
+identification, Manning secured a full description of the horse
+purchased by Duncan, and with this increased fund of information,
+Manning returned to Billings. On the following morning, seated beside
+the driver on the top of the stage-coach, and behind four dashing bay
+horses, Manning rattled out of the pushing little town of Billings on
+his way to Bozeman.
+
+He now indulged in high hopes of soon overhauling Duncan, and all along
+their way, whenever the stage stopped to change horses, he was gratified
+to receive the information that the man and the pony which he described
+had passed over the same route a few days in advance of him.
+
+The road from Billings to Bozeman led them part of the distance along
+the Yellowstone river, and through a country wild and picturesque in the
+extreme. Sometimes winding around the sides of a huge mountain, from
+which they obtained a magnificent view of the rugged and beautiful
+scenery below, and again descending to the valleys, they swept along
+between the mountains which towered aloft on either hand, their rugged
+sides forming a marked contrast with the emerald-hued verdure skirting
+their base. Occasional ranches presented the evidences of cultivation
+and profitable stock-raising. Broad fields and luxuriant pastures were
+spread before the view, and hundreds of sleek cattle were scattered over
+the country, either sleeping quietly in the sun or browsing upon the
+rich, tender herbage which abounds. At these ranches the horses were
+frequently changed, and the mail was delivered, much to the
+gratification of these hardy pioneers, who were otherwise shut out from
+the busy actions of the world beyond them.
+
+The country through which they passed was exceedingly rich in an
+agricultural point of view, the resources of which cannot be
+overestimated, and the atmosphere was dry and pure. Inhaling the
+invigorating air as they rode along, Manning suffered none of the
+discomforts which are naturally consequent upon a journey by stage of
+more than one hundred and fifty miles. At noon, they stopped at a ranch
+station, and here they were regaled with a repast which would have
+tickled the palate of an epicure. Broiled trout from a mountain stream
+near by, roast fowl and a variety of dishes, made up a feast well worthy
+of the lusty appetites of the travelers. Here, too, Manning received
+tidings of the fleeing burglar. His horse, which was a fine one, and
+peculiarly marked, had been noticed particularly by the ranchmen, so
+there was no doubt that he was upon the right road to overtake him.
+
+After the dinner, and a good resting spell, they resumed their journey.
+Now their road ran along the fertile valley, and again passing through a
+sharp defile in the mountains, and finally winding its way along a
+narrow ledge of rock, where the slightest turn to left or right, a
+single misstep of the sure-footed animals, or an awkward move of their
+driver, would have hurled them into an abyss hundreds of feet below,
+where instant and horrible death awaited them.
+
+No accident befell them, however, and just as the sun was going down in
+a blaze of glory, behind the towering mountains into the west, they
+arrived at a ranch for supper and rest.
+
+In the evening the moon came out, illuminating the landscape with a soft
+enchanting beauty, as its beams fell upon the tall mountain and the
+level plain, lighting up tree and flower, and flashing upon the river
+like a myriad of polished gems. As they rode along, song and story
+enlivened the journey, and a draught or two from a wicker-covered flask
+which the detective carried, soon produced an era of good feeling
+between the outside passengers and the burly, good-natured driver.
+
+"Have you ever been bothered with robbers or highwaymen along this
+route?" asked Manning of their driver during a lull in the conversation.
+
+"Well, we used to be," answered the fat fellow, with a quiet chuckle, as
+he cracked his whip unpleasantly near to the flank of the off leader,
+who was lagging a little; "but of late we haven't seen anything of the
+kind."
+
+"Ever had any adventure with them yourself?" asked Manning in a coaxing
+tone, as he fancied he could see that the old fellow had a story which
+he could be induced to relate.
+
+"Yes," he answered, puffing quietly away at a cigar which Manning had
+given him. "About a year ago I had a little experience up near
+Thompson's place, which we will reach about ten o'clock, if we have no
+bad luck."
+
+"Let us hear it, won't you?" asked one of the other passengers, now
+becoming interested.
+
+"Well," answered the driver, evidently pleased at finding himself an
+object of interest, "wait until we round this spur here, and then we'll
+have a tolerable straight road ahead. I don't suppose, though, that
+you'll find it very interesting."
+
+In a few moments they passed around the spur of the mountain, and the
+whole landscape was lighted up with a blaze of moonlight that flooded
+the scene with a radiance beautiful to behold. No living habitation was
+within sight, and the rumble of the coach was the only sound that broke
+the stillness that brooded over the scene.
+
+The driver settled himself back in his seat, and after a few preparatory
+coughs, and a swallow of brandy, to clear his throat, began his
+narration.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+The Stage Driver's Story.
+
+
+"Well," said the driver, as he set his long-lashed whip into its socket,
+and gathered up his reins in his left hand, in order to afford him an
+opportunity to declaim more freely with his right, "you must know that
+I've been drivin' on this line more than two years, and consequently I
+know every inch of the route like a book. I must own, though, that I
+didn't know quite as much at the time I speak of. The driver whose place
+I took when I came on to the road, had been pretty badly used up in a
+scrimmage with the bandits about a week before, and I didn't like the
+prospects, you may be sure; but as I was out of a job, I took this, and
+I made up my mind when I I commenced, never to put my head in the way
+of a robber's bullet, if I could help it."
+
+"That's the case with most of you, isn't it?" said Manning,
+good-naturedly.
+
+"What makes you think so?" inquired the driver, quizzically.
+
+"Why, the ease and success with which stage coaches have usually been
+robbed," was the reply.
+
+"Well, I'll tell you," he answered, good-humoredly, and not the least
+disturbed by Manning's quiet reflection on the bravery of stage drivers
+in general. "When a fellow has to manage four tolerably skittish horses
+with both hands full of leather, he haint much time to fool around
+huntin' shootin' irons, 'specially when he's got to look down into the
+muzzle of a repeater which is likely to go off and hurt somebody."
+
+"Do you think these stage robbers, as a rule, are disposed to kill
+anybody?" asked Manning.
+
+"Why, sir," answered the driver, "they would just as soon kill a stage
+driver as eat their breakfast, and they know how to handle a rifle,
+too, let me tell you."
+
+"There's something in that reasoning," replied Manning, laughingly. "But
+go on with your story."
+
+"Well," continued the driver, "I had made several trips and had met with
+no trouble or accident, so I began to think the gang had gone away from
+these parts, and that there was no danger to be feared. However, I still
+carried a brace of good revolvers in a handy place, just to make sure I
+was safe; though, Lord bless you, I knew I couldn't get at them in time
+to do any good, if the robbers did attack us.
+
+"Well, one morning--it was a cold, raw day in April--I left Billings
+with my coach full of people, most of whom were goin' through to Helena,
+although I only drove as far as Bozeman, just as I do now. I had nine
+passengers, all told, and among the number was an old ranchman named
+Kyle Barton, and his handsome daughter. I tell you, she was a stunner;
+her hair was as black as a crow, and her bright black eyes sparkled
+like diamonds. I knew 'em both pretty well, for the old man owned a
+ranch out near Bozeman, and was as fine a man as ever stood six feet in
+his boots. The young woman was a fiery little beauty, and as hard to
+manage as a three-year-old colt. The old man and his daughter had been
+on a trip to the East, and were now returning home again, after bein'
+away several months. Well, the young woman, as I have said, for all she
+was as pretty as a picture, had a devilish wicked look in her flashing
+black eyes, that made a fellow kind 'o wilt when she looked him square
+in the face.
+
+"The young woman took her seat on the inside, while the old man, who was
+hardy and tough as a pine knot, took his place on the outside, right
+where you are sittin' now. It was pretty cold, and we had to bundle up
+pretty well, but the old man didn't mind it a bit. He smoked his pipe
+and passed his bottle--thankee', yes, sir, I don't care if I do--and we
+were enjoying of ourselves amazin'.
+
+"We journeyed along all day," continued the driver, as he handed the
+bottle back, and wiped his lips with the sleeve of his coat, "and
+nothin' happened to hinder or delay us in the least. Instead of gittin'
+warmer as the day wore on, it kept gittin' a dern sight colder, until
+along about four o'clock in the afternoon, when it began to snow, and by
+early dark, it was hard at it, a regular December snow-storm, with a
+drivin' wind that cut our faces tremendous. This bothered us a good
+deal, for the snow being wet and sticky, would ball up on the horses'
+feet so that they could hardly stand, and we just poked along our way at
+a gait not a bit faster than a slow walk. We couldn't get along any
+faster, and it was no use a-beatin' the poor critters, for they was
+a-doin' all in their power, and a-strainin' every nerve to keep
+a-movin'.
+
+"The old ranchman was a good-hearted, sociable old fellow, and he didn't
+seem to mind the storm a bit. As we plodded along he talked about his
+cattle ranch, the price of cattle, and what profit he had made that
+year. It was along after dinner, and we had both been strikin' the
+bottle pretty regular, although the cold was so great we could hardly
+feel it, when he fell to talkin' about himself and his daughter. We were
+the only two outside, and he became quite confidential like, and I
+pitied the old man, for he'd had a deal of trouble with the young
+spitfire inside.
+
+"Among other things, he told me that she had almost broken his old heart
+lately by fallin' in love, or imaginin' she had, with one of his
+herdsmen, a handsome, dashing, devil-may-care sort of a fellow he had
+picked up at Bozeman and taken out to his ranch about a year before.
+When the old man found out that the gal was gone on the fellow, and that
+he was a-meetin' her after dark, he ups and discharges him instanter,
+and gives him a piece of his mind about his takin' a mean advantage of
+the confidence which had been placed in him.
+
+"His daughter, Stella, as he called her, fought against his dischargin'
+of the young man, and had been sullen and ill-tempered ever since her
+lover left. He had caught them correspondin' with each other after that,
+and on one occasion he was certain they had a clandestine meetin'. On
+findin' out that his daughter was determined not to give up this
+worthless young cuss, the old man made up his mind to take her away, and
+he had accordin'ly packed up and gone on a long journey to the East,
+where he had stayed several months, and they were now just gettin' back
+to their home again. The old man had hoped that absence from her lover
+and meetin' with other people in different scenes, would induce her to
+forget her old passion, and to realize the folly she had committed in
+seekin' to marry such a worthless fellow against her father's wishes."
+
+"I don't see what this has got to do with the bandits, though," now said
+the detective, who was getting a little anxious to find out what all
+this was leading to.
+
+"I was afraid it wouldn't interest you much," replied the driver; "but
+you'll soon see the point to my story and what this young girl had to
+do with it."
+
+"I beg your pardon," said Manning, "I am interested in it, only I was
+anxious to hear where the bandits came in. Let's take a little drop of
+brandy, and I promise you I won't interrupt you again until you have
+finished."
+
+Here he handed the flask over to the old man, who took it with the
+remark that it "looked for all the world like the one carried by the old
+ranchman," and after a hearty pull at it, passed it back again, and
+resumed his story.
+
+"As the darkness increased, the old ranchman, who it seemed had heard of
+the recent robberies, began to grow a little nervous, although he didn't
+appear to be a dern bit scared. He looked carefully to the condition of
+his pistols, and also advised me to have mine handy in case of need;
+nothin' would satisfy him but I had to get mine out of the box, and
+after he had looked them all over, they were laid on the seat between
+us. Not content with this, he warned the inside passengers that there
+was danger to be apprehended, and that there were bandits on the road.
+He urged them to have their weapons in readiness, so that in case the
+robbers did come, we could give them a red-hot reception. The people
+inside caught the old man's spirit, and they all resolved that if an
+attack did come they would meet it like men. To tell the truth, I didn't
+fear any danger, and I thought the old man was excitin' everybody
+without cause; but I didn't say anything, cause it wouldn't do any harm
+anyhow, even if we were not molested.
+
+"However, I had reckoned without my host, for just as we reached this
+place, and were a-turnin' around this bend in the road, two men sprang
+out from the bushes and grabbed the lead horses by the bits. Two more
+jumped out on one side of the coach, and two more on the other, while
+one man stepped up to me and demanded me to come down. Of course the
+coach was stopped, and just as the robber spoke to me, the old man
+reached over in front of me and fired. The robber fell at once
+without a sound. Barton then fired at the man at the horse's head
+nearest him, and brought him down. These shots were both fired as quick
+as a flash, but his aim had been unerring. 'Duck down, Davy, duck down,'
+he cried to me as he swung himself from the coach, and a volley of
+bullets passed over our heads.
+
+[Illustration: "The old man reached over in front of me and fired."]
+
+"I followed his example, and in a hurry, too, and escaped unhurt. Just
+then we heard two reports from the passengers inside, and in less time
+that it has taken me to tell it the scrimmage was over and the robbers
+who were unhurt had fled, leaving three of their number on the ground,
+two of them seriously wounded, and the other one as dead as a post, with
+a bullet hole plum through his forehead.
+
+"As soon as they could the passengers clambered out of the coach, and by
+the aid of our lanterns, we found the robbers as I have just told you.
+We all congratulated ourselves on our fortunate escape, and the old man
+was warmly commended for his forethought and for the gallant service he
+had rendered.
+
+"I saw the old man did not seem disposed to say much, but I also noticed
+a look of grim satisfaction on his face as he looked down at the dead
+bandit. He then looked anxiously toward the coach, and seemed relieved
+to find that his daughter still remained inside.
+
+"We bound up as well as we could the wounds of the other two, and lifted
+them to the top of the coach. When it came to the dead one, some of the
+passengers were in favor of lettin' him lie where he was, but others
+objected and wanted to take him along with us, as we did not have far to
+go."
+
+"While we were discussin' the question, the young woman, who had got out
+of the coach while we were talkin', and without her father observin'
+her, caught sight of the bandit's face, as he lay on his back in the
+snow, and with a wild scream of anguish, she pushed the men aside and
+flung herself upon the lifeless body. Her sobs were terrible to hear,
+and many a strong man turned away to hide the tears that came to their
+eyes in spite of them. Her father approached her and tried to draw her
+away, but all to no use, until at length her strength gave out, and she
+fainted dead away.
+
+"You see," continued the driver, "that dead man was her lover. He had
+been engaged in the business of robbin' stage coaches for a long time,
+and only hired with the old man as a cover to hide his real business,
+and to try and win the girl, whom he had frequently seen before.
+
+"The old man was all broke up about the girl, but he was glad that
+things had happened as they did, and he felt sure that after her grief
+was over, she would not fail to see the danger she had escaped, and to
+thank her father for savin' her from a life of shame and disgrace.
+
+"We lifted the girl into the coach, and put the dead man along with the
+others on the top. He had been the terror of the neighborhood, although
+no one knew, until this time, who had been the leader of this murderous
+gang. We buried him at Bozeman, and since that time we have had no
+trouble with anything like bandits or robbers along the route."
+
+"What became of the other two?" asked the detective.
+
+"They were put under arrest, but somehow they managed to escape before
+they were brought to trial, and that was the last we ever heard of
+them."
+
+"And the girl," asked Manning, "what became of her?"
+
+"Oh, she is all right now; as pert as a cricket, and prettier than
+ever," answered the driver. "She was married some time ago to a young
+fellow who is the sheriff of the county here, and is as happy as the day
+is long. You wouldn't know that she ever had an experience like this,
+and I don't believe she ever thinks of her bandit lover, while she hangs
+around her old father with all the affection of a child, and the old
+ranchman is as happy and contented a man as you will find in the whole
+county."
+
+As the driver concluded his narrative, the stage rolled into Bozeman,
+and at sharp midnight they drew up before the door of the inn. The moon
+was still shining, and lights were flashing from the windows when they
+arrived. Tired and hungry, the passengers alighted, and after a light
+lunch, Manning procured a bed and retired to rest.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+False Information which Nearly Proves Fatal--A Night Ride to
+Helena--Dangers by the Wayside.
+
+
+Traveling by coach is far from being as comfortable and pleasant as a
+journey by rail. The time occupied in going comparatively short
+distances is very great, besides the rough jolting over uneven roads
+which is a natural concomitant of stage coach travel. It is true that by
+the easy locomotion of a journey of this kind, a much better view of the
+surrounding country is afforded, and the traveler finds ample
+opportunities to admire the beauty of nature everywhere spread before
+him; but even that palls upon the eye when the journey is protracted
+from early morn until midnight, and the traveler is cramped up in an
+uncomfortable position upon the driver's box. Under such circumstances,
+after a time, there is but little compensation for the trials and
+fatigues of a journey such as Manning had just completed when he arrived
+at Bozeman on the night before. The road through which they had come led
+them through a country so varied in its grand and imposing beauty,
+towering rocks and fertile valleys, winding streams and gentle
+elevations, that for a time fatigue was forgotten in the enjoyment of
+the scenes about him, and it was not until the journey had been
+completed that he realized how utterly wearied and tired out he was. His
+limbs were sore and stiffened from his cramped position, and being
+unable to sleep at all on the journey, he was completely exhausted when
+he sought his couch at the hotel at Bozeman. Being of a strong and
+healthy physique, however, and upheld by an ambition to succeed in the
+mission he had undertaken, Manning arose in the morning, and after a
+refreshing bath and an excellent breakfast, was quite rested and fully
+prepared to continue his efforts.
+
+Bozeman, unlike the other towns which he had passed through upon his
+journey, was remotely situated as yet from railroad communication, and
+yet in spite of that fact was a busy and well-populated little town. It
+is the county seat of Gallatin county, and contained at this time
+several pretentious stores, a hotel, a national bank, and a goodly
+number of substantial dwellings. As may naturally be inferred, there was
+the usual complement of saloons, in which drinking and gambling were
+indulged in without license, and with no fear of restraint from the
+prohibitory influences of the law.
+
+Failing to find any trace of Thomas Duncan, or "Tom Moore," at the
+hotel, Manning began his usual systematic tour of these houses of public
+entertainment. House after house was visited, and the day waned without
+his making the slightest discovery that would avail him at all in his
+pursuit. At length, however, as night was falling, he encountered a
+saloon-keeper, who in answer to his inquiries gruffly informed him, that
+a person answering Duncan's description and mounted upon a pony
+resembling his, had stopped in his saloon a few days before, and had
+gone away in the direction of the Yellowstone Park.
+
+This was rather disappointing intelligence, for it required him to
+retrace his steps, and go back over ground which he had already
+traveled. However, if the information was reliable, no time was to be
+lost, and he started from the saloon to commence his preparations at
+once.
+
+While at the bar, he had noticed a sturdy, honest-looking miner, who was
+taking a drink, and who had stopped and looked intently at him while the
+proprietor had given him the information above mentioned. As Manning
+left the saloon, the man followed him a short distance, and when out of
+sight of the saloon called after him; Manning stopped and the man came
+toward him.
+
+"Mister," said he, as he approached the detective, "ef ye go to the
+park, you won't find the man yer arter, that's a dead sure thing."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Manning with some surprise.
+
+"I means as how the boss of the saloon yonder has lied to ye, that's
+all."
+
+"What makes you think so?"
+
+"Bekase I passed the man ye wor askin' about three days ago, on the road
+to Helena."
+
+"Are you sure about this?"
+
+"Well, I reckon I am. I couldn't make much of a mistake about that
+white-faced pony he wor a-ridin'."
+
+Requesting the miner to accompany him to the hotel, Manning interrogated
+him closely about the appearance of the man, and found that he was
+giving him the correct information, as his description of Duncan tallied
+precisely with what he himself had already learned. After carefully
+weighing the matter, Manning decided to act upon this latter
+information, and to start for Helena that evening. The saloon-keeper
+evidently mistrusted some danger to Duncan, from the detective's
+inquiries, and Manning was inclined to believe that the fugitive had
+stopped there during his stay in Bozeman, and that the proprietor of the
+saloon had attempted to deceive him and turn him off from the tracks of
+the unfortunate burglar.
+
+Thus far, from all that could be learned of Duncan's movements, the
+young man was traveling entirely alone. From point to point across the
+western continent Manning had traced him, and no tidings of a companion
+had been as yet received. Alone and friendless, cut off from all the old
+associations of his past life, this unfortunate man was flying from a
+fate which he felt must be impending. Through the long summer days and
+under the starry skies during the weary nights, this fleeing outcast was
+working his way to fancied freedom and security. I wonder if, during the
+long watches of the night, when he sought the needed slumber which his
+weary brain and body demanded, whether the accuser's voice was not
+sounding in his ears, whether he did not start with affright at fancied
+dangers, and find his lonely life a burden, heavy and sorrowful!
+
+It was now nearly eight o'clock, and the stage would not leave for
+Helena until midnight, and Manning, having nothing else to do, sought a
+few hours' sleep in order to be better prepared for the long journey
+before him. The distance from Bozeman to Helena was about ninety-five
+miles, and from what he had heard the roads were in a terrible
+condition. Heavy rains had fallen recently, and the mud in some places
+along his journey was said to be nearly axle deep. Undaunted by the
+gloomy prospect before him, however, Manning rested quietly, and, when
+the time for starting arrived, he was fully refreshed and eager for the
+long ride before him.
+
+Profiting by his past experience, he now secured an inside seat, as he
+would be better protected from the chilling night winds so prevalent in
+this mountainous country, and would perhaps, be able to sleep at
+intervals during the hours which would ensue before daylight.
+
+The other passengers in the coach were three men who were interested in
+mining in the neighborhood of Helena, and who, like himself, were bound
+for that place. They were all, however, rather wearied with their
+journey from Billings, and very much disposed to sleep. Manning,
+therefore, stowed himself away in one corner of the coach, as
+comfortably as he was able to do, and nodded and dozed fitfully until
+they arrived at the breakfast station at Gallatin, a little town on the
+river.
+
+After an hour's rest and a change of horses, they pushed on again. From
+this point onward they found the reports about the condition of the
+roads fully verified. The stage lumbered along through the deep, muddy
+roads, and ever and anon the passengers would be required to alight, and
+assist in lifting the wheels from a particularly soft spot, where they
+were threatened with being inextricably mired. As may be imagined, a
+journey under such circumstances was far from being a pleasant one, but
+they all submitted with good nature to a state of affairs which was
+beyond their power to remedy. As it was, they fared much better than a
+party of travelers whom they met upon the road. They were returning from
+Helena, and when crossing a narrow bridge over one of the mountain
+streams, had the misfortune to have their coach overturned, and
+themselves precipitated violently to the ground, thereby sustaining
+serious injury. Upon meeting this forlorn party of travelers, Manning
+and his companions all turned out again, and by herculean efforts
+succeeded in righting the overturned coach, and in repairing, as far as
+in their power, the damage that had been done. With such laborious
+experiences as these, the party traveled on, and by the time they had
+arrived at the supper station they were almost exhausted.
+
+After this, however, the roads gradually improved, and as darkness came
+on, they again essayed to sleep. On they went, and the night was passed
+in uncomfortable slumber, broken and disturbed by the lurching and
+uneasy jolting of the coach over the rough mountain roads, and the
+curses of the driver, administered without stint to the struggling and
+jaded horses. The night, however, brought neither danger nor mishap, and
+at four o'clock in the morning they arrived at Helena, very much
+demoralized and worn out, but with whole bodies and ravenous appetites.
+Manning went to bed immediately on his arrival, and did not awake until
+the sun was high in the heavens, when he arose, feeling considerably
+refreshed and strengthened by his repose.
+
+Helena, the capital of Montana, he found to be a pushing and energetic
+city of about ten thousand inhabitants. Here were mills and factories, a
+handsome court-house, graded schools, several newspapers, charitable
+institutions and public hospitals, in fact, all the progressive elements
+of a thriving and well-settled city of modern times. All this had been
+accomplished in less than twenty years, and without the assistance of
+the railroad or the energizing influence of river navigation. The
+railroad had not yet penetrated into this mountainous region, and the
+Missouri river was fourteen miles distant. To the adventurous spirit of
+gold-hunting Americans had Helena owed its origin and growth, and its
+resources were unknown until 1864, when a party of prospecting miners
+discovered unmistakable evidences of rich yielding gold and silver mines
+in the immediate vicinity of what is now the thriving city of Helena.
+Following this discovery, thousands of gold-hunters sought this new
+"Eldorado," and in a few months a populous community had taken
+possession of the ground. Within a year after this the territory of
+Montana was formed, and from its central location and large population,
+Helena was chosen as the capital. From this time the success of the city
+was assured, emigration continued, the mines showed no signs of
+diminution, and the town soon aspired to the dignity of a city, despite
+its remoteness from the river, the railroad and the telegraph. Exceeding
+even California in the richness of its gold mines, Montana shows a
+wonderful yield of silver, which is obtained with an ease which makes
+mining a pleasurable and sure source of incalculable profit. In addition
+to the precious metals, copper is also found in abundance, and forms an
+important feature of the mineral wealth of this territory.
+
+Montana is easily reached during the season of navigation by steamboats
+on the Missouri river from St. Louis, from which point, without
+obstruction or transshipment, the river is navigable to Fort Benton,
+situated almost in the center of the territory, a distance of more than
+twenty-five hundred miles. Here, too, there is a large and constant
+supply of water, a matter of great difficulty and scarcity in other
+mining districts. As the range of the Rocky Mountains in this vicinity
+does not present that broken and rugged character which marks the other
+ranges, the land is especially adapted for agricultural purposes, and
+timber of all kinds abounds in sufficient quantities for all the
+purposes of home consumption. Possessing these manifold and important
+advantages, it is not strange that the country is not materially
+dependent upon the railroads for its growth and present development.
+
+These facts Manning gleaned in a conversation with the proprietor of the
+hotel, while he was making his preparations to commence his search for
+the man whose crime had led him such a long chase, and whose detection
+now seemed hopefully imminent.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+In Helena--A Fruitless Quest--Jerry Taylor's Bagnio--Reliable
+Tidings--A Midnight Ride--Arrival at Butte City.
+
+
+After obtaining much valuable information with reference to the various
+localities of the city, from the landlord of the hotel, Manning sallied
+forth upon his quest. With untiring energy he prosecuted his inquiries,
+only to meet with repeated disappointments and rebuffs; all day long he
+labored assiduously, visiting a hundred brothels, saloons and hotels,
+and yet without discovering a trace of Duncan or his white-faced
+quadruped. Could it be possible that the honest-faced miner had played
+him false, and designedly thrown him off the scent? Might not the
+saloon-keeper at Bozeman have given him the proper direction of
+Duncan's flight toward the Yellowstone park? and was he not now miles
+away from all pursuit, and perhaps by this time fully aware that he was
+being followed? These thoughts flew through the brain of the detective
+as after all his efforts he found himself baffled at all points. At
+length, in despair, he sought the aid of the authorities, and was
+received with a cordiality that was unmistakable, and with a proffer of
+assistance that promised to be valuable in the extreme. An officer, well
+tried and trusted, a man of considerable experience, and who was the
+very ideal of a discreet and intelligent official, was delegated to
+accompany him during the evening. For a long time these two men devoted
+their combined energies to the task before them; but as had been the
+case with Manning during the day, no success attended their efforts.
+
+At length the officer turned to Manning and said:
+
+"There is only one more place where we can possibly hope to hear from
+your friend, and I have left that until the last, because I scarcely
+hope to learn anything even there."
+
+"Let us go at once," said the detective; "drowning men, they say, catch
+at straws. I am determined that no possible point shall be lost and we
+may only be disappointed again; but let us try."
+
+"Come along, then," replied the officer; "but keep your revolver where
+you can find it, for you may have occasion to use it."
+
+"Where are we going?" asked Manning.
+
+"To Jerry Taylor's ranche," answered the officer, "as hard a dive as you
+ever saw."
+
+"Very well," said Manning, "we will go. I have no fear for myself, and
+perhaps this is the turning-point in our search."
+
+So saying they started off, and after half an hour's walk found
+themselves in the extreme northern part of the city, and in a locality
+which presented anything but an inviting appearance.
+
+Although but a short distance from one of the main thoroughfares, the
+houses were of the most wretched character, and the people who were
+congregated about the doorways were villainous looking men and
+low-browed, brazen-faced women. Lights shone from many windows, and from
+within came the sound of loud laughter and ribald song. They were
+evidently in a quarter of the city where vice reigned supreme and where
+poverty, crime and immorality held full sway.
+
+Passing through this neighborhood without molestation, for Manning's
+companion seemed to be well known and universally feared, they reached a
+long, rambling frame building, which was gayly painted and brightly
+illuminated. Men and women of all ages were entering and leaving the
+place, and crowds of people were gathered about the entrance. Above the
+noise of the clinking of glasses and the loud orders of the waiters,
+could be heard the sounds of music, and a general confusion of voices
+that bespoke a large assembly.
+
+The detective had frequently heard of the character of a dance-house in
+the far west, and here was an opportunity to view one in full blast.
+Elbowing their way through the crowd, Manning and his companion soon
+found themselves in a large, brilliantly lighted room, almost entirely
+bereft of furniture. At one end was a raised platform, on which were
+seated the orchestra, consisting of a piano, sadly out of tune, a
+cracked violin, and a cornet which effectually drowned out the music of
+the other two instruments. Around the sides of the room were ranged rows
+of tables and wooden chairs, which were occupied by men and women, all
+busily occupied in disposing of the villainous liquids which were
+dispensed to them by so-called pretty waiter girls, who had evidently
+long since become strangers to modesty and morality. The band was
+playing a waltz, and the floor was filled with a motley gathering of
+both sexes, who were whirling about the room, with the greatest
+abandonment, dancing madly to the harsh and discordant music. The scene
+was a perfect pandemonium, while boisterous laughter and loud curses
+mingled with and intensified the general excitement and confusion. Both
+the men and women were drinking freely, and some of them were in a wild
+state of intoxication, while others had long since passed the stage of
+excitement and were now dozing stupidly in the corners of the room.
+
+Manning and his companion stood for some time gazing at the scenes
+around them. The detective's mind was busy with somber meditations upon
+the human degradation that was here presented. Here were women, many of
+them still youthful and with marks of beauty still remaining, in spite
+of their life of dissipation. Their eyes were flashing under the
+influence of intoxication, and from their pretty lips were issuing
+blasphemies which made him shudder. Old women, with a long record of
+shame and immorality behind them, and with their bold faces covered with
+cosmetics to hide the ravages of time. Rough men, with their flannel
+shirts and their trousers tucked into their high, mud-covered boots.
+Young men of the city, dressed well and apparently respectable, yet all
+yielding to their passion for strong drink and the charms of lewdness
+and indecency. A strange, wild gathering of all grades and conditions,
+mingling in a disgraceful orgie which the pen refuses to depict. How
+many stories of happy homes wrecked and broken could be related by these
+painted lizards who now were swimming in this whirlpool of licentious
+gratification! How many men, whose past careers of honor and reputation
+had been thrown away, were here gathered in this brothel, participating
+in so-called amusements, which a few years ago would have appalled them!
+Ah, humanity is a strange study, and debased humanity the strangest and
+saddest of them all.
+
+[Illustration: Manning and his companion stood for some time gazing at
+the scenes around them.]
+
+The detective was aroused from his reflections by the voice of his
+companion.
+
+"What do you think of this?"
+
+"I scarcely know," answered Manning, sadly. "I have seen much of the
+under-current of social life, but this exceeds anything I have ever
+before experienced."
+
+"Oh, this is comparatively nothing," said the other. "Pleasure is the
+ruling spirit now. You should be here some time when there is a fight,
+and then you would think that hell was a reality, and these people
+devils incarnate."
+
+While they were thus conversing, the proprietor of the establishment,
+Jerry Taylor, approached them, and respectfully saluting the officer,
+whom he knew, said smilingly:
+
+"Seein' the sights of the city, are you, lieutenant?"
+
+"Well, yes, Jerry; that's part of our business. But we are looking for a
+young man who was here a few days ago, and perhaps you can help us?"
+
+"Well, if I can do anything for you I will," answered Jerry, who was a
+tall, broad-shouldered, black-haired man, with flashing black eyes and a
+somber mustache, which trailed below his chin. "Come over into the
+wine-room, where we can talk. We can't do it here for the noise."
+
+Accepting the suggestion, the three men walked across the room, and
+entering a narrow doorway in one corner, were ushered into an apartment
+which was designated as the "wine-room." This room was occupied by the
+better dressed portion of the habitues of the place, and their
+deportment was much more circumspect than those in the larger room
+outside. Leading the way to a table in a retired corner of the room, the
+proprietor requested them to be seated, while Manning called for the
+services of one of the waiter girls in providing for their liquid
+nourishment.
+
+The officer, who had obtained possession of Duncan's photograph, now
+produced it, and handing it over to Mr. Taylor, said:
+
+"Jerry, that is the fellow we are looking for. Do you know anything
+about him?"
+
+Taylor looked at the picture a moment, and then answered:
+
+"Certainly, I know something about him. He was here two or three days
+ago, and was as flush with his money as a nobby aristocrat."
+
+Manning's heart leaped with joy as he heard these words. He was no
+longer doubtful of results, and was satisfied that he was upon the
+right track.
+
+"How long did he stay here?" asked the officer.
+
+"Let me see," said Taylor, meditatingly. "He had a white-faced pony with
+him, and I took care of the animal in my stable. He was here, I guess, a
+day and two nights."
+
+"Do you know which way he went?" now inquired Manning.
+
+"Wait a moment, gentlemen," said Taylor, rising to his feet, "I think I
+can find some one who can tell you all about it."
+
+Walking to the door, he disappeared, and after an absence of a few
+minutes he returned, accompanied by a rather handsome young woman of
+about twenty years of age, and who appeared to be far superior to the
+balance of the females whom Manning had noticed since his entrance into
+the bagnio.
+
+The young woman came smilingly forward, and seating herself at the
+table, deliberately poured out a glass of wine, and tossed it off with
+an air of good humor that proved her to be no novice in the art.
+
+Jerry Taylor introduced the gay cyprian to the officers, and the nature
+of their business was soon made known to her.
+
+Without hesitation or the faintest evidence of a blush, she informed the
+officers that Duncan had been her companion during his stay in Helena,
+and that they had enjoyed each other's company immensely. He had lots of
+money, the girl said, and she had assisted him in spending some of it.
+In reply to their questions, the girl stated that Duncan had left Helena
+two days ago, and that he intended going to Butte City, where he had
+relatives in business. Further than this she could not say, and they
+were compelled to be satisfied with what information she had been able
+to give them.
+
+This was reliable and satisfactory news to Manning, and after lingering
+in the place a few minutes longer, and compensating the girl for her
+revelations, the two men took their departure and returned to the
+hotel, well pleased with the result of the evening's experience.
+
+Upon making inquiries, Manning learned, to his intense disappointment,
+that he would be obliged to wait until noon on the following day before
+he could secure a passage in the stage for Butte City. As no time was to
+be lost, now that he was approaching so near to what he hoped would be
+the termination of his journey, Manning determined not to delay his
+departure until the starting of the coach. The nights were moonlight
+now, and requesting the further services of the officer in assisting him
+to procure a good saddle horse and a guide, Manning resolved to start at
+once for Butte City.
+
+A horse was soon secured, and a trusty man was found who was well
+acquainted with the road, and who was willing to accompany him. Bidding
+farewell to the officer, whom he amply remunerated for his trouble,
+Manning, at ten o'clock that night, leaped into his saddle and set out
+on his journey. He rode hard all that night, and at sunrise reached
+Boulder, having traveled considerably more than half the distance. Here
+they stopped for breakfast, to feed their horses and take some rest. His
+guide left him at Boulder City and returned to Helena, and about nine
+o'clock, Manning set off alone for Butte. He pushed on without delay or
+accident, and about four o'clock in the afternoon arrived at his
+destination.
+
+His first care was to provide quarters for his horse, and to make
+arrangements for his return to Helena by the stage next day, after which
+he sought the hotel for rest, and refreshment for himself.
+
+How near he was to the object of his long search he did not know, but
+tired and hungry from his long ride, he mentally breathed a prayer that
+success would speedily crown his efforts, and that the weary chase would
+soon be ended.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+The Long Trail Ended--Duncan Traced to his Lair--Caught at Last--The
+Escaping Burglar a Prisoner.
+
+
+Butte City is a rich mining village in Deer Lodge county in the
+territory of Montana, and is surrounded by high hills, which contain
+rich deposits of gold and silver which are taken from the quartz rock,
+and in the city are situated the furnaces and other appliances for
+extracting the precious metals from the rocks in which they are found.
+The population, although largely of a transient and adventurous
+character, is composed of a respectable, well-ordered community, many of
+whom have located permanently, and have labored for the advancement and
+success of the village. There are several stores, numerous hotels, many
+very handsome private dwellings, and a newspaper. Though not so large as
+Helena, by any means, it bids fair in time to rival her more successful
+neighbor, and the elements of success are found within her domain. The
+local government consists of a mayor and a city marshal, while the
+deputies of the latter official constitute the police force who maintain
+order in the city and protect the persons and property of the citizens.
+A substantial jail looks frowningly down upon one of the main
+thoroughfares, and altogether Butte City is as well-conducted and
+carefully managed a town as is to be found west of the Mississippi
+river. Within a few months a railroad, a branch of the Union Pacific
+road, had been completed, which placed the city in communication, both
+by rail and telegraph, with the larger towns and cities located in the
+South and East.
+
+After a hearty dinner and a refreshing bath, Manning left the hotel and
+sought the office of the city marshal. Here, as elsewhere, he was
+received with the utmost courtesy and kindness, and with a warm proffer
+of assistance, which the detective most gladly accepted. He detailed the
+circumstances of the robbery and his long pursuit of the escaping
+burglar, and also his strong belief that Duncan was now hiding in the
+city. The marshal fully coincided with his views, and promised to aid
+him to the utmost of his ability. He then furnished Manning with the
+address of Duncan's relative, and the detective started out to find the
+locality to which he had been directed.
+
+He soon discovered the place he was looking for, located on the second
+floor of one of the larger buildings in the city, and over the entrance
+was suspended the sign:
+
+     GEORGE DUNCAN, CLOTHIER.
+
+Mounting the stairs without hesitation, the detective entered the store,
+where he found to his intense satisfaction the merchant at home. He was
+assured of this fact from the striking resemblance which the man bore to
+his fugitive relation. On the pretense of ordering a suit of clothing,
+the detective engaged him in conversation for some time, and after
+satisfying himself that Duncan was not about the premises he took his
+leave, promising to call again and effect his purchase. Arriving on the
+outside, Manning took up a position where he could watch the entrance
+unobserved, and where anyone entering or leaving the place could be
+readily seen by him. Maintaining his watch for several hours, he was
+gratified, about nine o'clock, to see the clothier making preparations
+to close his store, and a few moments afterwards he appeared upon the
+street. As the merchant walked along the streets, the detective followed
+him closely, never losing sight of him for a moment. For a time the man
+strolled about, apparently with no definite object in view, and Manning
+began to fear that his hopes of finding Duncan were futile, and that
+this relative was entirely unaware of his relative's movements. The
+night was dark and it was with difficulty that he could keep his man in
+sight, without approaching so close as to excite suspicion. At last,
+however, the merchant came out of a saloon which he had entered a short
+time before, and this time he was accompanied by another man whom
+Manning could not obtain a fair view of. Taking a circuitous route, they
+at length gained the main street in the vicinity of the merchant's
+store. Here they entered a doorway leading from the street and ascending
+a stairway were soon lost to sight. The detective at once surmised that
+the clothier occupied sleeping apartments in the building, and that the
+two men had probably retired for the night.
+
+His first impulse was to follow them up stairs and demand admittance,
+and should Duncan prove to be one of the parties, to make the arrest
+then and there. A little reflection, however, convinced him that such a
+proceeding would be not only unwise but hazardous in the extreme. He was
+not sure that the companion of the merchant was Duncan, as he had been
+unable to get close enough to recognize him, and a precipitate entry now
+would, in case he was not the man, only serve to put them all upon
+their guard against future surprises.
+
+Manning therefore rapidly made his way to the marshal's office, and
+finding him within, at once acquainted him with what he had discovered,
+and requested his advice and assistance. The marshal selected one of his
+most trusty assistants and the three men repaired to the place where
+Manning had seen the merchant and his companion enter. The marshal, who
+was intimately acquainted with the clothing merchant, informed Manning
+that the gentleman occupied apartments in the building, and suggested
+that he would be the best man to go up, as in case their man was not
+there, he could invent some pretext for his visit which would not excite
+undue suspicion.
+
+This proposition was agreed to, and the marshal ascended the stairs. He
+found the room unoccupied by the merchant and knocked at the door. All
+was dark and silent within, and no response came to his summons. After
+again knocking and making a careful examination of the place, the
+marshal was convinced that the room was empty and that the men, whoever
+they were, had departed.
+
+Returning to the sidewalk, a hurried consultation was held, and it was
+determined to leave the deputy to watch the room, while Manning and the
+marshal went to the various livery stables in the town, in order to
+ascertain if Duncan had arrived and had quartered his horse at any of
+them. This arrangement was immediately carried into execution, and
+stationing the deputy in a position where he could safely watch the
+premises, the other two started upon their errand.
+
+To Manning's delight their inquiries were rewarded with success, and at
+one of the livery stables they found the identical white-faced pony
+which had carried Duncan on his long journey, and which was now quietly
+resting in comfortable quarters. This was indeed glad tidings to the
+indefatigable detective, and he could have caressed the graceful little
+animal from pure joy. There was now no longer any doubt that Duncan was
+in the city, and that with proper precautions he could be secured. From
+Mr. Livermore, it was learned that Duncan had arrived in Butte City on
+the morning of the day previous, and that he was believed to be making
+preparations for a trip into Mexico, in company with his cousin, the
+merchant.
+
+Believing that the best means now to be adopted to secure the young man,
+was to remain in the stable until Duncan called for his horse, Manning
+requested permission to do so, which was cheerfully granted by the
+obliging liveryman. Manning therefore took up his position as a watcher,
+while the marshal went to look after the man whom they had left on the
+lookout at the sleeping apartments of the clothing merchant. After
+watching for a long time, Manning made himself as comfortable as
+possible, and prepared to spend the night in his new quarters. He dozed
+and slept at fitful intervals in his uncomfortable position, and the
+long night wore away without the appearance of the much-desired visitor.
+
+The stable in which Manning had established himself, was arranged with a
+row of stalls on either side, with a wide passage-way extending between
+them. He therefore ensconced himself in the vacant stall immediately
+opposite to the burglar's horse, and where he could see him at all
+times. By peering through the crevices in the woodwork he also commanded
+a full view of the entrance, and was thus enabled to see all who entered
+the barn. Slowly the morning waned away and as yet no sign of the man
+for whom he was waiting. How many times he had fancied he heard the
+longed-for footstep, and peered anxiously out, only to be disappointed,
+it would be impossible to tell. At length, however, just as he was about
+to despair of success, he heard footsteps at the door, and peeping
+through the opening in the stall, he saw the figure of the man for whose
+appearance he had watched so long, and whose face had haunted him day
+and night since he had started in pursuit of him. There he stood, not a
+dozen feet away from him, and as the detective gazed at the unsuspecting
+thief, a thrill of pleasurable excitement filled his being. In a moment,
+however, he had controlled himself; and perfectly calm and collected, he
+watched the man before him. There was no doubt that Duncan was
+contemplating a renewal of his journey. He was dressed in a hunting suit
+of heavy brown ducking, with high top boots and a wide brimmed sombrero,
+while across his shoulders was slung a leather bag, which was filled
+probably with clothing and provisions. In his hand he carried a splendid
+repeating rifle, and a brace of pistols were in his belt.
+
+All this the detective was able to note in the brief moment that Duncan
+paused at the door, as if looking for some one to whom he could give
+orders for the saddling of his horse. Seeing no one about the place,
+however, he set his rifle down in a corner by the door, and walked
+slowly down the passage until he reached the stall where his pony was
+standing.
+
+He was now directly in front of the spot where the detective was
+concealed, but with his back toward the operative. As he turned to go
+into the stall, Manning stopped quickly forward, with his revolver in
+his hand, and grasping Duncan firmly by the shoulder, he said:
+
+"Thomas Duncan, I have caught you at last."
+
+Duncan started as though he had been shot, as these words rang in his
+ears, and he felt the grasp of the detective's strong arm. In an instant
+he recovered himself, and his hand quickly sought one of the revolvers
+in his belt. The detective, however, was too quick for him, and placing
+the muzzle of his pistol against the burglar's cheek, he said,
+determinedly:
+
+"If you attempt to draw your pistol, I'll blow your brains out!"
+
+[Illustration: "If you attempt to draw your pistol, I'll blow out your
+brains!"]
+
+Duncan felt that it was useless to attempt to trifle with the resolute
+man before him, and his arms dropped to his side.
+
+"It's no use, Tod," said Manning, with a quiet smile. "I've got the drop
+on you, and you might as well cave. Throw your pistols on the
+ground."
+
+Mechanically Duncan did as he was directed, and then turning to Manning,
+he inquired in a low, suppressed tone:
+
+"What do you want me for?"
+
+"For the Geneva bank robbery," answered Manning. "You have led me a
+pretty long chase, but you see I have caught you at last."
+
+"If you had been one hour later," said the other, doggedly, "you never
+would have taken me. Once on my horse, I would have defied you, and I
+would have killed you like a dog."
+
+"Well, well," answered Manning, "we won't talk about what you might have
+done. I've got you, and that's enough for me."
+
+At this juncture the marshal made his appearance, and offering his
+assistance, the crestfallen young burglar was quietly led away to the
+jail, where he was searched, and fifteen hundred dollars in money was
+found upon his person, besides an excellent and valuable gold watch.
+Without waiting for any further results, Manning rushed to the
+telegraph office, in order to apprise me of his success. He could not
+repress a pardonable feeling of pride in the victory he had
+accomplished. His search was ended, his man was a prisoner, and shortly
+afterward there came clicking over the wires to Chicago, the following
+message:
+
+     "I have him, fifteen hundred dollars in money, a gold watch,
+     horse and rifle. Will sell horse for what I can get, and leave
+     here, with prisoner, for Chicago, in the morning."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+The Burglar Returns to Chicago--Revelations by the Way--The Missing
+Five Thousand Dollars.
+
+
+As I had received no tidings of John Manning since his departure from
+Minneapolis, it may be imagined that I was considerably relieved when
+his brief but comprehensive telegram from Butte City was received. So
+long a time had elapsed since he had been able to transmit me any
+definite information about his movements, that I had begun to grow
+alarmed, not only for the successful termination of his pursuit, but for
+his personal safety. Now, however, all my fears were set at rest; the
+daring and ambitious detective was safe and well, and in addition to
+this he had succeeded in capturing the fugitive, who was now in his
+custody. The chase had been a long and fatiguing one, but victory had
+crowned our efforts, and the entire quartette of criminals were now in
+the hands of the officers of the law, and would be held to answer for
+their crimes. The pursuit of Duncan had been most admirably carried out
+by my trusted operative, and Manning was deserving of unstinted credit
+for the sagacious mind and untiring spirit he displayed. So thoroughly
+determined had he been to secure his prisoner, that no consideration of
+personal comfort, or even necessary rest, had been allowed to interfere
+with his movements. With more than a month elapsing between the
+commission of the crime and the commencement of the chase, and traveling
+over a country thinly settled and semi-barbarous, I regarded the victory
+which he had achieved as one deserving of the highest encomiums, and
+reflecting great credit upon his skill, determination and pertinacity.
+
+Mr. Silby and the bank officials were immediately notified of Duncan's
+capture, and their satisfaction was unbounded; their congratulations
+were unsparingly uttered, and their words of commendation were of the
+heartiest and warmest character. They were now fully satisfied that the
+vexing problem of the missing five thousand dollars in coin would be
+solved, and earnestly hoped that the solution would inure to their
+advantage. However, nothing could be done in the matter until the
+arrival of Duncan, and we impatiently awaited his appearance.
+
+The next morning after his arrest Duncan was placed on the train, and in
+company with John Manning started for Chicago. The detective had
+experienced no difficulty in disposing of the horse owned by the young
+prisoner, and Mr. Livermore, the stable-man, became his purchaser for a
+fair price. Having experienced quite as much of the discomforts and
+fatigues of traveling by stage coach and on horseback as he desired,
+Manning resolved to return to Chicago by rail, and he accordingly took
+passage on the Idaho division of the Union Pacific railroad, which would
+be both a more expeditious and comfortable mode of traveling, besides
+being a safe method of conducting a prisoner.
+
+Ever since his arrest Duncan had been sullen and uncommunicative. He was
+evidently crushed by the sudden and surprising turn which affairs had
+taken. In the moment of his triumph he had fallen, and when he fancied
+himself the most secure, defeat and detection had overtaken him. It was
+not long, however, after they had started upon their return journey, ere
+Manning succeeded in breaking through his reserve, and in inducing him
+to talk freely. To the young man's credit be it said, that the first
+inquiry he made was in regard to the recovery of Miss Patton, the young
+lady whom he had assaulted in the bank, and when he learned of her
+speedy and complete recovery, he seemed quite relieved. He expressed the
+most intense regret at having been compelled, as he put it, to treat her
+so roughly, and he added, "I tell you she was a plucky little woman, and
+had Eugene Pearson been an honest man and fought as well as she did, we
+never could have got that money."
+
+"She is certainly a brave girl," replied Manning.
+
+"Why, look here," exclaimed Duncan, extending his left hand toward him,
+upon two fingers of which the detective noticed several dark-looking and
+freshly-healed scars. "I was compelled to strike her. She fastened her
+teeth into my hand, and bit me to the bone. I never could have got loose
+without that; as it was, my hand bled terribly, and was a long time in
+healing, besides being excessively painful."
+
+By degrees the detective led him to speak of his connection with the
+robbery, and after a momentary hesitation he revealed the whole story,
+which in every particular coincided with that already told by Newton
+Edwards. He stated that being in Chicago without money, and without a
+friend except Edwards, he had requested a loan from him, which was
+readily granted. Then followed another drinking spree in company with
+his friend, and during its continuance Edwards proposed the robbery, and
+explained how easily and safely it might be accomplished. Lured by the
+glittering prospect and intoxicated as he was, he gave a ready consent
+to enter into the scheme, and almost before he was aware of it, and
+certainly before he became thoroughly sober, the burglary had been
+committed, and with his ill-gotten gains he was on the road, seeking to
+escape from the consequences of his crime. He professed sincere
+repentance for what he had done, and stated that this was his first
+offense, which would now have to be atoned for by a long term of
+imprisonment.
+
+As they progressed upon their way, and when about fifty miles out,
+Duncan informed the detective that he had met a noted rough in Butte
+City who was known as Texas Jack, and that this man had told his cousin
+that, if he desired it, a party could be raised, who would waylay the
+train and effect his rescue.
+
+"What would you have done if they had made the attempt?" asked Duncan,
+jocularly.
+
+"Well," answered Manning coolly, and with determination, "they might
+have taken you, but it would have been after I had put a bullet through
+your brain."
+
+The quiet and resolute tone in which this was said, caused the robber's
+cheek to turn pale, as he saw the determined spirit of the man with whom
+he had to deal. It is needless to say that no attempt was made to effect
+a rescue, nor had Manning any fears that such an effort would be made,
+but he deemed it wise to give his prisoner a quiet but firm hint as to
+what the consequences would be if a rescue was attempted.
+
+During the remainder of the journey Duncan was as cheerful and pleasant
+in his manner as though no thought of a prison entered his mind, and the
+detective experienced no trouble or annoyance with him whatever.
+
+Two days later they arrived at Council Bluffs, where they changed cars,
+and, taking the Rock Island route, they were not long in reaching
+Chicago. Manning brought his prisoner to my agency, where he was taken
+care of until arrangements could be made for his transportation to
+Geneva.
+
+I cannot express the satisfaction I experienced when I realized at last
+that our chase was over, and that a full and satisfying victory had
+attended our efforts in this matter. All of the prisoners were now
+taken, and, except for the solution of the question of the missing five
+thousand dollars, our work had been successfully accomplished.
+
+Another matter Duncan had related to Manning while upon their journey,
+which, while unfortunate for us, at the same time did not detract from
+the victory we had gained. It appeared that, while traveling from
+Bozeman to Helena, Duncan had occasion to use his pocket-handkerchief,
+and, in pulling it out of his pocket, he also drew out a small package
+of notes which he carried loosely in his pocket, and which contained
+nearly five hundred dollars. This was exceedingly unfortunate, and
+accounted in some measure for the small amount of money which was found
+upon Duncan's person at the time of his capture.
+
+However, this was of comparatively trifling importance, when the
+important features of his arrest are considered, and when even the
+amount of fifteen hundred dollars had been actually recovered.
+
+On the whole, I was very well contented with affairs as they were, and
+as far as the bank was concerned, there was every indication of
+thankfulness and rejoicing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+The Mystery of the Missing Five Thousand Dollars Solved at Last--The
+Money Recovered--Duncan at Geneva.
+
+
+On the day following the arrival of Duncan in Chicago, he was conveyed
+to Geneva, in company with my son William and a trusty operative. As may
+be imagined, the appearance of the fourth and hitherto unknown burglar
+threw the inhabitants of the quiet little town into another state of
+wild excitement, this time, however, without any indication of hostility
+to my officers or their actions. A charge of sentiment had taken place
+in the public mind, and now, instead of threatened resistance to our
+movements, my men were received with every evidence of approbation and
+indorsement.
+
+Thomas Duncan was taken at once to the bank and here he made a full
+statement of his connection with the robbery, the amount of money which
+he and Newton Edwards obtained, and detailed at length his travels from
+the time he left Geneva until he was arrested at Butte City by John
+Manning. He fully corroborated the statement of Newton Edwards about
+their disappointment in not obtaining, within five thousand dollars, as
+much money as they expected, and he expressed the belief that Eugene
+Pearson had taken this additional sum, and had thus deceived both his
+companions and the bank.
+
+He fully explained the disposition they made of the valise, which
+contained the silver, by hiding it in the corn-field by the road-side;
+after which they continued their journey unincumbered by the weight of
+the coin, which they did not consider valuable enough to burden
+themselves with.
+
+After he had finished, William inquired:
+
+"Was there no other sack or sacks than those you have mentioned as being
+in the valise when you threw it away? Did you not dispose of some
+before you parted with the satchel? Think carefully now; there is a
+mystery about that sack of gold which we want to solve, if possible."
+
+"Eugene Pearson declares," added Mr. Silby, the bank president, "that he
+has given up everything, and is positive that you took away from the
+bank nearly fifteen thousand dollars in currency and coin."
+
+Again, as in the case of Edwards, the valise was brought out, and the
+amount of money which was supposed to have been taken at the time of the
+robbery, less five thousand dollars in gold, was handed to Duncan to
+lift. Duncan raised it in his hand, and at once pronounced it lighter
+than when they carried it away from the bank. A sack containing five
+thousand dollars in gold was then added, and when he again took it in
+his hands, he exclaimed:
+
+"That's more like it; when we left the bank the valise was fully that
+heavy."
+
+"Now, Mr. Duncan," said Mr. Silby, "this test satisfies me that Eugene
+Pearson is innocent of having taken more money than he has restored to
+us, and that when you left the bank, you carried away the amount he
+states."
+
+While Mr. Silby was speaking, Duncan had been recalling all the events
+which had transpired during their flight, and endeavoring to trace, step
+by step, all that they had done.
+
+"I remember now," he said slowly, after a few moments, "that before we
+concluded to throw away the valise, we sat down by the railroad track to
+rest. We then opened the valise, to see what it contained. Among the
+contents, I noticed a small, dingy sack, which was marked
+'silver--$100,' and that being pretty heavy, and only a small amount, I
+took it and hid it in the weeds that were growing around us. I suppose
+it is there yet, provided no one has found and removed it."
+
+At this juncture, Mr. Welton, the cashier, who had been listening
+quietly, jumped to his feet and excitedly exclaimed:
+
+"That solves the mystery! I remember distinctly having placed that gold
+in a sack marked silver, as it was the only one we could find at the
+time." Then turning to Duncan, he added: "You, therefore, instead of
+throwing away one hundred dollars in silver, as you supposed, actually
+disposed of five thousand dollars in as good gold as ever came from the
+mint."
+
+This explanation appeared to be as plain as the sun at noonday, and it
+was evident that, mistaking the contents of the sack to be silver, and
+of a small amount, Duncan had thrown it away, not deeming it worth the
+trouble of taking.
+
+"Can you tell the spot where you disposed of this sack?" asked William,
+who still indulged in the hope of recovering the missing money.
+
+"I think I could find it," answered Duncan. "And if you gentlemen will
+accompany me, I think I can point it out to you."
+
+Without delay, a carriage was procured, and Mr. Silby, Mr. Welton,
+Duncan and my son William, started off. They proceeded in the
+direction which Duncan said they had traveled after leaving the bank,
+and without difficulty he found the spot where he said they had stopped
+to rest.
+
+Alighting from the carriage, Duncan pointed out the place where they had
+seated themselves, and he sat down in what he claimed was the exact
+spot. It was at the foot of a little bank, which rose abruptly from the
+roadside, and was covered thickly with heavy grass and weeds, now dry
+and withered, and closely packed together. The three men who accompanied
+Duncan grew exceedingly anxious at this point, for a few moments would
+decide the question of the recovery of a large amount of money, or its
+unquestionable loss. Silently they waited, as Duncan thrust his hand
+under this growth of dry grass and weeds, where he said he had put the
+gold, and with surprise and joy they saw him draw forth the identical
+dingy-looking canvas bag. Exultantly he held it aloft, and then placed
+it in the hands of Mr. Welton, who, on opening it, found the shining
+gold pieces, and the mystery of the missing money was solved at last.
+
+[Illustration: With surprise and joy they saw him draw forth the
+identical dingy-looking canvas bag.]
+
+During all the weeks that had elapsed since the robbery, that gold had
+lain there undisturbed. Hundreds and thousands of people had tramped
+over the ground in the hope of finding some traces of the burglars, and
+no one had discovered the snug little sum which lay so temptingly near
+them, and which might have been theirs for the simple trouble of taking
+it.
+
+As for the bank officials and ourselves, our gratification at this
+profitable discovery was only exceeded by our astonishment at the
+singular manner in which it had been at last accomplished. Then, too, it
+set at rest all doubts as to the truthfulness of young Pearson's story,
+and proved conclusively that he was honestly regretful and penitent for
+the crime he had committed, and had given up all he had taken. At the
+same time it relieved his companions from any suspicion of having made
+away with or concealed it for future use.
+
+As for Duncan, to his credit it must be added, that he seemed as much
+pleased and relieved at this restoration of the stolen money as did any
+of the others, and this action impressed the officers of the bank with a
+feeling of profound sympathy for the unfortunate young man, and
+convinced them that although he had been guilty of a serious crime, he
+was not really bad at heart, and that this was his first offense, into
+which he had been led by his thoughtless folly and reckless dissipation.
+At his request, he was allowed to see Miss Patton, and to her he frankly
+and feelingly expressed his regrets for having so roughly treated her,
+and her forgiving words were received as gratefully as could have been
+desired.
+
+Our work was nearly finished. Out of twenty thousand dollars which had
+been taken, we had succeeded in recovering nearly eighteen thousand
+dollars; the balance, having been squandered by Edwards and Duncan, was,
+of course, irretrievably gone. But this was good enough as it was, and
+the officers of the bank were satisfied and delighted at this most
+satisfactory conclusion of an operation which, at its commencement,
+promised so little, and out of which such great results had flowed.
+
+The party returned to Geneva, and the next day Duncan was formally
+arraigned. He waived an examination, and in default of bail was removed
+to the county prison, where his confederates were already confined,
+anxiously awaiting their trial.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+Conclusion--Retribution.
+
+
+A few days later, and the last act in this sad drama of crime was
+performed. The four youthful criminals were arraigned for trial before a
+conscientious judge, and by a jury composed of gentlemen, many of whom
+were intimately acquainted with two of the accused, Eugene Pearson and
+Dr. Johnson, both of whom, it will be remembered, were born and reared
+in the little town of Geneva. As may be imagined, the trial attracted
+universal attention in that section of the country, and on the day that
+the court was convened, the town was filled with people from all the
+surrounding districts, who came to witness the important proceedings.
+Long before the hour fixed for the commencement of the trial, the
+court-room was crowded to suffocation by the eager multitude, who had
+come from far and near, for the purpose of being present at this unusual
+judicial investigation. Many were actuated only by the promptings of
+idle curiosity, and regarded the trial somewhat in the light of a
+diverting exhibition, for which no admission fee was charged; others,
+from a stern sense of justice, came to view a trial in which crime was
+to be punished, and the law in all its majesty was to be invoked for the
+protection of the honor of society, and the property of the individual.
+There was yet another class, who came from the impulses of love and
+sympathy and friendship--some who were linked to the unfortunate
+criminals by the ties of family and blood, and some who had known and
+esteemed them ere their hearts had been hardened, and before the wiles
+of the tempter had lured them from the paths of honor and virtue. There
+were present also the gray-haired father and mother of Eugene Pearson,
+broken and bowed with the grief and shame which had been brought upon
+them by the crimes of their beloved son; the aged parents of Dr.
+Johnson, who had come to witness, with saddened hearts, the doom of
+their darling boy; the young wife of Newton Edwards, who in the moment
+of her husband's ruin had, with true womanly devotion, forgotten his
+past acts of cruelty and harshness, and now, with aching heart and
+tear-stained eyes, was waiting, with fear and trembling, to hear the
+dreaded judgment pronounced upon the man whom she had sworn to "love and
+cherish" through "good and evil report."
+
+Since his incarceration she had been a constant visitor to his cell, and
+by her love and sympathy had sought to uphold the fallen man in the dark
+hours of his shame and disgrace. Here also was the aged father of Thomas
+Duncan, the only friend whom the young man had in all that vast
+assembly. Though his face was stern and immovable, yet the quivering of
+the lips and the nervous trembling of the wrinkled hands told too
+plainly that he too was suffering beyond expression in the sorrow that
+had been wrought by the boy who in his early years had been his pride
+and joy.
+
+When the judge had taken his seat, and the door opened to admit the four
+youthful prisoners, all eyes were turned upon them. Slowly and with
+downcast eyes they entered the chamber of justice, and amid an awe-like
+stillness that pervaded the room, took their seats in the prisoners'
+dock. In spite of all that had transpired, and with the full conviction
+that these youthful offenders richly merited whatever judgment they were
+to receive, there was not one in that entire audience, whose heart did
+not throb with sympathy for the aged parents and relatives of the
+accused, and even for the culprits themselves in this, the dreadful hour
+of their humiliation and grief.
+
+The trial was not a protracted one. A jury was speedily empaneled, the
+low, stern tones of the judge were heard in timely admonition, and the
+prosecution was commenced. Upon the prisoners being asked to plead to
+the indictments which had been prepared against them, Mr. Kirkman, a
+prominent attorney of Geneva, who had been retained to defend the
+unfortunate young men, arose, and in impressive tones entered a plea of
+guilty. With the keen perceptions of a true lawyer, he felt that the
+proofs were too strong to be overcome, and that to attempt to set up any
+technical defense would only result in greater hardships to his clients.
+He, however, made an eloquent and touching appeal for the exercise of
+judicial clemency. He referred in feeling terms to the youth of the
+prisoners, to the groups of weeping and stricken relatives, whose
+prayerful hearts were echoing his appeals. He urged that the evidences
+of sincere repentance had been manifested by all of the prisoners, and
+that, as this had been their first offense, the exercise of gentle mercy
+would be both grand and productive of good results.
+
+His words were not lost even upon the prosecuting attorney, and when Mr.
+Kirkman had concluded, that gentleman arose, and in a few words echoed
+the sentiments of the attorney for the defense. He also expressed the
+conviction that, while justice called loudly for sentence, yet there
+were elements in this case in which the wisest judgment would be that
+which partook of the qualities of mercy.
+
+At the conclusion of this request, the judge, with a delicate regard for
+the tender feelings of the assembled relatives, ordered an adjournment
+of the court, in order that he might take the merits of the case under
+advisement, and to enable him to administer such sentence, as, in his
+best judgment, was demanded under the circumstances. Slowly the immense
+audience dispersed, and for a few moments the prisoners were allowed to
+converse with their weeping friends, after which they were again
+conducted to their cells to await the action of the court.
+
+A few days later they were brought quietly before the judge and their
+sentences were pronounced. Dr. Johnson, owing to the existence of a
+doubt as to his complicity in the robbery, was condemned to four years'
+imprisonment on the charge of forgery, while Newton Edwards, Eugene
+Pearson, and Thomas Duncan were each sentenced to an imprisonment of six
+years on the indictment for burglary.
+
+Thus ended this important case, and the action of the court received the
+almost universal approbation of the community, while the relatives and
+nearest friends of the prisoners were compelled to acknowledge its
+fairness and justice.
+
+But little remains to be told. The prisoners were soon conducted to the
+state prison, and a short time afterward, having occasion to visit that
+institution, I saw them again. They all bore evidences of the most acute
+remorse and contrition, and their life in prison had produced serious
+effects upon their robust persons. Far different was their lot now, to
+the free and happy existence which had once been theirs. Eugene Pearson,
+the dapper young gentleman, was put at hard labor in the stone-cutting
+department; Johnson, the dentist, was assigned to the machine shop,
+while Edwards and Duncan were working in the shoe-making department.
+Day after day the weary labor was performed, and night after night the
+gloom of the prison cell enshrouds them. Weeks will roll into months and
+the months will stretch into weary years, ere they will breathe the
+sweet air of liberty again. Within the frowning walls of the prison,
+they are paying the heavy penalty for their crime, and here we must
+leave them, in the earnest and sincere hope that true repentance may
+come to them, and that when their term of servitude is ended, they may
+come forth, filled with resolves to live down the stain upon their
+characters, and by upright and honorable lives to redeem and obliterate
+the dark and painful past. That "judgment overcometh crime," has been
+fully proven in the lives of these men, and trusting in the future to
+redeem the past, we leave them to the burdens and the solitude to which
+they have brought themselves.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+1883. 1883.
+
+[Illustration]
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+Mrs. Hill's Cook Book.
+
+Mrs. A. P. Hill's New Southern Cookery Book, and domestic receipts.    $2 00
+
+
+Carleton's Popular Quotations.
+
+Carleton's New Hand-Book--Familiar Quotations, with their authorship.  $1 50
+Carleton's Classical Dictionary--Condensed Mythology for popular use.     75
+
+
+Celia E. Gardner's Novels.
+
+Stolen Waters. (In verse).      $1 50  Tested.                         $1 50
+Broken Dreams.      do.          1 50  Rich Medway.                     1 50
+Compensation.       do.          1 50  A Woman's Wiles.                 1 50
+A Twisted Skein.    do.          1 50  Terrace Roses.                   1 50
+
+
+Captain Mayne Reid's Works.
+
+The Scalp Hunters               $1 50  The White Chief                 $1 50
+The Rifle Rangers                1 50  The Tiger Hunter                 1 50
+The War Trait                    1 50  The Hunter's Feast               1 50
+The Wood Rangers                 1 50  Wild Life                        1 50
+The Wild Huntress                1 50  Osceola, the Seminole            1 50
+
+
+Hand-Books of Society.
+
+The Habits of Good Society--The nice points of taste and good manners  $1 00
+The Art of Conversation--For those who wish to be agreeable talkers     1 00
+The Arts of Writing, Reading and Speaking--For Self-Improvement         1 00
+New Diamond Edition--The above 3 books bound in one volume--complete    1 50
+
+
+Josh Billings.
+
+His Complete Writings--With Biography, Steel Portrait, and 100
+  Illustrations                                                        $2 00
+Old Probability--Ten Comic Alminax, 1870 to 1879. Bound in one volume   1 50
+
+
+Charles Dickens.
+
+Child's History of England--With Historical Illustrations for
+  School use                                                           $  75
+Parlor Table Album of Dickens' Illustrations--With descriptive text     2 50
+Lord Bateman Ballad--Notes by Dickens;  Pictures by Cruikshank            25
+
+
+Annie Edwardes' Novels.
+
+Stephen Lawrence                $  75  Ought We to Visit Her           $  75
+Susan Fielding                     75  A New Book                         75
+
+
+Ernest Renan's French Works.
+
+The Life of Jesus. Translated   $1 75  The Life of St. Paul. Transl.   $1 75
+Lives of the Apostles Do.        1 75  The Bible in India--By
+                                          Jacolliot                     2 00
+
+G. W. Carleton.
+
+Our Artist in Cuba, Peru, Spain, and Algiers--150 Caricatures of
+  travel                                                               $1 00
+
+
+M. M. Pomeroy (Brick).
+
+Sense. A serious book           $1 50  Nonsense. (A comic book)        $1 50
+Gold Dust. Do.                   1 50  Brick-dust. Do.                  1 50
+Our Saturday Nights              1 50  Home Harmonies                   1 50
+
+
+Miscellaneous Works.
+
+Every-Day Home Advice. For Household and Domestic Affairs              $1 50
+The Comic Liar. By the Funny Man of the N. Y. Times. With
+  illustrations                                                         1 50
+The Children's Fairy Geography--With hundreds of beautiful
+  illustrations                                                         2 50
+Carleton's Popular Readings--Edited by Mrs. Anna Randall Diehl          1 50
+Laus Veneris, and other Poems--By Algernon Charles Swinburne            1 50
+Longfellow's Home Life--By Blanche Roosevelt Machetta                   1 50
+Hawk-eyes--A comic book by "The Burlington Hawkeye Man." Illustrated    1 50
+Redbirds Christmas Story--An Illustrated Juvenile. By Mary J. Holmes      50
+The Culprit Fay--Joseph Rodman Drake's Poem. With 100 illustrations     2 00
+L'Assommoir--English Translation from Zola's famous French novel        1 00
+Parlor Amusements--Games, Tricks, Home Amusements, by Frank Bellew      1 00
+Love [L'Amour]--English Translation from Michelet's famous French work  1 50
+Woman [La Femme]--The Sequel to "L'Amour" Do. Do.                       1 50
+Verdant Green--A racy English college Story. With 200 comic
+  illustrations                                                         1 50
+Why Wife and I Quarreled--Poem by the Author of "Betsey and I are Out"  1 00
+A Northern Governess at the Sunny South--By Professor J. H. Ingraham    1 50
+Birds of a Feather Flock Together--By Edward A. Sothern, the actor      1 50
+West India Pickles--A yacht Cruise in the Tropics. By W. P. Talboys     1 50
+Yachtman's Primer--Instructions for Amateur Sailors. By Warren            50
+The Fall of Man--A Darwinian Satire, by author of "New Gospel of Peace."  50
+The Cronicles of Gotham--A New York Satire. Do. Do.                       25
+Ladies and Gentlemen's Etiquette Book of the best Fashionable Society   1 00
+Love and Marriage--A book for young people. By Frederick Saunders       1 00
+Under the Rose--A Capital book, by the author of "East Lynne."          1 00
+So Dear a Dream--A novel by Miss Grant, author of "The Sun Maid."       1 00
+Give me thine Heart--A capital new domestic Love Story by Roe           1 00
+Meeting Her Fate--A charming novel by the author of "Aurora Floyd."     1 00
+Faithful to the End--A delightful domestic novel by Roe                 1 00
+Delicate Ground--A powerful new novel by Mrs. Annie Edwardes            1 00
+
+
+Miscellaneous Works.
+
+Dawn to Noon--By Violet Fane    $1 50  Don Quixote--Illustrated        $1 00
+Constance's Fate--Do.            1 50  Arabian Nights--Do.              1 00
+French Love Songs--Translated      50  Robinson Crusoe  Do              1 00
+A Bad Boy's First Reader           10  Swiss Family Robinson--Illus.    1 00
+Lion Jack--By P.T. Barnum        1 50  Debatable Land--R. Dale Owen     2 00
+Jack in the Jungle--Do.          1 50  Threading My Way. Do.            1 50
+Cats, Cooks, Etc--By Edw.T. Ely.   50  Spiritualism--By D. D. Home      2 00
+Drumming as a Fine Art             50  Fanny Fern Memorials             2 00
+How to Win in Wall Street          50  Orpheus C. Kerr--4 vol. in one   2 00
+The Life of Sarah Bernhardt        25  Northern Ballads--E.L. Anderson  1 00
+Arctic Travels--Isaac I. Hayes   1 50  Offenbach's Tour in America      1 50
+College Tramps--Fred. A. Stokes  1 50  Stories about Doctors--Jeffreson 1 50
+Gospels in Poetry--E.H. Kimball  1 50  Stories about Lawyers Do.        1 50
+Me--By Mrs. Spencer W. Coe         50  Mrs. Spriggins.--By Widow Bedott 1 50
+N. Y. to San Francisco--Leslie   1 50  How to Make Money--Davies        1 50
+
+
+Miscellaneous Novels.
+
+Doctor Antonio--By Ruffini       $1 50  Saint Leger--R.B. Kimball      $1 75
+Beatrice Cenci--From the Italian  1 50  Was He Successful?  Do.         1 75
+Madame--By Frank Lee Benedict     1 50  Undercurrents of Wall St.  Do.  1 75
+A Late Remorse  Do.               1 50  Romance of Student Life.  Do.   1 75
+Hammer and Anvil  Do.             1 50  To-day.  Do.                    1 75
+Her Friend Laurence  Do.          1 50  Life in San Domingo  Do.        1 75
+Prairie Flower--Emerson Bennett   1 50  Henry Powers, Banker  Do.       1 75
+Among the Thorns--Dickinson       1 50  Led Astray--Octave Feuillet     1 50
+Women of To-day-Mrs. W. H. White  1 50  She Loved Him Madly--Borys      1 50
+Braxton's Bar--R. M. Daggett      1 50  Thick and Thin--Mery            1 50
+Miss Beck--Tilbury Holt           1 50  So Fair yet False--Chavette     1 50
+Sub Rosa--Chas. T. Murray           50  A Fatal Passion--C. Bernard     1 50
+Hilda and I--E. Bedell Benjamin   1 50  A Woman's Case--Bessie Turner   1 50
+A College Widow--C. H. Seymour    1 50  Marguerite's Journal--For Girls 1 50
+Old M'sieur's Secret--Translation   50  Rose of Memphis--W. C. Falkner  1 50
+Petticoats and Slippers             50  Spell-Bound--Alexandre Dumas      75
+Shiftless Folks--Fannie Smith     1 50  Heart's Delight--Mrs. Alderdice 1 50
+Peace Pelican.  Do.               1 50  Another Man's Wife--Mrs. Hartt  1 50
+Price of a Life--R.Forbes Sturgis 1 50  Purple and Fine Linen--Fawcett  1 50
+Hidden Power--T.H. Tibbles        1 50  Pauline's Trial--L. D. Courtney 1 50
+Two Brides--Bernard O'Reilly      1 50  The Forgiving Kiss--M. Loth     1 75
+Sorry Her Lot--Miss Grant         1 00  Flirtation--A West Point novel  1 50
+Two of Us--Calista Halsey           75  Loyal unto Death                1 50
+Cupid on Crutches--A.B. Wood        75  That Awful Boy                    50
+Parson Thorne-E.M. Buckingham     1 50  That Bridget of Ours              50
+Marston Hall--L. Ella Byrd        1 50  Phemie Frost--Ann S. Stephens   1 50
+Ange--Florence Marryatt           1 00  Charette--An American novel     1 50
+Errors--Ruth Carter               1 50  Fairfax--John Esten Cooke       1 50
+Unmistakable Flirtation--Garner     75  Hilt to Hilt.  Do.              1 50
+Wild Oats--Florence Marryatt      1 50  Out of the Foam.  Do.           1 50
+Widow Cherry--B.L. Farjeon          25  Hammer and Rapier.  Do.         1 50
+Solomon Isaacs.  Do.                50  Warwick--By M. T. Walworth      1 75
+Edith Murray--Joanna Mathews      1 50  Lulu.  Do.                      1 75
+Doctor Mortimer--Fannie Bean      1 50  Hotspur.  Do.                   1 75
+Outwitted at Last--S.A. Gardner   1 50  Stormcliff.  Do.                1 75
+Vesta Vane--L. King, R.           1 50  Delaplaine.  Do.                1 75
+Louise and I--C.R. Dodge          1 50  Beverly.  Do.                   1 75
+My Queen--By Sandette             1 50  Kenneth--Sallie A. Brock        1 75
+Fallen among Thieves--Rayne       1 50  Heart Hungry--Westmoreland      1 50
+San Miniato--Mrs. Hamilton        1 00  Clifford Troupe.  Do.           1 50
+All For Her--A Tale of New York   1 50  Silcott Mill--Maria D. Deslonde 1 50
+All for Him--Author "All for Her" 1 50  John Maribel.  Do.              1 50
+For Each Other.  Do.              1 50  Conquered--By a New Author      1 50
+The Baroness--Joaquin Miller      1 50  Janet--An English novel         1 50
+One Fair Woman.  Do.              1 50  Tales from the Popular Operas   1 50
+
+
+ALLAN PINKERTON'S
+
+GREAT DETECTIVE BOOKS.
+
+ 1.--MOLLIE MAGUIRES AND DETECTIVES.
+ 2.--STRIKERS, COMMUNISTS, AND DETECTIVES.
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+ 4.--THE MODEL TOWN AND DETECTIVES.
+ 5.--SPIRITUALISTS AND DETECTIVES.
+ 6.--EXPRESSMAN AND DETECTIVE.
+ 7.--THE SOMNAMBULIST AND DETECTIVES.
+ 8.--CLAUDE MELNOTTE AS A DETECTIVE.
+ 9.--MISSISSIPPI OUTLAWS AND DETECTIVES.
+10.--GYPSIES AND DETECTIVES.
+11.--BUCHOLZ AND DETECTIVES.
+12.--THE RAIL ROAD FORGER AND DETECTIVES.
+13.--BANK ROBBERS AND DETECTIVES.
+14.--BURGLAR'S FATE AND DETECTIVES.
+
+These wonderful Detective Stories by Allan Pinkerton are having an
+unprecedented success. Their sale is fast approaching one hundred
+thousand copies. "The interest which the reader feels from the outset is
+intense and resistless; he is swept along by the narrative, held by it,
+whether he will or no."
+
+All beautifully illustrated, and published uniform with this volume.
+Price $1.50 each. Sold by all booksellers, and sent _free_ by mail, on
+receipt of price, by
+
+G. W. CARLETON & CO., Publishers,
+
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+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Burglar's Fate And The Detectives, by
+Allan Pinkerton</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: The Burglar's Fate And The Detectives</p>
+<p>Author: Allan Pinkerton</p>
+<p>Release Date: February 12, 2006  [eBook #17762]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BURGLAR'S FATE AND THE DETECTIVES***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>E-text prepared by Jeroen van Luin, Suzanne Shell,<br />
+    and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (http://www.pgdp.net/)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="title2">THE</div>
+<div class="title1">BURGLAR'S FATE</div>
+<div class="title2">AND</div>
+<div class="title1">THE DETECTIVES.</div>
+
+<div class="title2">
+BY
+<br />
+ALLAN PINKERTON,
+<br/>
+</div>
+
+<div class="title3">
+AUTHOR OF<br />
+"EXPRESSMAN AND DETECTIVE," "MELNOTTE  AND DETECTIVES,"<br />
+"PROFESSIONAL THIEVES AND DETECTIVES,"<br />
+"RAILROAD FORGER AND DETECTIVES,"<br />
+"MOLLIE MAGUIRES AND DETECTIVES,"<br />
+"SPIRITUALISTS AND DETECTIVES,"<br />
+ETC., ETC., ETC.</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 320px;">
+<img src="images/logo.png" width="160" height="98" alt="Logo G.W. Carleton" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="title2">NEW YORK:</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 640px;">
+<img src="images/name.png" width="640" height="42" alt="G.W. Carleton &amp; Co., Publishers" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="title2">
+LONDON: S. LOW, SON &amp; CO.<br />
+MDCCCLXXXIV.
+<br/>
+</div>
+
+<div class="title2">
+<span class="smcap">Copyright,<br />
+by</span><br />
+ALLAN PINKERTON.
+<br/>
+</div>
+
+<table class="title3" summary="Printer address">
+<tr>
+<td>Stereotyped by<br />
+<span class="smcap">Samuel Stodder,</span><br />
+42 <span class="smcap">Dey Street</span>, N.Y.
+</td>
+<td style="width: 30pt;">&nbsp;</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Trow's</span><br />
+<span class="smcap">Printing and Book-Binding Co.,</span><br />
+N.Y.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p><hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h1>
+
+
+<p>In the pages which follow I have narrated a story of actual occurrence.
+No touch of fiction obscures the truthful recital. The crime which is
+here detailed was actually committed, and under the circumstances which
+I have related. The four young men, whose real names are clothed with
+the charitable mantle of fiction, deliberately perpetrated the deed for
+which they suffered and to-day are inmates of a prison. No tint or
+coloring of the imagination has given a deeper touch to the action of
+the story, and the process of detection is detailed with all the
+frankness and truthfulness of an active participant. As a revelation of
+the certain consequences which follow the perpetration of crime, I send
+this volume forth, in the fervent hope that those who may read its
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span>
+pages, will glean from this history the lessons of virtue, of honor,
+and of the strictest integrity. If in the punishment of Eugene Pearson,
+Dr. Johnson, Newton Edwards and Thomas Duncan, the young men of to-day,
+tempted by folly or extravagance, will learn that their condemnation was
+but the natural and inevitable result of thoughtless crime, and if their
+experience shall be the means of deterring one young man from the
+commission of a deed, which the repentance of years will not obliterate,
+I shall feel that I have not labored in vain. As a true story of
+detective experience, the actors in which are still living, I give this
+volume to the world, trusting that its perusal may not fail in its
+object of interesting and instructing the few or many who may read its
+pages.</p>
+
+<p class="ralign">ALLAN PINKERTON.</p>
+
+<p class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h1>
+<table class="toc" summary="Table of Contents">
+<tr><td>PREFACE</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#PREFACE">v</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER I.<br />
+Geneva&mdash;The Robbery&mdash;Search for the Burglars&mdash;My Agency notified</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">11</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER II.<br />
+The Investigation begun&mdash;John Manning's Visit to Geneva&mdash;Eugene
+Pearson's Story&mdash;The Detective's Incredulity&mdash;A Miraculous
+Deliverance with a Ten-Cent Coin</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">22</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER III.<br />
+An Interview with Miss Patton&mdash;Important Revelations&mdash;Doubts
+Strengthened&mdash;Mr. Bartman's Story&mdash;William Resolves to seek Newton
+Edwards</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">38</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER IV.<br />
+The Work Progresses&mdash;Eugene Pearson's Early Life&mdash;On the Trail of
+Newton Edwards</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">51</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER  V.<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</a></span>
+New Developments&mdash;Tidings of Newton Edwards&mdash;Suspicions
+Strengthening against Eugene Pearson&mdash;Mr. Silby's Confidence</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">63</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER  VI.<br />
+The Detective at Woodford&mdash;An Interview with the Discarded Wife of
+Newton Edwards</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">77</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER  VII.<br />
+A Fire and a Talkative Fireman&mdash;Mrs. Edwards Receives a Letter</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">90</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER  VIII.<br />
+A Plan to Intercept Correspondence&mdash;Edwards fully Identified
+A pretty Servant Girl and a Visit to Church</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">102</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER  IX.<br />
+Waiting and Watching&mdash;Two Letters&mdash;Newton Edwards' Hiding-Place
+Discovered</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">116</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER  X.<br />
+The Burglar Tracked to his Lair&mdash;The old Stage Driver&mdash;A Fishing
+Party&mdash;A Long Wait&mdash;A Sorrowful Surprise&mdash;The Arrest of Newton
+Edwards</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">125</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XI.<br />
+Newton Edwards brought back to Chicago&mdash;Attempt to Induce a
+Confession&mdash;a Visit to his Relatives&mdash;The Burglar Broken Down</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">141</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XII.<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[Pg ix]</a></span>
+The Confession of Newton Edwards&mdash;The foul Plot fully Explained
+Eugene Pearson's Guilt clearly Proven&mdash;A Story of Temptation and
+Crime</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">154</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XIII.<br />
+Edwards taken to Geneva&mdash;The Arrest of Eugene Pearson
+His Confession&mdash;More Money Recovered&mdash;Dr. Johnson Arrested</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">167</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XIV.<br />
+Proceedings at Geneva&mdash;Speculations as to the Missing Five Thousand
+Dollars&mdash;John Manning Starts in Search of Thomas Duncan
+</td><td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">182</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XV.<br />
+On the Track of the fleeing Burglar&mdash;Duncan's Home&mdash;Some Reflections</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">192</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XVI.<br />
+Bob King meets with a Surprise&mdash;His Story of Duncan's Flight
+The Detective starts Westward</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">208</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XVII.<br />
+Manning Strikes the Trail&mdash;An Accommodating Tailor&mdash;Temporary
+Disappointment and final Success&mdash;The Detective reaches Minneapolis</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">224</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XVIII.<br />
+The Detective at Bismarck&mdash;Further Traces of the Fugitive
+A Protracted Orgie&mdash;A Jewish Friend of the Burglar in Trouble</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">241</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XIX.<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[Pg x]</a></span>
+From Bismarck to Bozeman&mdash;The trail Growing Warmer&mdash;Duncan Buys a
+Pony&mdash;A long Stage Ride</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">254</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XX.<br />
+The Stage Driver's Story</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">266</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XXI.<br />
+False Information which nearly Proves Fatal&mdash;A Night Ride to
+Helena&mdash;Dangers by the Wayside</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">280</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XXII.<br />
+In Helena&mdash;A Fruitless Quest&mdash;Jerry Taylor's Bagnio&mdash;Reliable
+Tidings&mdash;A Midnight Ride&mdash;Arrival at Butte City</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">293</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XXIII.<br />
+The Long Trail Ended&mdash;Duncan Traced to his Lair&mdash;Caught at last
+The Escaping Burglar a prisoner</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">306</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XXIV.<br />
+The Burglar Returns to Chicago&mdash;Revelations by the Way
+The Missing Five Thousand Dollars</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">319</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XXV.<br />
+The Mystery of the Missing Five Thousand Dollars Solved at Last
+The Money Recovered&mdash;Duncan at Geneva</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">328</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>CHAPTER XXVI.<br />
+Conclusion&mdash;Retribution</td>
+<td class="tocnum"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">337</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="title2">THE</div>
+<div class="title1">BURGLAR'S FATE</div>
+<div class="title2">AND</div>
+<div class="title1">THE DETECTIVES.</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">Geneva&mdash;The Robbery&mdash;Search for the
+Burglars&mdash;My Agency Notified.</div>
+
+<p>Geneva is one of the prettiest and most thriving little towns in the
+west. Situated, as it is, in the midst of one of the finest agricultural
+districts in the country, its growth has been rapid beyond expectation,
+while its social progress has been almost phenomenal. Stretching for
+miles in all directions, over a country beautifully interspersed with
+gentle<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>
+elevations and depressions, lie the well-cultivated farms of the
+honest tillers of the soil. The farm-houses, which nestle down beneath
+the tall trees, present an appearance of comfort and beauty rarely
+witnessed, while the commodious and substantial out-buildings evince the
+thorough neatness of systematic husbandry. Standing upon a high knoll,
+and gazing over the scene upon a bright sunny morning, the eye lights
+upon a panorama of rustic splendor that delights the vision and
+entrances the senses. The vast fields, with their varied crops, give
+indications of a sure financial return which the gathered harvests
+unfailingly justify, and the rural population of Geneva are, in the
+main, a community of honest, independent people, who have cheerfully
+toiled for the honest competence they so fully enjoy.</p>
+
+<p>Nor is the town dependent alone upon the farmer and the herdsman for its
+success in a financial sense. Nature has been bounteous in her gifts to
+this locality, and in addition to the fertile and fruitful soil, there
+is found imbed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>ded
+under the surface, great mines of coal, of excellent
+quality, and seemingly inexhaustible in quantity. This enterprise alone
+affords employment to hundreds of men and boys, who, with their begrimed
+faces and brawny arms, toil day and night in the bowels of the earth for
+the "black diamonds," which impart warmth and light to countless happy
+homes, and materially add to the wealth of the miners.</p>
+
+<p>Numerous manufacturing industries also find a home here. Large
+buildings, out of whose huge chimneys the black smoke is pouring forth
+in dense volumes, and whose busy wheels and roaring furnace fires,
+mingled with the sound of scores of ringing hammers, make merry music
+throughout the day.</p>
+
+<p>On certain days in the week Geneva presents a cheerful and animated
+appearance. On every hand are heard the sounds of honest toil and the
+hum of busy trade. Farmers from the surrounding country come in numbers
+into the village to purchase their necessary supplies and to listen to
+the news and gossip of the day, and
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>
+the numerous stores transact a
+thriving business and reap a handsome profit on their wares.</p>
+
+<p>The old mill, weather-beaten and white with the accumulating flour dust
+of ages, and with the cobwebs hanging thick and heavy from its dingy
+rafters, stands near by, and this too is an object of interest to the
+sturdy farmers of the surrounding country. From morn till night its
+wheels go round, transmuting the grain into the various articles of
+consumption for man and beast, and bringing a goodly share of "honest
+toll" into the coffers of the unimpeachable old miller. The mill is a
+great place of meeting for the farmers, and the yard in its front is
+daily filled with teams from the country, whose owners congregate in
+groups and converse upon topics of general interest, or disperse
+themselves, while waiting for their "grist," about the town to transact
+the various matters of business which had brought them hither.</p>
+
+<p>In common with all progressive American towns, Geneva boasts of its
+school-house, a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>
+large brick building, where rosy-cheeked children daily
+gather to receive the knowledge which is to fit them more thoroughly for
+the great battle of life, when the years shall have passed and they
+become men and women.</p>
+
+<p>Here, too, are banking institutions and warehouses, and every element
+that contributes to the thrift and advancement of a happy, honest,
+hard-working and prosperous people.</p>
+
+<p>Of its history, but few words are necessary for its relation. Not many
+years ago it was the home of the red man, whose council fires gleamed
+through the darkness of the night, and who roamed, free as the air, over
+the trackless prairie, with no thought of the intruding footsteps of the
+pale-face, and with no premonition of the mighty changes which the
+future was to bring forth.</p>
+
+<p>Then came the hardy pioneers&mdash;those brave, self-reliant men and women
+who sought the broad acres of the west, and builded their homes upon the
+"edge of civilization." From<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>
+that time began the work of progress and
+cultivation. Towns, villages and cities sprang up as if under the wand
+of the magician. Fifty years ago, a small trading post, with its general
+store, its hand grist-mill, rude blacksmith-shop and the fort. To-day, a
+busy active town, with more than five thousand inhabitants, a hundred
+business enterprises, great railroad facilities, and every element that
+conduces to prosperity, honesty and happiness.</p>
+
+<p>Such is Geneva to-day, a substantial, bustling, thriving and progressive
+village of the west.</p>
+
+<p>It is a hot, sultry day in August, 18&mdash;, and the shrill whistles from
+the factories have just announced the arrival of six o'clock. Work is
+suspended for the day, and the army of workmen are preparing for their
+homes after the labors of the day.</p>
+
+<p>At the little bank in Geneva the day has been an active one. Numerous
+herders have brought their stock into market, and after disposing of
+them have deposited their moneys<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>
+with the steady little institution, in
+which they have implicit confidence, and through which the financial
+affairs of the merchants and farmers round about are transacted.</p>
+
+<p>The last depositor has departed, and the door has just been closed. The
+assistant cashier and a lady clerk are engaged within in settling up the
+business of the day. At the Geneva bank the hours for business vary with
+the requirements of the occasion, and very frequently the hour of six
+arrives ere their customers have all received attention and their wants
+have been supplied. This had been the case upon this day in August, and
+breathing a sigh of relief as the last customer took his leave, the
+front door was locked and the work of balancing up the accounts was
+begun.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, a knock is heard at the outer door, and Mr. Pearson, the
+assistant cashier, being busily engaged, requested the young lady with
+him to answer the summons. As she did so, two men, roughly dressed, and
+with unshaved faces, burst into the room. Closing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> the door quickly
+behind them, one of the men seized the young lady from behind and placed
+his hand upon her mouth. Uttering a piercing scream, the young lady
+attempted to escape from the grasp upon her, and with her teeth she
+inflicted several severe wounds upon the ruffianly hand that attempted
+to smother her cries. In a moment she was knocked down, a gag was placed
+in her mouth, and she was tied helplessly hand and foot. While this had
+been transpiring, the other intruder had advanced to the assistant
+cashier, and in a few moments he too was overpowered, bound and gagged.
+In less time than is required to tell the story, both of them were lying
+helpless before their assailants, while the open doors of the bank vault
+revealed the treasures which had excited the passions of these depraved
+men, and led to the assault which had just been successfully committed.</p>
+
+<p>No time was to be lost, the alarm might be sounded in a moment, and the
+thieves, picking up a valise which stood near by, entered the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> vault,
+and securing all the available gold, silver and bank-notes, placed them
+in the satchel and prepared to leave the place.</p>
+
+<p>Before doing so, however, they dragged the helpless bodies of the young
+man and woman into the despoiled vault, and laying them upon the floor,
+they deliberately closed the doors and locked them in.</p>
+
+<p>Not a word had been spoken during this entire proceeding, and now, in
+silence, the two men picked up the satchel, and with an appearance of
+unconcern upon their faces, passed out of the bank and stood upon the
+sidewalk.</p>
+
+<p>The streets were filled with men and women hurrying from their work. The
+sun was shining brightly in the heavens, and into this throng of human
+beings, all intent upon their own affairs, these bold burglars
+recklessly plunged, and made their way safely out of the village.</p>
+
+<p>How long the two persons remained in the bank it is impossible to tell;
+Miss Patton in a death-like swoon, and Mr. Pearson, in the vain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>
+endeavor to extricate himself from the bonds which held him. At length,
+however, the young man succeeded in freeing himself, and as he did so,
+the young lady also recovered her consciousness. Calling loudly for
+help, and beating upon the iron door of their prison, they indulged in
+the futile hope that some one would hear their cries and come to their
+rescue.</p>
+
+<p>At last, however, Mr. Pearson succeeded in unscrewing the bolts from the
+lock upon the inside of the doors of the vault, and in a few minutes
+thereafter, he leaped out, and dashing through a window, gave the alarm
+upon the street. The news spread far and wide, and within an hour after
+the robbery had taken place, the town was alive with an excited
+populace, and numerous parties were scouring the country in all
+directions in eager search of the fugitives. All to no avail, however,
+the desperate burglars were not discovered, and the crest-fallen bank
+officers contemplated their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> ruin with sorrowful faces, and with
+throbbing hearts.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Miss Patton had been carefully removed to her home, her
+injuries had been attended to, and surrounded by sympathetic friends,
+who ministered to her wants, she was slowly recovering from the effects
+of the severe trial of the afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>An examination of the vault revealed the fact that the robbers had
+succeeded in obtaining about twenty thousand dollars in gold, silver and
+currency&mdash;all the available funds of the bank, and the loss of which
+would seriously impair their standing, and which would be keenly felt by
+every one interested in its management.</p>
+
+<p>Though sorely crippled by their loss, the bank officials were
+undismayed, and resolved to take immediate steps for the capture of the
+criminals, and the recovery of the stolen property. To this end they
+decided to employ the services of my agency at once, in the full hope<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>
+that our efforts would be crowned with success. Whether the trust of the
+directors was well founded, and the result so much desired was achieved,
+the sequel will show.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">The Investigation Begun&mdash;John Manning's Visit to Geneva&mdash;Eugene
+Pearson's Story&mdash;The Detective's Incredulity&mdash;A Miraculous Deliverance
+With a Ten-Cent Coin.</div>
+
+<p>On the evening of the same day on which this daring robbery occurred,
+and as I was preparing to leave my agency for the day, a telegram was
+handed to me by the superintendent of my Chicago office, Mr. Frank
+Warner. The message read as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="message">
+<div class="blockquot ralign" style="width: 50%;">
+<span class="smcap">Geneva</span>, August &mdash;, 18&mdash;.<br />
+</div>
+<br />
+<div class="blockquot" style="width: 50%;">
+Bank robbed to-day. Twenty thousand dollars taken.<br />
+Please send or come at once.</div>
+<br />
+<div class="blockquot ralign" style="width: 50%;">
+(Signed,) <span class="smcap">Henry Silby</span>, President.
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>This was all. There was no detail of particulars, no statement of the
+means employed, only a simple, concise and urgent appeal for my
+services. As for myself, realizing the im<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>portance of promptness and
+despatch in affairs of this nature, and fully appreciating the anxiety
+of the bank officials, I resolved to answer their call as speedily as
+possible. But few words of consultation were required for the subject,
+and in a short time I had selected the man for the preliminary
+investigation, and requested his presence in my office. John Manning was
+the operative chosen for this task, an intelligent, shrewd and trusty
+young man of about thirty years of age, who had been in my employ for a
+long time. Well educated, of good address, and with a quiet, gentlemanly
+air about him that induced a favorable opinion at a glance. Frequently,
+prior to this, occasions had presented themselves for testing his
+abilities, and I had always found him equal to any emergency. Sagacious
+and skillful as I knew him to be, I felt that I could implicitly rely
+upon him to glean all the information that was required in order to
+enable me to devise an intelligent plan of detection, and which would,
+as I hoped, lead to eventual success.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Giving John Manning full instructions as to his mode of proceeding, and
+cautioning him to be particular and thorough in all his inquiries, I
+directed him to proceed as soon as possible to the scene of the robbery,
+and enter at once upon the performance of his duties.</p>
+
+<p>In a very short time Manning had made his preparations, and at eight
+o'clock that evening he was at the depot awaiting the departure of the
+train that was to bear him to his new field of operation.</p>
+
+<p>After a journey of several hours, in which the detective endeavored to
+snatch as much comfort as possible, the train drew up at the neat little
+station at Geneva, and Manning was upon the ground.</p>
+
+<p>It was two o'clock in the morning when he arrived, consequently there
+were but few people stirring, and the station was almost entirely
+deserted. Two or three passengers who were awaiting the train, the
+persons connected with the railroad, and the runners of the two hotels
+(Geneva boasted of two of these very necessary<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> establishments), were
+the only persons who greeted him upon his arrival.</p>
+
+<p>Having never been to Geneva before, and being entirely ignorant of the
+accommodations afforded by either of these houses of entertainment,
+Manning, at a hazard, selected the "Geneva Hotel" as his place of abode.
+Consigning his valise to the care of the waiting porter, he was soon on
+his way to that hostelrie, and serenely journeyed along through the
+darkness, all unconscious of the reception that awaited him. On arriving
+at their destination, he perceived through the glimmering light that
+hung over the doorway, that the "Geneva Hotel" was an old, rambling
+frame structure, which stood in the midst of an overgrowth of bushes and
+shrubbery. So dense was the foliage that the detective imagined the air
+of the place was damp and unwholesome in consequence. Certain it was, as
+he discovered afterward, the air and sunshine had a desperate struggle
+almost daily to obtain an entrance into the building, and after a few
+hours engaged in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> vain attempt, old Sol would vent his baffled rage
+upon the worm-eaten old roof, to the decided discomfort of the lodgers
+in the attic story.</p>
+
+<p>Ceremony was an unheard-of quality at the "Geneva House," and the
+railway porter performed the multifarious duties of night clerk, porter,
+hall boy and hostler. As they entered the hotel, the porter lighted a
+small lamp with the aid of a stable lantern, and without further parley
+led the detective up two flights of stairs which cracked and groaned
+under their feet, as if complaining of their weight, and threatening to
+precipitate them to the regions below. Opening the door of a little box
+of a room, out of which the hot air came rushing like a blast from a
+furnace fire, the porter placed the lamp upon a dilapidated wash-stand
+and the valise upon the floor, and without uttering a word, took himself
+off.</p>
+
+<p>With all its progressiveness, it was evident that Geneva was far behind
+the age in regard to her hotel accommodations; at least so thought
+Manning as he gazed disconsolately around upon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> his surroundings. The
+room was small, close and hot, while the furniture exceeded his powers
+of description. The unpainted wash-stand seemed to poise itself uneasily
+upon its three remaining legs&mdash;the mirror had evidently been the resort
+of an army of self-admiring flies, who had left their marks upon its
+leaden surface until reflection was impossible&mdash;two hard and
+uncomfortable-looking chairs&mdash;and a bed, every feature of which was a
+sonorous protest against being slept upon&mdash;completed the provisions
+which had been made for his entertainment and comfort. Casting a dismal
+look upon his uninviting quarters, but being thoroughly tired, the
+detective threw himself upon the couch, which rattled and creaked under
+him like old bones, and in a few moments was sound asleep.</p>
+
+<p>How long he might have remained in this somnolent condition if left to
+himself, it is impossible to state, for a vigorous alarm upon his door
+cut short his slumbers, and startled him from his dreams.</p>
+
+<p>Imagining that the hotel had taken fire, or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> that the porter had eloped
+with the silver ware, he jumped hastily out of bed and opened the door.</p>
+
+<p>"It's late and breakfast is waitin'," was the laconic message delivered
+to him by the porter of the night before, as he started away.</p>
+
+<p>With a muttered malediction upon this ruthless destroyer of his rest,
+the detective donned his clothing, and, feeling as tired and unrefreshed
+as though he had not slept at all, descended to the dining-room. If his
+experiences of the previous evening had been distressing, the breakfast
+which was set before him was positively heart-rending. A muddy-looking
+liquid which they called coffee&mdash;strong, soggy biscuits, a beefsteak
+that would rival in toughness a piece of baked gutta percha, and
+evidently swimming in lard, and potatoes which gave decided tokens of
+having been served on more than one previous occasion. With a smothered
+groan he attacked the unsavory viands, and by dint of great effort
+managed to appease his hunger, to the serious derangement of his
+digestive<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> organs. After he had finished his repast he lighted a cigar,
+and as the hour was still too early for a conference with the bank
+officials, he resolved to stroll about the town and ascertain the
+locality of the Geneva bank, before entering upon the duties of the
+investigation.</p>
+
+<p>His stroll, however, was not a very extended one, for as he started from
+the hotel he noticed upon the opposite side of the street the sign of
+the bank. The building in which it was located was a large, square brick
+structure, occupied in part by the bank, and in part as a store for the
+sale of hardware and agricultural implements. The upper floor was used
+as an amusement hall, and was called the "Geneva Opera House." Here the
+various entertainments of a musical and dramatic nature were given, to
+the intense delight of the people of the village.</p>
+
+<p>There was no notice of the bank having suspended operations on account
+of the loss they had sustained, and the operative inferred from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> this,
+that business was being transacted as usual.</p>
+
+<p>When the doors were at length opened the operative entered the banking
+room, and requesting to see Mr. Silby, was ushered into the private
+office of the president. As he passed through the room he took a passing
+inventory of the young assistant cashier, Mr. Pearson, who was busily
+engaged upon his books. He appeared to be a young man of about
+twenty-four years of age; of a delicate and refined cast of countenance
+and about medium height. His hair and a small curly mustache were of a
+light brown shade, and his complexion was as fair as a woman's. The
+young lady who had been the other victim of the assault was not present,
+and the detective concluded that she was as yet unable to attend to her
+duties.</p>
+
+<p>These thoughts and impressions passed through his mind as he walked
+through the banking room into the office of the president. As he entered
+this apartment, he found several<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> gentlemen evidently awaiting his
+appearance, all of whom wore a thoughtful, troubled look, as though they
+keenly felt the losses they had sustained and were resolved to bear up
+manfully under their misfortune.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Silby, the president, a tall, fine-looking gentleman in the prime of
+life, arose as the detective entered. Mr. Silby was one of those persons
+who instinctively impress the beholder, with a confidence closely
+approaching to veneration. Of a commanding presence, a broad noble face
+surmounted with a wealth of hair in which the silvery touch of time has
+left many traces, while his deep blue eyes were as bright as those of a
+youth of twenty. There was such an air of rugged and uncompromising
+honesty, of kindly feeling and warm-heartedness about the man, that even
+before he had spoken the detective experienced a strong impulse of
+regard for him, and a corresponding determination to perform his full
+duty in this investigation and to devote all the energy of his being to
+the task before him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Presenting his letter of introduction, Mr. Silby hastily ran his eyes
+over the contents, and then extending his hand he gave the detective a
+most cordial greeting, and introduced him to the other gentlemen
+present, all of whom received him warmly.</p>
+
+<p>"Take a seat, Mr. Manning," said Mr. Silby, drawing up a chair. "You
+find us anxiously awaiting your arrival, and prepared to give you any
+information you desire."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks," responded the operative, taking the proffered chair. "As I
+have come here for the purpose of making an examination into this case,
+I shall require all the information that is possible to obtain."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," said Mr. Silby. "Now, what do you desire first?"</p>
+
+<p>"A full statement as to how the robbery was committed," answered the
+detective, promptly.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Welton," said Mr. Silby, turning to a gentleman at his right, who
+had been introduced to the detective as the cashier of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> bank,
+"perhaps you can relate the particulars better than I can."</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me," interrupted the detective, "but were you present at the
+time the robbery occurred?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, I was not present," replied Mr. Welton. "Mr. Pearson, our
+assistant cashier, and Miss Patton, were the only persons in the bank at
+that time."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said the detective, "suppose we have Mr. Pearson in at once, and
+hear the story from him. We always prefer," he added, with a smile, "to
+receive the particulars of these affairs from eye-witnesses."</p>
+
+<p>The other gentlemen nodded a cordial assent to this proposition, and Mr.
+Welton arose, and going to the door, requested Mr. Pearson to enter the
+consulting room.</p>
+
+<p>The young man entered the office, and upon being introduced, greeted the
+detective with an air of frank earnestness, and signified his readiness
+to relate all that he knew about the robbery.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He remained standing, and from his statement the facts were elicited
+which I have given in the preceding chapter. As he finished, he pointed
+to a scar upon his forehead, which he stated was the result of the blow
+he received at the time from the robber who attacked him. The wound did
+not appear to be a very serious one, although the skin had been broken
+and blood had evidently flowed freely.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Pearson," inquired the detective, after the young man had
+concluded, "do you remember having seen either of those men before?"</p>
+
+<p>The assistant cashier darted a quick glance at the detective, and then
+answered:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir; about three o'clock yesterday afternoon, a well-dressed
+gentleman came into the bank, carrying a small valise in his hand, which
+he requested permission to leave here until the next morning. I asked
+him if it was of any value, and he replied no. Informing him that I
+would then place it in the office, the man thanked me, and went away.
+When the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> two men entered the bank at six o'clock in the evening, I
+instantly recognized one of them as the man who had called in the
+afternoon. He was, however, dressed very roughly on the occasion of this
+last visit, and had evidently changed his clothes for the purpose of
+escaping detection or recognition."</p>
+
+<p>"Which one of the men attacked you?" now asked the detective.</p>
+
+<p>"The one who left the valise in the afternoon. While the tallest of the
+two was struggling with Miss Patton, who was screaming loudly, the other
+one came behind the counter and struck me upon the head with the butt
+end of his revolver. I became insensible after this, and knew nothing
+until I found myself in the vault."</p>
+
+<p>"How did you extricate yourself from this dilemma?" inquired Manning.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir," began Pearson; and the detective imagined that he noticed a
+hesitancy in his manner, which was not apparent before, "when I
+recovered consciousness, I found my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>self locked up in the vault, with
+Miss Patton lying beside me. When she recovered, we both shouted loudly
+for help, and beat with our hands upon the iron doors, in the hope of
+attracting attention. This failed, and we were nearly desperate. Just
+then, however, my foot came in contact with some loose silver upon the
+floor, and on stooping to pick them up, I found that they were ten-cent
+pieces. Instantly, the idea occurred to me, to attempt to remove the
+screws which fastened the lock to the inside of the door, and of using
+one of these coins for the purpose. To my intense joy the screws yielded
+to my efforts, and in a short time the heavy door swung open, and we
+were free. I have told you already what followed."</p>
+
+<p>As John Manning jotted these recitals down in his note-book, he could
+not repress nor account for, a feeling of doubtfulness which crept over
+him at this point. He looked up into the young man's face, but there he
+saw only the evidence of serious truthfulness, and honest frankness; but
+still that lingering<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> doubt was upon him and he could not shake it off.</p>
+
+<p>At his request, young Pearson then furnished him with a description of
+the two men, as nearly as his memory would serve him, and these the
+detective noted down for future use.</p>
+
+<p>At length, finding that he had obtained all the information which could
+be afforded him here, he thanked the gentlemen for their assistance, and
+promised to call again in the course of the day.</p>
+
+<p>"Remember, Mr. Manning," said Mr. Silby, "we rely entirely upon the
+resources of Mr. Pinkerton's agency, and that we are confident that you
+will succeed."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot promise that," returned Manning, "but you may be assured that
+if success is possible, we will accomplish it."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he shook hands with the gentlemen, and left the bank. He
+betook himself at once to the hotel to prepare himself for further
+action in this investigation.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">An Interview with Miss Patton&mdash;Important Revelations&mdash;Doubts
+Strengthened&mdash;Mr. Bartman's Story&mdash;William Resolves to Seek Newton
+Edwards.</div>
+
+
+<p>As the morning was not yet very far advanced, John Manning concluded to
+pay a visit to Miss Patton, the other eye-witness to, and active
+participant in the robbery.</p>
+
+<p>Ascertaining the locality of her residence, he walked along the pleasant
+shaded street, revolving in his mind the various points upon which he
+had been enlightened during the interview just concluded. Arriving at
+his destination, he found a neat, cosy little cottage, set in the midst
+of a bright garden of blooming flowers, the perfume of which filled the
+morning air. There was an appearance of neatness and beauty and comfort
+about the place, which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> at once gave evidence of the refinement of those
+who dwelt within, and as the detective walked along the graveled path
+that led to the front door, he found himself involuntarily arranging his
+shirt-collar, and calling up his best manner for the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>His knock was responded to by a kindly-faced, matronly looking lady,
+whom he instinctively felt was the mother of the young lady. Making his
+business known, and requesting an interview with Miss Patton, he was
+ushered into a cool, well-furnished parlor, to await the conveyance of
+his message and to learn the disposition of the invalid.</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes the lady reappeared, and stated that although her
+daughter was still very weak and nervous from the shock she had
+sustained, she would see him, and requested him to step into her room.</p>
+
+<p>Entering a neatly furnished little chamber, he beheld the young lady
+reclining upon a couch, looking very pale, but with a pleasant smile of
+welcome upon her face that at once<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> gave him the courage to proceed with
+the unpleasant business he had in hand.</p>
+
+<p>Bidding her a polite good morning, he took the seat, which had been
+placed for him near the bed, and as delicately as possible, stated his
+business and the reason for his calling upon her. At this point Mrs.
+Patton excused herself, and retired, with the evident intention of
+leaving them alone.</p>
+
+<p>Manning quietly and delicately made his inquiries, and the girl answered
+them in a plain, straightforward manner. Her story corroborated all that
+had previously been related by young Pearson, and left no doubt in the
+mind of the detective that the occurrences of the eventful afternoon had
+been correctly detailed. He could not, however, control the doubtfulness
+that was impressing him with regard to Eugene Pearson.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot forbear the thought," said he, when Miss Patton had concluded
+her story, "that if Mr. Pearson had displayed a reasonable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> amount of
+manly bravery, this robbery could not have taken place."</p>
+
+<p>"There is something very strange to me," said the girl, musingly, "about
+the manner in which Eugene acted; and&mdash;there are some things that I
+cannot understand."</p>
+
+<p>"Would you object to telling me what they are?" said the detective.
+"Perhaps I can enlighten you."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," responded the girl reluctantly, "I fear that Eugene has not told
+the entire truth in this matter."</p>
+
+<p>"In what respect?" inquired the detective.</p>
+
+<p>"I would not do anything to injure Mr. Pearson for the world, Mr.
+Manning, and he may have forgotten the circumstance altogether, but I am
+sure that I saw one of those robbers on two occasions before this
+occurred, in the bank and talking to Mr. Pearson."</p>
+
+<p>"Why should he seek to conceal this?" asked the operative.</p>
+
+<p>"That is just what I cannot understand," answered the lady.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Tell me just what you know, and perhaps I can help you in coming to a
+correct conclusion."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't like to say anything about this, but still I think it is my
+duty to do so, and I will tell you all that I know. More than two weeks
+ago, I returned from my dinner to the bank one day, and I saw this man
+in the private office with Mr. Pearson; I noticed then that their manner
+toward each other showed them to be old acquaintances rather than mere
+strangers. This man left the bank in a few minutes after I came in. He
+had the manner and appearance of a gentleman, and I did not think
+anything of it at the time."</p>
+
+<p>"Did Mr. Pearson tell you who he was, or explain his presence there at
+that time?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I did not ask anything about him, and he did not mention the matter
+to me."</p>
+
+<p>"When did you see them together again?"</p>
+
+<p>"That same evening about dusk. I had been making a call upon a friend,
+and was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> returning home when I met them walking and conversing
+together."</p>
+
+<p>"Did Mr. Pearson recognize you on that occasion?" inquired the
+detective.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, he did not seem to notice me at all, and I passed them without
+speaking."</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite sure about this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, quite sure. I recognized him immediately when he came
+yesterday afternoon to leave the valise in the bank, and also when he
+came with the other man when the robbery was committed."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you feel confident that you would be able to identify him, if you
+were to see him again?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am quite sure that I would," returned the girl confidently, "his
+features are too indelibly fixed in my mind for me to make any mistake
+about it."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you said anything to Mr. Pearson about this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; as soon as we were out of the vault, I said to him&mdash;'One of those
+men was the man<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> who left the valise and the same one I saw in the
+office the other day.'"</p>
+
+<p>"What reply did he make."</p>
+
+<p>"He appeared to be doubtful, and simply said, 'Is that so?'"</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, Miss Patton," said the detective at length, "we will look
+fully into this matter; but in the meantime, I particularly desire that
+you will say nothing to any one about what you have told me to-day. It
+is very necessary that a strict silence should be preserved upon this
+point."</p>
+
+<p>The young lady cheerfully promised compliance with this request, and in
+a few moments the detective, after thanking her for her kindness in
+seeing him, arose and took his departure.</p>
+
+<p>As he strolled back to the hotel, he revolved the information he had
+received carefully in his mind. He had also obtained from Miss Patton a
+description of the two men, and found that they agreed very nearly with
+what he had learned from Mr. Pearson. He went to his room immediately,
+and prepared a report of all<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> that had transpired during the morning,
+carefully detailing all that he had heard relating to Mr. Pearson's
+alleged intimacy with one of the robbers, and of the successful attempt
+he made to extricate himself from the vault, by means of the ten-cent
+piece. After concluding his relations, he requested the assistance of
+another operative, in order that they might scour the country round
+about, in the hope of finding some clues of the escaping robbers.</p>
+
+<p>On the next morning, operative Howard Jackson, a young, active and
+extremely intelligent member of my force, arrived at Geneva, and placed
+himself in communication with John Manning, for the continuance of this
+investigation.</p>
+
+<p>When Manning's reports were duly received by my son, William A.
+Pinkerton, the superintendent of my Chicago agency, he gave the matter
+his most careful and earnest attention, and as he finished their
+perusal, he formed the opinion that young Pearson was not entirely
+guiltless of some collusion in this robbery. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> more he weighed the
+various circumstances connected with this case, the more firm did this
+conclusion become, until at last he experienced a firm conviction that
+this young man knew more about the matter than he had yet related.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed strange to him that a young, strong and active man like
+Pearson should not have manifested even ordinary courage in a crisis
+like this. He was behind the desk when the attack was made upon Miss
+Patton at the door, and saw what was transpiring before the second
+assailant had time to reach him. Even if powerless to defend her, it
+seemed reasonable that he could have raised an alarm, which would have
+attracted the attention of the passers by; or, failing in that, he
+could, at least, have hastily closed the vault doors, and thus have
+saved the money of the bank. He knew that these doors were open, and
+that within the vault were nearly thirty thousand dollars, for which he
+was indirectly responsible. But a moment's time would have sufficed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> to
+close these doors and adjust the combination, and yet he made no effort
+to prevent a robbery which he knew was intended.</p>
+
+<p>The ordinary promptings of manhood would, it was thought, have induced
+him to make some show of resistance, or to have gone to the rescue of a
+young and delicate girl; but none of these things did he do, and, if the
+story related was true, the young man had acted like a base coward at
+the best, and submitted without a murmur to the outrages that were
+perpetrated in his presence. Instead of acting like a man, he stood
+tamely by and allowed a woman to be cruelly beaten, the bank robbed, and
+the robbers to walk off unmolested and unharmed.</p>
+
+<p>There was another matter which seemed impossible of accomplishment.
+Pearson had stated that while in the vault he had removed the screws
+from the lock upon the door with the aid of a ten-cent piece. This idea
+seemed to be utterly incredible, and prompted by his doubts, William
+attempted the same feat upon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> the lock on his office door. After several
+efforts, in which he exerted his strength to the utmost, he was obliged
+to desist. The screws utterly defied the efforts to move them, while the
+coin was bent and twisted out of all shape, by the pressure that it was
+subjected to.</p>
+
+<p>While he was thus engaged with his thoughts upon this perplexing
+problem, he was informed that two gentlemen from Geneva desired to speak
+with him. Signifying his readiness to receive them, two well-dressed
+gentlemen entered and announced their business.</p>
+
+<p>One of these men was a Mr. Perry, a director of the Geneva bank, and his
+companion was a Mr. Bartman, a merchant in Newtonsville, a little town
+situated but a few miles distant from Geneva.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Bartman," said Mr. Perry, addressing my son, "has some information
+to communicate, which I think is important enough to deserve serious
+consideration, and I have brought him to you."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bartman's information proved to be of very decided importance. He
+stated that he was a merchant, doing business in Newtonsville, and that
+he was in the habit of purchasing his goods from various traveling
+salesmen who represented Chicago houses. Among this number was a young
+man named Newton Edwards, who was in the employ of a large commission
+house, located on South Water Street, in the city of Chicago. He had
+known Edwards for some years, and had frequently dealt with him during
+that period. During the forenoon of the day on which the robbery
+occurred, he saw Newton Edwards in Newtonsville, but that instead of
+attempting to sell his goods, that gentleman was apparently seeking to
+avoid observation. He met him upon the street and familiarly accosted
+him, but Edwards received his salutations coldly, and did not engage in
+any conversation. Mr. Bartman thought nothing of this at the time, but
+in the afternoon, having business in Geneva, he drove over to that
+place, and, to his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> surprise, he found Edwards, in company with a
+strange young man, lingering around the public house in Geneva,
+apparently having nothing whatever to do. He noticed also, that Edwards
+was somewhat under the influence of liquor, and that he had effected a
+complete change in his apparel. A few hours after this he heard of the
+robbery, and instantly his mind reverted to the strange appearance and
+actions of Newton Edwards. He endeavored to find him, but, as if in
+confirmation of his suspicions, both Edwards and his companion had
+disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bartman gave a full description of Edwards as he appeared that day;
+and in substantiation of his suspicions, it was found to agree perfectly
+with that given by both Eugene Pearson and Miss Grace Patton.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Perry stated that within two hours after the robbery had been
+discovered, men had been sent out in all directions, in search of the
+fleeing robbers, but without success. They had only been enabled to
+learn that two men, carrying a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> valise between them, had been seen
+walking along the railroad track in a north-westerly direction from
+Geneva, but that was all. In the darkness of the night, they had
+succeeded in eluding their pursuers, and on the following day all traces
+of them were obscured.</p>
+
+<p>Two things were now to be done at once; to ascertain the antecedents of
+Eugene Pearson, and to seek the whereabouts of Newton Edwards. To these
+tasks William applied himself immediately, and with what result will be
+shown hereafter.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">The work progresses&mdash;Eugene Pearson's early life&mdash;On the trail of
+Newton Edwards.</div>
+
+<p>In the meantime operatives Manning and Jackson had been untiring in
+their efforts to obtain some traces of the robbers. They had found a
+number of people who recollected seeing two men, answering the
+description of the suspected thieves, who carried a valise between them,
+but beyond a certain point all traces of them stopped. It seemed that
+the ground had opened and swallowed them up, so effectual had been their
+disappearance.</p>
+
+<p>While thus engaged, operative Manning received instructions to keep a
+watchful eye upon young Pearson, and also to make quiet and judicious
+inquiries as to his habits and associates in Geneva.</p>
+
+<p>The result of these inquiries was most favorable to the young man, and
+under ordinary cir<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>cumstances would have disarmed suspicion at once.
+During the progress of this search after truth, operative Manning had
+preserved the utmost good feeling and cordiality in his dealings with
+Eugene Pearson, and had succeeded in establishing a friendly intimacy
+with him, that would have allayed any fears which the young man might
+have had, as to the opinions entertained by the detectives with regard
+to himself. Mr. Pearson was very positive that one of the robbers was
+the same man who had left the valise at the bank during the afternoon,
+and, after learning that Manning had paid a visit to Miss Patton, he
+stated his belief that this same person had called at the bank a few
+weeks before. He could not remember the name he had given at that time,
+but thought he had inquired as to the financial standing of several of
+the business men of Geneva. During all these interviews Mr. Pearson
+displayed the utmost willingness to assist the detectives in their
+investigation, and with a frankness that was refreshing, answered every
+question that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> was put to him as if with the earnest desire of
+facilitating their labors and contributing to the accomplishment of
+their success.</p>
+
+<p>Eugene Pearson was a young man, it was learned, who had first seen the
+light in the little town of Geneva, then a straggling little village
+with none of the pretensions it now presented. His parents were most
+exemplary people, and his father at one time had been a wealthy grain
+merchant, but during one of the financial panics that swept over the
+country, he was unfortunate enough to suffer embarrassments which
+stripped him of his fortune and left him penniless in his old age to
+begin again the battle of life. At the present time, he was a
+benevolent-looking, intelligent old gentleman, who occupied the
+honorable and not very lucrative position of postmaster of Geneva, from
+the receipts of which, and a few other interests he was enabled to
+maintain his family in comparative comfort.</p>
+
+<p>Young Pearson had grown to manhood surrounded by the refining influences
+of his fam<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>ily, and, save for a few months spent at a business college
+in a neighboring city, had always dwelt in his native town. Among the
+residents of Geneva he was universally respected and admired. Possessed,
+as he was, of more than ordinary intelligence, and evincing good
+business qualifications, he had occupied his present position in the
+bank for several years, and at the time of the robbery, arrangements
+were being made for his promotion to the position of cashier, owing to
+the contemplated retirement of Mr. Welton, the present incumbent. His
+personal habits were unexceptionable, so far as known, and every one
+with whom John Manning conversed upon the subject, were loud in his
+praises. In the social circles of the town, he was an acknowledged
+favorite; he was a fair musician, was a member of the choir in the
+leading church of Geneva, and a teacher in the Sunday-school. His
+handsome face and pleasing manners gained for him a host of friends, and
+his companionship was eagerly sought by the young people with whom he
+associated.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> The young ladies were particularly partial to his society,
+and it was stated that he was engaged to be married to a beautiful young
+lady of the town, whose father was one of the wealthiest men in the
+country round about. At the bank, he was held in high esteem by both the
+officers and directors, and Mr. Silby's affection for him amounted
+almost to the love of a father for a favorite child. From infancy to
+manhood his name had never been associated with aught that was injurious
+or degrading, and among all the young men of Geneva, Eugene Pearson
+stood highest in public esteem and general favor.</p>
+
+<p>The result of these inquiries were not calculated to strengthen the
+doubts which had been formed of young Pearson's participation in this
+robbery, and yet the suspicion remained unchanged, and we determined to
+await developments before yielding our opinions to what seemed to be a
+pressure of circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, William had not been idle in the city. Ascertaining the
+name of the firm<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> for which Newton Edwards was traveling, and determined
+to satisfy his mind upon this point, he dispatched an operative to the
+business house to which he had been referred. The result of this inquiry
+was that Mowbray, Morton &amp; Co., the firm with which Edwards had at one
+time been engaged, stated that he had severed his connection with them a
+short time before, and since then had done nothing for them, but had
+been traveling for another house on the same street, and they believed
+he was the junior partner of the firm. Inquiry at this house elicited
+the information that Edwards had retired from this firm, and had
+connected himself with a large eastern house, which dealt extensively in
+fruits and a general line of groceries. At this place, however, several
+items of information were gleaned which were of importance. The
+gentlemen connected with this establishment were very well acquainted
+with Newton Edwards, of whom they spoke in the highest terms. He had
+been in Chicago during all of the week<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> previous to the robbery, but had
+left the city on Saturday, stating that he intended to travel through
+Wisconsin and Minnesota in the interest of the new firm which he
+represented. He had not been seen since, nor had they heard from him.</p>
+
+<p>Finding that the gentleman who furnished this information was an
+intimate acquaintance of Edwards, the operative next inquired as to his
+family connections and his place of residence. On these points he was
+fully informed, and he cheerfully imparted the desired information.
+Edwards, it appeared, had been married recently to a lovely and
+accomplished young lady from one of the outlying towns, and since his
+marriage had been residing with the husband of his sister, a gentleman
+named Samuel Andrews, who resided at 29 Logan Place, in Chicago. Edwards
+also had a brother who was married, and who lived in the city, and the
+location of this gentleman's residence was also cheerfully furnished by
+the merchant.</p>
+
+<p>Upon returning with this information, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> operative at once reported to
+my son William, who decided upon an immediate course of action.
+Directing the operative to inquire for tidings of Edwards at both of the
+places named, he indited a telegraphic message to the chief of police at
+Milwaukee and Minneapolis, for the purpose of ascertaining if Edwards
+had been at either place since leaving the city. He described the man
+fully, stated the name of the house which he represented, gave the
+fullest particulars as to his identity, and then requested to be
+informed if he had made his appearance in either of these cities.</p>
+
+<p>To all these messages the answer was received that Edwards had not, as
+yet, arrived, although the chief at Milwaukee stated that he had met a
+friend of Edwards, who informed him that he had received a letter from
+the young man dated four days prior to the robbery, stating that he
+would be in Milwaukee in a few days, and that he would be accompanied by
+his wife. As yet, however, he had not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> arrived, and nothing further had
+been heard of him.</p>
+
+<p>This was a corroboration of the first suspicion regarding Newton
+Edwards, and was convincing of the fact that he had not done as he had
+informed his friends that he would do. William was convinced, therefore,
+that he was upon the right track, and impatiently awaited the return of
+the operative who had been sent to the residences of Edwards' relatives.</p>
+
+<p>The detective delegated for that purpose proceeded to the locality to
+which he had been directed, where he found a comfortable-looking,
+well-kept brick dwelling-house, and upon a metal plate upon the door, he
+noticed the name he was in search of. Ascending the steps, he rang the
+bell, and shortly afterward was ushered into a handsomely furnished
+parlor, where he was greeted by a pleasant-faced lady, who announced
+herself as the sister of Mr. Newton Edwards.</p>
+
+<p>"Is Mr. Edwards residing with you?" inquired the detective.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Not now," answered the lady, "he was here until Saturday last, when he
+left, saying that he was going to Milwaukee upon business. I have heard
+however, that he was in town on Sunday last, but that I am not sure of."</p>
+
+<p>"Did his wife go with him?" now asked the operative, hoping to obtain an
+interview with her, if possible.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir," replied Mrs. Andrews, with an air of sudden coldness and
+reserve, which was not lost upon the watchful man before her. "Mrs.
+Edwards left on the same day, in company with her brother, who has taken
+her to his home; I do not wish to allude to this matter, but I am afraid
+my brother and his wife do not live happily together."</p>
+
+<p>"Have they separated?" asked the detective, in a tone of solicitude.</p>
+
+<p>After a momentary hesitation, the woman replied: "I am inclined to think
+they have. Newton has not been himself lately, and has, I am sorry to
+say, been drinking a great deal. This naturally led to harsh treatment
+of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> wife, and I presume she wrote to her brother, and on last
+Saturday he came and took her away."</p>
+
+<p>Finding the lady indisposed to furnish further information, the
+detective took his leave.</p>
+
+<p>At the second place he received much the same information, and
+concluding that he had exhausted this matter, he started to return to
+the agency. At this latter place, however, he had casually inquired for
+the name and residence of Mrs. Edwards' brother, and on learning that,
+had concluded his visit.</p>
+
+<p>Everything thus far had favored a belief that Edwards was concerned in
+this robbery. His leaving home a day or two before the act was
+committed, his quarrel with his wife, his statement made to friends that
+he was going upon a business trip, which it was evident he had not done,
+his strange appearance at Newtonsville and Geneva on the day the robbery
+took place, the fact that his personal appearance agreed perfectly with
+that given of the robber, by eye-witnesses to that event, and his
+mysterious<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> disappearance since, all went to prove beyond question that
+Newton Edwards was the thief, and that decided steps should be taken to
+discover his whereabouts.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving William to devise a plan to accomplish this much-desired result,
+we will return to Geneva, and watch the movements of John Manning and
+Howard Jackson.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">New developments&mdash;Tidings of Newton Edwards&mdash;Suspicions strengthening
+against Eugene Pearson&mdash;Mr. Silby's confidence.</div>
+
+
+<p>In extending their investigations in and around Geneva, operatives
+Manning and Jackson had discovered numerous items of intelligence
+corroborative of their previous suspicions. A salesman, connected with a
+large mercantile house from one of the large cities, furnished the
+information that on Monday, the day on which the robbery occurred, he
+had traveled with Edwards as far as Newtonsville, and as he did not see
+him after leaving that place, he concluded that he must have stopped
+there. He also stated that Edwards appeared to be unusually cold and
+reserved, and that he was accompanied by a companion whom he did not
+introduce to his friends. At Newtonsville it was learned that a man,
+fully answering the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> description of Edwards' companion, had visited both
+of the livery stables in that town, and had attempted to hire a team of
+horses and a carriage. He had been refused in both instances, for the
+reasons that he was a stranger, and appeared to be under the influence
+of liquor. Several people both in Geneva and Newtonsville were found who
+remembered seeing Edwards, whom they knew&mdash;and a companion who was a
+stranger to them&mdash;about these towns on the day of the robbery, and they
+described their actions as being very peculiar. They had disappeared
+immediately after that and had not been seen since. If further proofs of
+the complicity of Edwards were required they could have been procured by
+the score, and as all traces of their route from Geneva had been lost,
+William resolved to commence a thorough and systematic process of
+espionage, which he believed would eventually lead to the discovery of
+his hiding-place. He thoroughly canvassed the situation and his
+conclusions were soon found. Newton Edwards had a father and mother&mdash;he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>
+had brothers and sisters; and in addition to these he had a lovely young
+wife, from whom he had parted in anger. It was not possible that he
+could shake himself loose from all these ties of kindred and affection
+at one blow, and it was reasonably sure that sooner or later he would
+attempt to correspond with them in some manner. Again, it might be the
+case that some of his relatives were already aware of his crime, and of
+the fact that he was hiding from the officers of the law, and it could
+not be expected that they would voluntarily give information that would
+lead to his discovery. However grieved and disappointed they might be,
+however angry they must naturally feel, they could not be expected at
+such a time as this to turn his accusers, and aid in his capture.</p>
+
+<p>I have known cases in the course of my professional practice, however,
+when fathers, actuated by what they considered the highest motives, have
+delivered up their sons to the law, and, though the ordeal was an
+exceedingly trying and distressing one, they never fal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>tered for a
+moment in what they considered the performance of their duty. I need not
+say that such evidences of self-sacrifice were painful to me, and that
+my feelings were always deeply touched by the mental sufferings of the
+poor criminals, who in the hour of their sorest need, found themselves
+deserted by the only friends upon whom they believed they could rely in
+an emergency which threatened disgrace and servitude.</p>
+
+<p>While this is true, it is equally certain that I have yet to record a
+single case in which a female relative ever assisted, in any manner,
+toward the apprehension of a criminal. No power seemed able to force
+from her a word that would tend to work him injury, and though her heart
+was breaking, and her love for the lost one had passed away, yet, with a
+persistence worthy of all admiration, she refused to do aught that would
+add to the misery of the fallen one; and, if occasion offered,
+invariably rendered her assistance to secure his escape.</p>
+
+<p>Taking these ideas into consideration, there<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>fore, it would not do to
+rely at all upon any assistance from the relatives of Edwards, and to
+advise them of our suspicions and search, would naturally only tend to
+place both him and them upon their guard.</p>
+
+<p>A slower and more laborious operation was therefore necessary. Fully in
+earnest in his determination to capture these men, and firmly supported
+by the officials of the bank, who were as resolute as he in their
+resolve to apprehend the robbers, William at once put this plan into
+execution.</p>
+
+<p>Operatives were posted to watch the residences of the relatives of
+Edwards in the city, and instructed to carefully note their actions,
+particularly in the matter of receiving or posting of any letters.
+Another operative was despatched to Woodford to note the movements of
+Mrs. Edwards, the wife of the suspected thief, and to endeavor to obtain
+some information that would assist us in the chase. It might be possible
+that this reported quarrel was a mere ruse, to blind the detectives, and
+to throw them<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> off the scent; and it was important that the truthfulness
+of this story should be substantiated. At the same time, William decided
+on no account to lose sight of young Pearson, and directed the
+operatives at Geneva to maintain a strict watch over his movements, and
+by no means to permit him to leave town unaccompanied by some one who
+could note his every action. The young bank clerk, however, gave no
+cause for any new suspicion. He performed his duties at the bank with
+unflagging industry and evinced the greatest desire that the thieves
+might soon be captured. His solicitude for Miss Patton was apparently
+sincere and unceasing, and he frequently reproached himself for not
+having acted in a more manly manner at the time the assault was made. So
+humiliated did he appear at the loss the bank had sustained, and so
+earnest was he in everything that approached a vigorous and determined
+chase after the robbers, that he soon became an object of profound
+sympathy and higher regard to the bank officers and his numerous
+friends<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> in Geneva. After fully considering this matter of young
+Pearson, William deemed it his duty to acquaint Mr. Silby with his
+suspicions. It was due to that gentleman, he argued, that he should be
+thus informed, and then if results should justify the suspicion he would
+be prepared for what would follow, while if the contrary should prove
+true he would have all the more reason for his high estimation of his
+young assistant cashier.</p>
+
+<p>He did not have long to wait before making this revelation, for in a few
+days after he had put his plans into operation and posted his men,
+William received a call from Mr. Silby, who desired to be informed of
+the progress that was being made. After fully detailing to the honest
+old banker all that we had thus far learned, and the steps which had
+been taken to ascertain the whereabouts of Newton Edwards, all of which
+met with his hearty approval, William delicately broached the unpleasant
+subject.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Silby," said he, "there is another matter which I desire to speak
+of, and one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> which I fear may occasion you some pain, or may meet with
+your opposition."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me know what it is, by all means," responded Mr. Silby, with a
+smile. "I am satisfied that what you have to say is for the best
+interests of the bank, and it would be absurd in me to offer opposition
+to that."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said William, "there have been certain developments made in this
+case which, I regret to say, lead me to believe that Eugene Pearson is
+not entirely blameless in this robbery."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" exclaimed Mr. Silby, starting to his feet, and with
+a tremor in his voice, which told of inward agitation; "you do not mean
+that you suspect Eugene?"</p>
+
+<p>"I must confess that I do," said William solemnly, "and I regret it
+sincerely, both on your account and his own."</p>
+
+<p>"But this will not do," suddenly interrupted the old gentleman, "this
+cannot be. Why, I have known that boy ever since his childhood, and I
+have loved him as my own son.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> No, no, Mr. Pinkerton, you must be
+mistaken about this."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 480px;">
+<a href="images/gs01-large.jpg" target="image_window">
+<img src="images/gs01-small.jpg" width="480" height="306" alt="&quot;I tell you, Mr. Silby, I am convinced that Eugene
+Pearson knows more about this robbery than has yet been revealed.&quot;" title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">&quot;I tell you, Mr. Silby, I am convinced that Eugene
+Pearson knows more about this robbery than has yet been revealed.&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Mr. Silby," said my son, "let us look at this matter calmly and
+dispassionately. You have employed us to ferret out the thieves, and to
+recover, if possible, the money of which you have been robbed. We have
+therefore but one duty to perform, and that is to find the men. I have
+looked into this case carefully; I have noted every point thus far
+attained; I have weighed every item philosophically, and I tell you now,
+that I am convinced that Eugene Pearson knows more about this robbery
+than has yet been revealed."</p>
+
+<p>William then slowly and concisely detailed the various points upon which
+he founded his suspicions. The fact that Eugene Pearson had been seen in
+intimate conversation with the suspected man, his presence at the bank
+on the afternoon of the robbery, his actions, cowardly at best, when the
+assault was made upon the helpless girl, his peculiar statements since,
+and then the manner of his release by the aid of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> ten-cent silver
+piece. Taking a coin from his pocket, he requested Mr. Silby to attempt
+the feat upon the slight lock upon the office door, which he tried, and
+though he labored strenuously, he was unable to move it. He also
+informed him that Manning had attempted the same thing upon the lock of
+the vault door, and that he could not budge a screw. All these facts he
+pointed out to the old gentleman as strong proofs of the young man's
+guilt.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Silby sat during this recital with a dazed and stricken look upon
+his face, and when William had finished, he sat for a time in speechless
+amazement. Recovering himself at length, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Pinkerton, this may all prove to be true; but at present, you must
+excuse me, I cannot believe it&mdash;it is too terrible."</p>
+
+<p>True and trustful old man! he could not be brought to believe that one
+so dearly loved and highly trusted could prove so base and undeserving.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Mr. Silby," said William, "I have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> only this to ask&mdash;I may be
+wrong, or I may be right; but until definite results are achieved, I
+must request you to keep this matter a profound secret, and to keep a
+close watch upon young Pearson without exciting his suspicion; will you
+do this?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will do what you request," responded Mr. Silby; "but believe me, you
+will find that you are mistaken."</p>
+
+<p>"Another thing," continued William. "If at any time I should telegraph
+to you these words&mdash;'<i>Look out for that package</i>!' please remember that
+'that package' means Pearson, and he must not be allowed to go away."</p>
+
+<p>"All this I will do, because I know you are doing what you think best;
+but I am confident all will be made right for the boy in good time."</p>
+
+<p>"For your sake, Mr. Silby, I hope so, too, but I am not so sanguine of
+that: and we cannot afford to take any risks."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Silby arose to his feet, and grasping my son's hand, withdrew
+without a word. As he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> passed out, William looked after him with a
+feeling of compassion he rarely experienced.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a great pity," he murmured to himself, "that so much strong,
+manly faith should be so sadly misplaced, and I fear very much that
+before we are through with this case, Mr. Silby's trust in human nature
+will be badly shattered. But we must do our duty, and the right must
+triumph at last&mdash;we must await the result."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">The Detective at Woodford.&mdash;An Interview with the Discarded Wife of
+Newton Edwards.</div>
+
+
+<p>It was on a hot sultry morning in August, about ten days after the
+robbery at Geneva, that William Everman arrived at the picturesque
+little city of Woodford. Woodford was the home of the brother of Mrs.
+Newton Edwards, with whom that lady was supposed to have taken refuge
+after her quarrel with her husband. Everman proceeded directly to the
+hotel upon his arrival, and quickly announced himself as a traveling
+salesman from a neighboring city. In a casual conversation with the
+clerk, he ascertained that Edwards and his wife were quite well known in
+the place, and that the clerk was an intimate acquaintance of the lady's
+husband.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Is Edwards stopping here now?" inquired the detective, in a careless
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>"No!" answered the clerk, as he fondly curled the ends of a very
+delicate and scarcely perceptible mustache. "He hasn't stopped here
+since his marriage; he usually goes to the home of his wife's family
+now."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know whether he is in town now?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think not, unless he arrived last night," answered the young man.
+"There are several letters here for him, and he would have called for
+them before this. He has his mail always directed here."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry for that," said Everman. "I have some instructions for him
+from the house he travels for, and he ought to get them as soon as
+possible."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps Mr. Black could tell you where he is. I believe Edwards' wife
+is staying with him, and she certainly could tell you where you could
+address him, or whether he is expected here very soon."</p>
+
+<p>After thanking the clerk for his information<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> and ascertaining the
+business place of Mr. Black, the detective left the hotel, and sauntered
+about the city.</p>
+
+<p>Walking leisurely down the main street, he soon came in sight of the
+place to which he had been directed. It was a small frame building,
+somewhat old and dilapidated, and was sadly in need of the painter's
+brush and a new covering of paint. Over the doorway swung a dingy,
+time-worn and weather-beaten sign, upon which he could barely decipher
+the words: "<span class="smcap">Henry Black</span>, Locksmith," and over which were
+suspended a pair of massive crossed keys which at one time had been
+bright golden, but which now were old and rusty looking. In the low
+window in front there was a rare and curious collection of articles that
+would have delighted the eyes of an antiquarian. Locks there were, that
+were relics of a by-gone age, and seemed as if they might have done
+service on dungeon doors in some ancient keep in feudal times&mdash;strange
+and grotesque locks that had evidently pleased the fancy of some old
+connoisseur,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> whose treasures were guarded by these strange looking
+protectors, which had now outgrown their usefulness, and were exhibited
+as curiosities in the practical age of to-day. Locks of latest finish
+and design, and locks red and rusty and worn out, were mingled together
+with a confusion and carelessness that bespoke a thriving business,
+which left no time for order or arrangement.</p>
+
+<p>Entering the shop without hesitation and with a careless air of
+assurance, Everman found himself in the presence of the locksmith, who
+was busily employed at his work. Mr. Black was a stout, good-looking,
+middle-aged man, who wore bushy whiskers and a pair of iron-rimmed
+spectacles. On the entrance of the detective he came forward with a
+pleasant smile on his face, as though expecting a profitable customer,
+and greeted the operative.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, what can I do for you to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing in the way of business," replied the detective; "I am seeking
+some information which perhaps you can give me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Take a seat," said the locksmith, pushing a stool toward the detective,
+and at the same time seating himself upon the counter. "I don't know a
+great deal, but if I can tell you what you want to know I shall be happy
+to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," replied Everman, as he produced a couple of fragrant
+cigars, and handed one to Mr. Black. "My name is Everman; I am a
+salesman for a city house, and am a neighbor of your brother-in-law,
+Newton Edwards. I have a message for him from his employer, and want to
+find out where to address him. I understood he had come to Woodford, and
+was informed at the hotel that I would be apt to learn from you whether
+he was in town."</p>
+
+<p>While he was speaking, he watched the countenance of the locksmith
+carefully, and as he mentioned the name of Edwards he noticed that the
+cheerful smile disappeared from his face and was replaced with a heavy
+frown; this remained but a moment, and when Everman<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> finished speaking,
+he promptly and pleasantly replied:</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot tell you, I am sorry to say, where Mr. Edwards is at present,
+for I do not know myself. I only know that he was in Chicago on
+Saturday, a week ago, and at that time he stated that he was going to
+Milwaukee and St. Paul; whether he did so or not I cannot tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"I understood from his employer that he and Mrs. Edwards contemplated
+stopping in Woodford for a few days before he started upon his business
+trip."</p>
+
+<p>In response to this, Mr. Black stated to the detective, after much
+hesitation, but believing he was speaking to a friend, that on the
+Saturday mentioned, he had received a telegram from his sister, who was
+the wife of Newton Edwards, requesting him to come to her at once. He
+immediately responded to this summons, and on going to the house where
+she was stopping, he found her in great distress, and weeping violently.
+From her he then learned<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> that Edwards had come to the house that
+morning in a state of intoxication, and had shamefully abused her. That
+he had ordered her to return to her family, and declared that he would
+never live with her again. Mr. Black had therefore brought his sister
+home with him, and threatened to inflict personal chastisement upon
+Edwards if he ever crossed his path again.</p>
+
+<p>Finding that the story of the separation was a truthful one, at least so
+far as the relatives of Mrs. Edwards were concerned, Everman decided to
+obtain an interview, if possible, with the forsaken wife. Inviting Mr.
+Black to accompany him to the hotel, which was but a short distance from
+the shop, the locksmith took off his leather apron and paper cap, and
+the two strolled away together.</p>
+
+<p>Over their cigars and a cooling draught of very good beer, the
+brother-in-law of the suspected criminal became quite friendly and
+communicative, relating many trifling particulars of Edwards' earlier
+life, which need not be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> repeated here. Preferring his request, at
+length, Mr. Black cordially invited him to his residence, and giving him
+explicit directions, suggested that he should call that afternoon. To
+this proposition Everman readily assented, and after a short time spent
+in friendly conversation, Mr. Black returned to his shop, and the
+detective wended his way to the locksmith's house.</p>
+
+<p>Arriving at the place designated, he found a pretty little cottage,
+overgrown with climbing vines, while a garden of bright blooming flowers
+rendered the front of the house an attractive spot. Ascending the stoop,
+he rang the bell, and in a few moments a pleasant-faced lady appeared at
+the door. Inquiring if Mrs. Edwards was within, and being informed in
+the affirmative, he was invited to enter the cool and cosy parlor and
+await her appearance.</p>
+
+<p>After a short delay Mrs. Edwards entered the room, and the heart of the
+detective was at once touched at the sad and sorrowful expression which
+she wore. She was young, scarcely<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> more than twenty, and a handsome
+brunette. Her dark hair was brushed in wavy ringlets back from a broad,
+intellectual brow, and the dark eyes were dewy, as if with recent tears.
+Her cheeks were pale, and there were heavy shadows under the eyes, which
+told of sorrow and a heart ill at ease. Another thing the detective
+noticed, with a feeling of compassion, for he was himself a man of
+family, the lady was about to become a mother. How strange and
+unreasonable it seemed, that a young man of Edwards' position in
+society, with a lovely and loving wife, with business prospects of the
+most excellent character, could sacrifice all upon the altar of a base
+and ignoble ambition to be suddenly rich. That he could at one fell blow
+cast away the ties of kindred, the love of a devoted wife, the blissful
+anticipation of becoming a happy and proud father, and in an evil hour
+yield to a temptation which eventually would place the brand of the
+felon upon his brow, would cause him to be shunned and despised by his
+former friends and associates,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> clothe him in the garb of the convict,
+and, if justice were meted out to him, would make him an inmate of a
+prison. These thoughts flitted through the mind of the detective as he
+gazed upon the pale sad features of the suffering wife, and for a moment
+he regretted the profession which he had adopted. It is a common error,
+I fear, to imagine that a detective is devoid of those finer feelings
+which animate humanity, and to credit him with only the hard, stern and
+uncompromising ideas of duty which only appear upon the surface. This is
+a grave mistake, and does gross injustice to many noble men and women,
+who, in my own experience, have developed some of the most delicate and
+noble traits of which human nature is capable. It is true, their duty is
+hard and unyielding, its imperative requirements must be rigidly
+observed; but many a criminal to-day has urgent reasons to be thankful
+to the man who was instrumental in bringing him to account for the
+crimes he had committed. Many a convict's wife and children are the
+recipients of kindly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> actions from the very men whose duty it was to
+deprive them, by a legal process, of a husband and father. This may seem
+strange and incredible, but from my own experience I can testify to its
+absolute truthfulness. With the capture of the criminal the detective's
+duty ceases, and all the sympathetic promptings of his nature have full
+play. He has performed his duty to the state, to the law and to society,
+and that done, his knowledge of the sufferings which crime have caused
+leads him to acts of kindness and of practical assistance. To-day, I
+have some of the warmest and most grateful friends among the families of
+the men whom I was compelled to bring to justice, and in many cases the
+criminals themselves have acknowledged my actions, and have been better
+men in consequence. But this is a digression, and we will return to our
+narrative.</p>
+
+<p>Rising to his feet, the detective politely acknowledged the salutation
+of Mrs. Edwards, and in as few words as possible he stated his errand.
+With painful embarrassment of man<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>ner, Mrs. Edwards informed him that
+she could not tell him anything about her husband's movements, as,
+contrary to his usual custom, he had not informed her of the route he
+intended to take when he left home. Not a word or a hint was given of
+the trouble that was preying upon her heart, of the harsh, unfeeling
+treatment to which she had been subjected, or of the brutal order,
+expulsion and separation. The dignity of the noble little woman
+sustained her grandly, and no confession of her wrongs escaped her lips.
+She then informed the detective that she expected to hear from him every
+day, and that she believed he was now traveling through Wisconsin.</p>
+
+<p>That she was entirely unaware, at present at least, of her husband's
+whereabouts, the operative was firmly convinced; and she appeared to be
+equally uninformed of the suspicions that were entertained regarding
+him.</p>
+
+<p>After a few moments spent in friendly converse, the detective arose to
+take his leave;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> and after being invited to renew his visit, he departed
+from the house.</p>
+
+<p>"By George!" murmured Everman to himself, as he made his way back to the
+hotel; "that little woman is a wife to be proud of. That she knows
+nothing at present I am fully convinced, but I am also certain that if
+she learns of the crime her husband has committed, she would sacrifice
+her life rather than aid us in his discovery. What a strange, unequal
+world this is!&mdash;bad men linked with angelic wives; and vicious and
+unprincipled women yoked with men who are the very soul of honor. Well,
+well, I cannot set things right. I have only my duty to perform, and
+moralizing is very unprofitable."</p>
+
+<p>So pondering he returned to the hotel and resolving to call upon the
+chief of police in the afternoon, he went into the spacious dining-room
+and ordered his dinner.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">A Fire and a Talkative Fireman&mdash;Mrs. Edwards Receives a Letter.</div>
+
+<p>After dinner operative Everman called upon the chief of police, and
+acquainting him fully with the nature of his business in the city, he
+enlisted his services in our behalf. Men were detailed to watch the
+arriving and departing trains, in order to discover if Edwards either
+paid a visit to Woodford or attempted to leave the place. This step was
+taken as a mere precaution, for the detective as yet felt confident that
+Mrs. Edwards was entirely ignorant of the movements of her husband or of
+the crime which he was suspected of committing. This was continued
+without result for three days, but on the afternoon of the fourth, the
+chief sought Everman at the hotel and informed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> him that he had
+important news to communicate.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" inquired Everman, when they were alone.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said the chief, "it is just this. Last night, one of my men
+informs me, Mrs. Edwards received a letter from her husband, and to-day
+she appears to be in great trouble and distress of mind. There can be no
+doubt that she has been informed of his crime, and also that she now
+knows his present whereabouts."</p>
+
+<p>"She will never tell any one where that is, unless I am very much
+mistaken in her," interrupted Everman, "and we must look elsewhere for
+the information we desire."</p>
+
+<p>"Just my opinion exactly," replied the chief; "and I have thought of a
+way in which we might get what we want."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me hear what it is," said Everman.</p>
+
+<p>"It is just this&mdash;Mrs. Black has an intimate friend and confidante, to
+whom she tells everything she knows, and there is no doubt that she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>
+will soon, if she has not already done so, inform this lady of the
+letter received yesterday. Well, so far, so good. Now, this lady has a
+husband to whom she tells all she hears, and so he is apt to be as well
+informed in a short time. This man is Tom Nelson by name, a carpenter by
+trade, and a jovial, easy, good-natured fellow by nature. This man you
+must work up, and if you touch him correctly, you will find out all he
+knows."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good," replied Everman confidently; "now point out Tom Nelson to
+me and leave me to work the rest."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment an alarm of fire was sounded, and in a few minutes the
+street in front of the hotel was alive with people hurrying to the scene
+of the conflagration. Men and boys were running at the top of their
+speed, and shouting at the top of their voices; women were gazing from
+doors and windows, and the merry jingle of the bells of the fire-engines
+were soon heard, as the brave fire laddies were rushing to the rescue of
+the burning building.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The very thing!" ejaculated the chief. "I must go to the fire, and do
+you come along with me. Tom Nelson is one of the most active firemen of
+the city, and I will point him out to you. After that you must work your
+own way, for if I was to approach him upon the subject, he would become
+suspicious at once."</p>
+
+<p>So saying the chief hurried out of the hotel, closely followed by the
+detective. Turning a corner they saw, not a great distance off, the
+flames leaping from the windows and roof of a large frame structure,
+which was blazing and crackling like a huge pile of kindling prepared
+for the torch. Already the department was upon the ground, and when the
+chief and the detective reached the scene, several streams of water,
+shimmering like ropes of silver, were pouring into the burning building.
+With a noble self-sacrifice and a disregard for their own safety which
+was truly admirable, the brave fire laddies battled with the flames, and
+exerted themselves to the utmost to prevent the fire from reaching the
+adjoining buildings. At<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> last, yielding to the almost superhuman efforts
+of the firemen, the fire was extinguished, leaving only the bare and
+blackened walls standing as monuments of the destruction that had been
+wrought. Foremost among the brave fellows who were performing their
+self-appointed and herculean duty was a man about thirty-five years of
+age, stout and muscular in form, and with a good-humored, honest face,
+that would attract your friendly regard at a glance. He was the most
+active and energetic man upon the ground, and it could be seen at once,
+that his whole heart was in the work in which he was then so earnestly
+engaged.</p>
+
+<p>"That's your man," said the chief, pointing toward him, "and now you can
+commence upon him as soon as you please."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," answered Everman; "I will see what I can do."</p>
+
+<p>The firemen had by this time, gathered up their hose and were preparing
+to return to their various houses, and Thomas Nelson, after assisting in
+this labor until it was completed, left his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> companions, and proceeded
+along the sidewalk in the direction of the hotel. Everman walked on
+slowly behind him, and seeing him enter the building, he followed
+closely after him. Nelson proceeded to the bar-room and had just tossed
+off a cooling glass of beer, when the operative made his appearance.</p>
+
+<p>"You seem to be thirsty after your hard work this morning," said the
+detective, in a laughing tone.</p>
+
+<p>"It was pretty hot work, and no mistake," replied Nelson; "and we were
+mighty lucky in saving the adjoining houses. I was afraid once they
+would certainly go."</p>
+
+<p>"Fill up your glass again," said Everman; and Nelson graciously
+acquiesced. "Yes," continued the operative, "you boys did excellent
+work, and you deserve great credit for it. I suppose your fire
+department here is composed entirely of volunteers?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," answered Nelson, quite pleased with the encomiums which his
+pet hobby<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> received; "and a better organized fire department is not to
+be found anywhere."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said the detective, as he raised his glass, "here's to the
+health of your fire laddies; may you never miss a run, and always have
+as good luck as you did to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Good," said the delighted fireman; "I don't know your name, but you're
+a good fellow, and I am glad to hear you speak so favorably of us."</p>
+
+<p>"My name is Everman," answered the detective frankly. "I only arrived in
+Woodford yesterday, and expected to meet a friend whose family resides
+here; but I regret to say I have been disappointed."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask who you were waiting to meet?"</p>
+
+<p>This was the very question the detective most desired to be asked, and
+he answered at once.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I expected to meet Newton Edwards here, and I have some letters
+for him from his employer, which he ought to receive."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At the mention of the name, Nelson started in astonishment, and then
+gave vent to a long, low whistle.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid you won't find him here," he said at last.</p>
+
+<p>"Afraid, Mr. Nelson! Why, what's the matter?" quickly inquired the
+detective.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, I am afraid your friend has turned rascal, and has run
+away."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" sharply asked Everman. "Surely, you have no
+reference to my friend, Newton Edwards?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I mean him exactly. He is a damned thief, that's what he is; and
+he has broken his wife's heart!"</p>
+
+<p>This was enough for Everman; and in a short time he had learned all that
+the honest carpenter could tell him. On the evening before, it appeared,
+Mrs. Edwards had received a letter from her husband, the contents of
+which had made her frantic with grief, and to-day she was unable to
+leave her bed. In this letter he had informed her that he had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> been
+connected with the robbery of the bank at Geneva, and that he had
+succeeded in eluding all pursuit, and was now hiding in some obscure
+place in the state of New York.</p>
+
+<p>"This is all I know about it," added Nelson, "and I suppose I ought not
+to tell this; but when a man turns out a damned rogue like that, honest
+people cannot afford to shield or uphold him in his rascality."</p>
+
+<p>"That's my opinion, exactly," rejoined the detective, "and I am sorry,
+indeed, for Edwards' wife, although I am free to confess that I have no
+further sympathy for him."</p>
+
+<p>"I ought not to have told you this," said Nelson, with some compunctions
+of conscience at his garrulity. "And if my wife was to hear that I had
+done so, she would take my head off."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, she won't hear of it from me, I can assure you, and I am too much
+disappointed in my friend to speak of it unnecessarily to any one."</p>
+
+<p>Their conversation was continued a few<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> minutes longer, and then Nelson,
+promising to see my operative again, took his leave.</p>
+
+<p>Here was a revelation, which amounted to a direct confirmation of our
+suspicion regarding Edwards, and was convincing testimony of the fact
+that he was hiding from the officers of the law. The information about
+his location, while indefinite, was a surety of the fact that he had not
+gone west, according to his previous arrangement, and that he must be
+looked for in the state of New York.</p>
+
+<p>One thing, however, was necessary to be done at once, and that was to
+keep a sharp lookout for any letter which might be mailed by Mrs.
+Edwards or any member of her family. There was no doubt that this lady
+would sooner or later attempt to write to her husband, and that too
+within a few days. It was therefore of the utmost importance that a
+close watch should be kept upon all the movements of the members of Mr.
+Black's household, and then to endeavor to get at the address of any
+letters which they might attempt to mail.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Everman immediately sent his report of what he had learned to me, and
+then sought the chief of police in order to enlist his further aid in
+such efforts as were now necessary to be taken.</p>
+
+<p>When the chief had listened somewhat incredulously to what Everman had
+been enabled to learn in the few minutes' conversation which he enjoyed
+with Tom Nelson, he was overwhelmed with surprise at the rapid success
+he had met with, and he readily proffered all the assistance in his
+power.</p>
+
+<p>Everman resolved to see Nelson again, and endeavor to induce him to
+ascertain the exact locality in which Edwards was hiding. The carpenter
+could not recollect it at the first interview, and was not sure that he
+had heard it, but Everman concluded to try to jog his memory upon that
+point still further. He did not have to seek an opportunity for meeting
+his man, for that evening he received another call from Nelson, who had
+evidently taken a great fancy to my affable operative. During the
+con<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>versation that followed, Everman was informed by his new-found
+friend, that as well as he could recollect the name of the place from
+which Edwards' letter was posted began with a "<i>Mac</i>," and that was all
+that could be elicited from him.</p>
+
+<p>Everman gave as his reasons for desiring to learn this fact, that he
+wanted to write to him himself, and convey the letters which had been
+intrusted to him.</p>
+
+<p>After spending some time in the vain endeavor to refresh the carpenter's
+memory, they at length parted for the night.</p>
+
+<p>"Remember, Mr. Everman," said Nelson, as he left the hotel, "if I can
+find out for you what you want, I will surely do so; but for heaven's
+sake don't let my wife know it, or I will be scalped alive."</p>
+
+<p>The detective laughingly promised to beware of the sanguinary Mrs.
+Nelson, and the carpenter went his way.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">A Plan to Intercept Correspondence&mdash;Edwards Fully Identified&mdash;A pretty
+Servant Girl and a Visit to Church.</div>
+
+
+<p>While these events were transpiring at Woodford, William had not been
+idle in the city. A constant watch had been maintained upon the several
+premises occupied by the relatives of Newton Edwards, in the hope of
+detecting some attempt upon their part to communicate with the suspected
+thief. This at all times is rather a difficult object to achieve, but we
+have frequently been obliged to resort to this mode of acquiring
+information from lack of definite knowledge on which to base intelligent
+action. In order that one of the many of these expedients may be fully
+understood, a few words in detail may not be out of place. As is well
+known, the mail of an individual is so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> sacredly guarded by the laws of
+the country which govern the postal service, that an attempt to
+interfere with the letters of another is regarded as a felony and
+punished with severity. Of course, therefore, no efforts of ours would
+be directed to the obtaining or opening of any letters which might be
+mailed to the suspected individual. Our object was simply to obtain the
+addresses upon the envelopes, if possible, and then to search out the
+parties to whom they had been consigned. In this instance our manner of
+proceeding was quite simple, but it required that it should be managed
+with great care and without exciting the suspicion of any one. For this
+purpose each of the operatives, detailed for this duty, was provided
+with a number of envelopes of a peculiar size and color, and all
+addressed to fictitious persons. Our plan was, that if any one of
+Edward's relatives deposited a letter in any of the street boxes, the
+operative should be on hand and be prepared to drop his letter into the
+box immediately on the top of it. Another operative was then to await
+the visit of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> the postman on his round for collection, when he would
+step up to him and making a pretense of a mistake in the address of a
+letter which he had mailed, would from its position be enabled to obtain
+a glimpse of the suspected letters below, and their addresses.</p>
+
+<p>This watch was maintained unceasingly for several days without result,
+and it appeared either that the family were unaware of Edwards'
+hiding-place, or else that they were fearful of being watched, and
+avoided communicating with him on that account.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, William received another visit from Mr. Silby, the
+president of the despoiled bank, who stated very reluctantly, that he
+and Mr. Welton, the cashier, during the absence of Eugene Pearson from
+the bank, had attempted the feat of loosening the screws upon the lock
+of the vault, and had been unable to do so. They had exerted their
+strength to the utmost, and the screws had sturdily resisted their
+efforts. He was therefore compelled to admit that thus far the
+suspicions against<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> young Pearson appeared to be well founded, and that
+the screws had evidently been loosened before the prisoners were
+confined in the vault, in order to allow them to escape, should the
+atmosphere prove too oppressive for their safety. Mr. Silby also stated,
+that he had obtained an interview with a Mr. Crampton, the president of
+the bank at Independence, where it was learned that the parents of
+Newton Edwards resided, and that without divulging any of our plans
+regarding that young man, he had acquired considerable information
+concerning him. It was learned that Edwards had for some time been
+regarded as a very fast young man, and several episodes were related of
+him, in which he had figured in no very enviable light.</p>
+
+<p>His parents were elderly people of eminent respectability, and were much
+distressed at the actions of their son, from whom they had expected so
+much. He had begun life with bright prospects, had entered into business
+with his own capital, but had failed after a short career,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> owing to his
+extravagant habits and his inattention to business. After this he had
+traveled for several firms, and while it was believed he received a
+large salary, there were many who shook their heads at the stories of
+his dissipation which reached their ears from time to time.</p>
+
+<p>This was information which was of some value, and opened up the way to
+accomplish an object which William had long desired. He therefore
+requested Mr. Silby to introduce John Manning to Mr. Crampton, and
+directed Manning to accompany that gentleman to Independence, and by
+their joint efforts endeavor to obtain a photograph of Edwards. This was
+attended to at once, and in a few days, through the assistance of the
+sheriff at Independence, we were enabled to secure an admirable likeness
+of the absconding burglar, although the same had been taken nearly two
+years prior to this. A number of copies of this photograph were at once
+printed, and they were furnished to the various operatives who were at
+work<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> upon the case. Hitherto we had been compelled to rely upon the
+rather unsatisfactory method of identifying him by description only, and
+in many cases, except where persons are trained to the work of
+accurately describing individuals whom they meet, there is danger of not
+being able to identify any one who has no very prominent distinguishing
+marks about him.</p>
+
+<p>The first use to which this photograph was put was to exhibit it to Miss
+Patton, the young lady who had been assaulted in the bank, and she
+instantly recognized it as the picture of one of the men who had
+committed the robbery, and the one who had attacked Eugene Pearson,
+while the other intruder was engaged in the attempt to gag and bind her.
+This was very important, and no further efforts were now needed to
+establish the identity of Newton Edwards, or to connect him with the
+robbery as an active participant.</p>
+
+<p>After several days of unproductive watchfulness at the city residences
+of Edwards'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> relatives, it became apparent that something more decisive
+would have to be attempted. From the reports of the operatives who had
+been detailed upon this part of the investigation, it seemed evident
+that the inmates had become suspicious of the fact that their movements
+were being made the subject of espionage, and it was resolved to adapt
+another system of operation, and endeavor to have one of my men enter
+the family, and by some means establish a friendly footing with its
+members. By this means he would be enabled, while unsuspected, to learn
+of the movements of the people whom he was watching.</p>
+
+<p>I did not have far to seek for a man who would fully answer the purpose
+I had in view, and one who would succeed if success were possible. I had
+tried him in several operations where this kind of work was necessary,
+and he had invariably accomplished what had been delegated to him to
+perform. I therefore called Harry Vinton into my office, and stated to
+him the nature of the mission upon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> which he was to be sent. He was a
+handsome, jolly, quick-witted and intelligent young fellow, who had been
+with me for a long time. Entering my employment as an office boy, and
+evincing a decided task and talent for the profession of a detective, he
+had continued in my service, until at this time he was quite an adept in
+his particular line, and many a successful operation had been largely
+due to his intelligent efforts, while far removed from the directing eye
+of myself or my superintending assistants. His manners were frank and
+easy, and among the ladies he was a general favorite, therefore, I
+concluded to intrust him with the task of obtaining admission into the
+residence of the sister of Edwards, on Logan Place.</p>
+
+<p>Our operatives had reported that at this house there was employed, in
+the capacity of domestic, a young and handsome girl, whose conduct as
+far as could be judged was exemplary in the highest degree, and
+informing Vinton of this fact, William inquired if he thought he could
+manage it successfully.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A merry twinkle shone in Vinton's eyes for a moment and then he
+answered:</p>
+
+<p>"I think I can, sir; and I am willing to make the attempt."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," replied William, laughing. "Only look out for yourself. I
+hear she is a very charming young girl, and you may find yourself in
+earnest before you are aware of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I may," said Vinton, "and perhaps I might not do better than
+that if I tried."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," said William; "I will not burden you with instructions at
+present, and you will proceed according to your own judgment, only
+remember what we want to discover, and succeed if you can."</p>
+
+<p>With these words Vinton took his departure.</p>
+
+<p>A few days passed uneventfully by and no report came from Vinton. He was
+evidently looking over the ground, and as undue haste would avail
+nothing in a matter of this kind William forbore to push him.</p>
+
+<p>Vinton, however, had not been idle, and his inquiries had developed the
+fact that the young<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> servant of Mrs. Andrews was a regular attendant at
+church on Sunday afternoon, when she was allowed her liberty from her
+domestic duties.</p>
+
+<p>The following Sunday, therefore, found him wending his way toward the
+church. The day was bright and balmy, and the streets were thronged with
+pedestrians all bedecked in their Sunday attire, and apparently enjoying
+to the full their day of rest.</p>
+
+<p>Vinton reached the church, a magnificent structure, with its many spires
+glistening in the rays of the sun, and its chime of bells which were
+ringing out their harmonious cadences upon the air. He had been
+fortunate to find among his acquaintances a young man who also attended
+this church, and in his company he repaired to the sacred edifice, and
+joined in the services of the hour. When the last hymn had been sung and
+the congregation had been dismissed, Vinton and his companion hurried
+out to the sidewalk, where they could observe all who came out.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Soon the doors were filled with little groups of men and women, all
+exchanging friendly greetings, and indulging in pleasant gossip before
+seeking their homes, and to the intense delight of Vinton, he noticed
+among a company of young ladies, the face and form of Mary Crilly, the
+pretty servant of the sister of Newton Edwards.</p>
+
+<p>Finding his gaze riveted upon this group, his companion lightly pulled
+him by the arm, exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter, Vinton. Has Mary Crilly captivated your senses?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know who you allude to, but there is one of the prettiest girls
+I have seen for a long time."</p>
+
+<p>"I know who <i>you</i> mean, though," said his companion laughingly, "and she
+is one of the nicest girls I know. Although she is simply a servant, she
+is both pretty, intelligent and industrious."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know her?" asked Vinton, both delighted and surprised.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I do," answered his companion; "her name is Mary Crilly, and
+she is living with a family on Logan Place."</p>
+
+<p>"Can't you introduce me?" inquired Vinton anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if you want me to; that's my sister she is talking to now, they
+are fast friends, and Mary will probably spend the evening at our house.
+Come along, and perhaps you will lose your heart."</p>
+
+<p>The apples had certainly fallen right into his lap, and fortune had
+favored him this time, if never before.</p>
+
+<p>Stepping up with his friend, Vinton was soon made acquainted with the
+pretty young domestic, and in a short time afterward was walking by her
+side in the direction of his friend's house, where Mary was to spend the
+afternoon and evening.</p>
+
+<p>Strange as it may appear, young Vinton, when not on duty, associated
+freely with his companions, not one of whom suspected the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> business in
+which he was engaged. They only knew that he was employed in an office
+"down town," and that frequently he was required to be absent from the
+city for weeks. In a large city, however, there is not the same
+inclination to inquire about the private affairs of one's neighbors, and
+hence he had been able, for prudential reasons, to avoid announcing his
+real occupation, and was not compelled to make a social hermit of
+himself because of his profession.</p>
+
+<p>Being pressed to remain at the house of his friend, Vinton cordially
+accepted the situation, and devoted himself to the fair Miss Crilly so
+assiduously that he soon was in high favor with that young lady. After
+an enjoyable afternoon, he had the pleasure of escorting Miss Crilly to
+her home, and when he left her at her door, he was gratified to receive
+an invitation to call again, which he joyfully accepted, and resolved to
+take advantage of at an early date.</p>
+
+<p>Thus far we had been successful; we had obtained a photograph of
+Edwards, which had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> been promptly recognized. We had learned from his
+wife that he was hiding in the state of New York; and we had reliable
+men carefully posted in such a manner that in a very short time definite
+information must assuredly be obtained.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">Waiting and Watching&mdash;Two Letters&mdash;Newton Edwards' Hiding-Place
+Discovered.</div>
+
+
+<p>Harry Vinton continued his attentions to the fair young domestic, and in
+a few days he invited her to accompany him to the theater. Edwards'
+sister, Mrs. Andrews, was present when this invitation was extended, and
+having formed a very favorable opinion of my good-looking operative, she
+at once consented, and Mary blushingly signified her inclination to
+accept his escort. His deportment toward Mrs. Andrews was most
+deferential and polite, and in a very short time he had quite won her
+kindly regard. This, of course, was precisely what he was most desirous
+of accomplishing, and he improved every opportunity that offered to
+ingratiate himself into<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> the good opinion of Mary's mistress. So
+agreeably and gentlemanly did he conduct himself that ere a week had
+elapsed he was quite graciously received, not only by the pretty young
+servant girl, but by the members of the family as well. Mrs. Andrews,
+who appeared to be a kind-hearted lady, although seemingly oppressed
+with some trouble, which was not made apparent, was deeply interested in
+Mary's welfare, and had taken especial pains to cultivate Vinton's
+acquaintance. This was done evidently with the view of satisfying
+herself as to the sincerity of his intentions toward the girl, and to
+advise with her in the event of her discovering that he was an unworthy
+suitor for her hand.</p>
+
+<p>Vinton lost no opportunity to advance his friendly footing in the
+family, and frequently offered his services to Mrs. Andrews in the way
+of performing trifling commissions for her, which he could execute while
+on his way to and from his daily labor.</p>
+
+<p>From Mary, Vinton learned that the family<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> were in much distress
+regarding a brother of Mrs. Andrews, but what it was she could not tell.</p>
+
+<p>He also learned that this brother (who was none other than Newton
+Edwards), and his wife had resided with the family for some time, but
+that Mrs. Andrews was very unfriendly to the young woman, and scarcely
+treated her with the respect which was due to her brother's wife. The
+young lady was very unhappy, Mary said, and several times she had seen
+her weeping bitterly in her room. Thus matters continued until on one
+Saturday morning, but a short time previous to this, the brother came
+home intoxicated, and abused his wife in a dreadful manner, and after
+ordering her to return to her family, had left the house, and had not
+been seen since.</p>
+
+<p>"What has become of the young lady?" inquired Vinton, after he had
+expressed his sympathy for her unfortunate condition.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, her brother came for her that very afternoon, and after expressing
+his mind pretty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> freely to Mrs. Andrews, he took her to his home,
+somewhere away from the city."</p>
+
+<p>"Did her husband go away, too?" asked Vinton.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he went about the same time, and has not been here since."</p>
+
+<p>"Do the people in the house know where he is?" inquired Vinton.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think they do," answered the girl, "and they are very much
+worried about him. There was a letter came from some one the other day,
+and ever since that time Mrs. Andrews has been in great trouble. She
+does not tell me anything about it, but I think it is about her
+brother."</p>
+
+<p>"That's very strange, isn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and what is more so," answered the girl, "for several days past
+there have been several men about the neighborhood who are strangers,
+and Mrs. Andrews is very much frightened about it. She is afraid to go
+out of the house, and seems almost afraid to move."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Does she think they have anything to do with her?" asked Vinton,
+surprisedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I don't know about that; but it is a very unusual thing to have
+strange men loitering about our neighborhood, and she feels very nervous
+about it."</p>
+
+<p>Vinton expressed his profound sympathy for the unfortunate family, and
+without hinting any suspicion that anything of a criminal nature had
+occurred, he parted from the young lady and returned to his home.</p>
+
+<p>A few evenings after this, Vinton again called upon Mary Crilly, and
+while he was conversing with her, Mrs. Andrews came into the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Vinton," said she, "before you go, I want to give you a couple of
+letters to post for me, if it is not too much trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not," he replied, "anything I can do for you, Mrs. Andrews,
+will be cheerfully done by me, I assure you."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks," said the lady, "I will have them<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> ready before you leave, and
+would like to have them posted this evening."</p>
+
+<p>"I will attend to it, madam," said Vinton respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>After passing a pleasant hour with Mary, Mrs. Andrews returned, and
+handed Vinton two letters which he placed in his pocket without looking
+at the addresses, a proceeding which he noticed gave Mrs. Andrews some
+degree of pleasure. After a few moments' further talk he took his leave,
+and hastened to the agency. Here he was fortunate enough to find my son
+William, and he immediately produced the two letters and laid them upon
+the desk.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know whether there is anything in these or not," said he, "but
+I thought I had better let you see them."</p>
+
+<p>William took up the two envelopes, and looked at their addresses. With a
+start of surprise, he read the superscriptions. One of them was
+addressed to "William Amos, McDonald, New York," and the other to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>
+"Newton Edwards, Denver, Colorado, care Windsor Hotel."</p>
+
+<p>Here was a dilemma! Could it be possible that Newton Edwards, knowing
+that the detectives were upon his track, would continue to use his own
+proper name, and have letters addressed to him in that open manner? This
+was certainly a most foolhardy thing for a sensible man to do, who was
+seeking to evade the officers of justice. Was it not more reasonable to
+think that Mrs. Andrews, taking alarm at the possibility of the actions
+of herself and family being watched, and being fully aware of the crime
+her brother had committed, would be advised to direct her letter to him
+under an assumed name?</p>
+
+<p>A glance at the inside of these neat little envelopes would have
+satisfied all doubts upon the question, but with a delicate regard for
+the privacy of individual correspondence, William would not have opened
+them for any consideration.</p>
+
+<p>"This is very clever," said he; "but I am<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> afraid Mrs. Andrews is not
+quite sharp enough for us this time. However, we will sleep upon the
+matter, and see what will turn up by to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>The next morning all doubts were set at rest. Mr. Warner, my son William
+and myself, were seated in my office discussing this question. We were
+unanimous in our opinion that the letter addressed to Newton Edwards was
+a decoy; and with Everman's information before us, that Edwards was
+hiding somewhere in New York state, which began with a "Mac," all of us
+were convinced that the second letter alone was deserving of serious
+attention.</p>
+
+<p>While we were thus debating the question, the mail brought us a report
+from William Everman at Woodford, that settled all doubts. Mrs. Edwards,
+he stated, had been seen to mail a letter that evening, and after a
+serious effort, Everman had obtained a glance at the address. It was as
+follows:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="message">
+<i>William Amos,</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>McDonald,</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;"><i>New York.</i></span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>"That settles it!" said I; "send at once to McDonald, and my word for
+it, Edwards will be found."</p>
+
+<p>Whether I prophesied true or not, will soon be seen.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">The Burglar Tracked to His Lair&mdash;The Old Stage Driver&mdash;A Fishing
+Party&mdash;A Long Wait&mdash;A Sorrowful Surprise&mdash;The Arrest of Newton Edwards.</div>
+
+
+<p>Our plans were soon completed for a visit to the place
+indicated by the address upon the two letters. In the meantime, however,
+I had telegraphed to the police officials at Denver, and learned from
+them that no such person as Newton Edwards had been about that place, or
+was known there at all. They also promised that if any one called for a
+letter addressed to that name they would arrest him at once and inform
+us immediately.</p>
+
+<p>McDonald, I soon learned, was a little village in the central part of
+New York, remotely situated, and with no railroad or telegraph
+facilities of any kind. An excellent hiding-place<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> for a fugitive
+certainly, particularly, as I suspected, if he had relatives residing
+there. Far away from the swift and powerful messengers of steam and
+electricity, he might safely repose in quiet seclusion until the
+excitement had died away and pursuit was abandoned. Such places as these
+afford a secure harbor for the stranded wrecks of humanity, and many a
+fleeing criminal has passed years of his life in quiet localities, where
+he was removed from the toil and bustle, and the prying eyes of the
+officers of the law in the more populous cities and towns.</p>
+
+<p>Two men were selected for this journey, and their preparations were soon
+made. That evening they were flying over the ground in the direction of
+the little hamlet, where they were hopeful of finding the man they were
+seeking.</p>
+
+<p>As an additional precaution, and fearing that Edwards might not remain
+in McDonald for any length of time, I telegraphed to my son, Robert A.
+Pinkerton, at New York city, to also repair, as soon as possible, to
+that place, and if Edwards was there to arrest him at once,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> and await
+the arrival of my operatives from Chicago.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately upon the receipt of this message, Robert left New York city
+by the earliest train, and without event, arrived at the station nearest
+to the village of McDonald, which he learned was about twelve miles
+distant. Here he was obliged to take a stage coach, and after a long,
+hot and fatiguing journey of several hours, he arrived about nightfall
+at the sleepy little village, which was his point of destination. By
+making inquiries of the stage-driver in a careless manner, and without
+exciting any suspicion, he learned that there was a constable at that
+place, and on arriving, he immediately sought out this important
+official. From him Robert learned that there was a strange young man
+stopping with an old farmer about two miles out of the village, who had
+been there several days, and who was represented as a nephew to the old
+gentleman. Upon showing him the photograph of Edwards, he recognized it
+at once, and signified his readiness to render<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> any service in the
+matter which might be required of him. After disclosing as much as he
+deemed advisable to the constable, whose name was Daniel Bascom, Robert
+gladly accepted his hospitality for the night, and feeling very tired
+and weary after his hard journey, he retired to rest, and slept the
+sleep of the just, until he was awakened in the morning by his
+hospitable entertainer. Springing from his bed, and looking out at his
+window, he saw that the sun was just peeping over the hills in the east,
+and throwing its first faint rays over the beautiful landscape that was
+spread before him, lighting up hill and dale with the roseate but
+subdued splendor of its morning beams.</p>
+
+<p>After partaking of a hearty breakfast, Robert and the village constable
+matured their plans of operation. As a well-dressed city young gentleman
+might occasion some curiosity in the village, and as young Edwards might
+take alarm at the unexpected appearance of a stranger in that retired
+locality, it was decided to make some change in Robert's apparel. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>
+constable therefore very kindly offered him a suit of his clothing,
+which as the two men were nearly of the same size, and the articles
+slightly worn, answered the purpose admirably, and in a few moments
+Robert was transformed into a good-looking countryman, who was enjoying
+a short holiday after the labors of harvesting, which were now over.</p>
+
+<p>In company with Mr. Bascom, the constable, Robert sauntered into the
+village. It was a beautiful morning; the air was delightfully fresh and
+cool, and the rays of the sun danced and glistened upon the dew-drops
+which sparkled upon every tree and flower. The feathered songsters
+filled the air with their sweet melodies, and nature with all its
+gladsome beauty was spread before him. Such a feeling of rest and
+thorough enjoyment came over him, that it was with an effort, he was
+able to shake off the pleasures of the hour, and bring himself to the
+disagreeable business in hand. After a short walk they approached the
+general store of the little village, which was the lounging-place<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> of
+all the farmers for miles around. When they arrived they found a motley
+gathering assembled to witness the great event of the day in this town,
+the departure of the stage-coach, and Robert was speedily introduced as
+a relative of Mr. Bascom, who had came to McDonald to spend a few days.</p>
+
+<p>The mail coach was an important institution in McDonald, and was
+regarded as the great medium of communication between that place and the
+great world outside. Every morning at precisely the same hour the coach
+departed, and every evening with the same regard for punctuality the old
+time-worn vehicle rolled up before the platform in front of the store,
+to the intense delight and admiration of the assembled crowd.</p>
+
+<p>For nearly forty years had this identical old coach performed this
+journey, and the same old driver had drawn the reins and cracked his
+whip over the flanks&mdash;I was about to say, of the same old horses. This,
+however, could not have been so, although the sleepy-looking, antiquated
+animals that were now attached to the lumbering<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> old yellow coach,
+looked as if they might have done duty for fully that length of time.</p>
+
+<p>Two young men were already seated in the stage, and their luggage was
+securely stowed away in the boot. The postmaster&mdash;the village
+storekeeper filled that responsible position&mdash;was busily engaged in
+making up the mail, and old Jerry, the fat good-natured old driver, was
+laughing and joking with the by-standers, as he awaited the hour for
+departure. As Robert stepped upon the platform he bestowed a hasty,
+though searching glance at the two men in the coach, and to his relief
+found that neither of them was the man he wanted, and he quietly stepped
+back and watched the proceedings that were going on around him.</p>
+
+<p>The postmaster appeared at last, mail-sack in hand, which he consigned
+to Jerry's care, and that burly individual clambered up to his place as
+gracefully as his big body and exceedingly short legs would permit.
+Seating himself upon his box, he gathered up his reins and shouted a
+good-natured farewell to the crowd. A quick and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> vigorous application of
+the whip awakened the dozing horses so suddenly that they started up
+with a spasmodic jerk which nearly threw the old fellow from his perch.
+By a desperate effort, however, he maintained his seat, but his
+broad-brimmed hat went flying from his bald head and rolled to the
+ground, scattering in its fall his snuff-box, spectacles and a monstrous
+red bandanna handkerchief. This little episode called forth a peal of
+laughter from the by-standers, in which the old man heartily joined.</p>
+
+<p>"Stick to 'em, Jerry!" cried one, "too much oats makes them animals
+frisky," while another hastened to pick up the several articles and
+restore them to their owner.</p>
+
+<p>Jerry wiped the great drops of perspiration from his bald, shining pate,
+as he replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Them hosses are a leetle too high fed, I'll admit, but I'll take some
+of the vinegar out of 'em afore night, or my name ain't Jerry Hobson."</p>
+
+<p>Everything being now in readiness, he again<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> spoke to his steeds, and
+this time without mishap, the lumbering old vehicle rattled away on its
+journey. The little crowd gradually dispersed and soon left Robert and
+the constable alone with the store-keeper.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't see old Ben Ratcliffe around this morning," said Mr. Bascom to
+John Todd, the store-keeper.</p>
+
+<p>"No," answered that individual; "he was here last evening, and said if
+the weather was fine he was going with his nephew over to the lake,
+fishing."</p>
+
+<p>"That accounts for it, then," said the constable; "I don't think he has
+ever missed a day for ten years before."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I don't think he has; but that young Mr. Amos, who is stopping here
+with him, is very fond of fishing, and the old man promised to take him
+over to Pine Lake this morning, so 'Uncle Ben' missed the mail for
+once."</p>
+
+<p>After a short conversation with the store-keeper upon general matters,
+the two men took their leave. It seemed very evident that as yet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> there
+was no suspicion on the part of Edwards, as to the discovery of his
+hiding-place, and here in fancied safety, surrounded by nature in all
+its beauty, with affectionate relatives, the young burglar was enjoying
+himself as heartily as though no cares were oppressing him, and no
+thought of detection ever troubled his mind.</p>
+
+<p>The uncle of young Edwards, it was learned, was a general favorite about
+the country. A good-natured, honest old farmer, who had lived there from
+boyhood, and was known to all the farmers and their families for miles
+around. Even in his old age, for he was long past sixty now, he
+cherished his old love for gunning and fishing, and held his own right
+manfully among those who were many years his junior.</p>
+
+<p>It was decided, as a matter of precaution, that they should call at the
+house of Uncle Ben, in order to ascertain whether he and his nephew had
+really gone fishing, and to that end the constable harnessed up his
+horses, and in a few minutes they were on their way to the old
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>farm-house, which stood at the end of a long shady lane leading off from
+the main road.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 480px;">
+<a href="images/gs02-large.jpg" target="image_window">
+<img src="images/gs02-small.jpg" width="480" height="308" alt="The Robbery of the Geneva Bank" title=""/>
+</a>
+<span class="caption">The Robbery of the Geneva Bank</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Driving up to the gate, the constable alighted and approached the house,
+while Robert remained seated in the buggy. In a few moments he returned,
+and stated that Mrs. Ratcliffe, the good farmer's wife, had informed him
+that her husband and nephew had gone off before daylight to a lake about
+five miles distant, and they would not return until late in the evening.</p>
+
+<p>It was deemed advisable not to attempt to follow them, as their
+appearance at the lake might give the young man alarm, and as they were
+not sure of any particular place to find them, they concluded to quietly
+await their return. They accordingly drove back to the village, and
+Robert returned to the constable's house to dinner. In the afternoon the
+two operatives whom I had sent from Chicago arrived, having been driven
+over by private conveyance. Without publicly acknowledging them, Robert
+gave them to understand that he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> would meet them at the house of the
+constable, and upon repairing thither they were duly informed of what
+had taken place, and instructed as to the plans proposed for that
+evening.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing of any note transpired during the afternoon, and after sundown
+the party started out upon their errand. Night soon came on, throwing
+its sable mantle over the earth, the sounds of the busy day were hushed,
+and all the world seemed wrapped in the tranquil stillness of a summer
+night. The stars, in countless numbers, were twinkling and sparkling in
+the blue heavens above, while the new moon, like a silver crescent, shed
+its soft light upon a scene of rare beauty and quiet loveliness.</p>
+
+<p>Arriving within a short distance of the old farmer's house, the horses
+and buggy were secreted in a little grove of trees that skirted the main
+road, and the men stationed themselves in convenient hiding-places along
+the lane, to await the return of the farmer and his nephew. From the
+appearance of the farm-house, it was evident that the fishing-party had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>
+not yet returned, and they settled themselves down to a patient, silent
+waiting, which, as the hours wore on, grew painfully tedious and
+tiresome. At last, long past midnight, and after they had begun to
+despair of accomplishing the object of their visit, they heard a faint
+noise, as though footsteps were approaching.</p>
+
+<p>"Hist!" cried Robert, "some one is coming."</p>
+
+<p>They listened intently, and gradually the noises grew louder and more
+distinct. As they came nearer the constable distinctly recognized the
+voice of the old farmer, who was evidently relating some humorous story
+to his companion, who was laughing heartily. The merry tones of this
+young man's laugh were as clear and ringing as though he had not a care
+in the world, and had not committed a crime against the laws of the
+state. No one, to have heard that hearty, melodious burst of merriment,
+would have supposed for an instant that it came from the lips of a
+fugitive from justice.</p>
+
+<p>They were now nearly opposite to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> crouching figures by the roadside.
+The old farmer had evidently reached the climax of his story, for both
+of them broke out again into a fresh burst of violent laughter that
+awoke the echoes round about them.</p>
+
+<p>The laugh suddenly died away, the merriment ceased abruptly, as a dark
+form emerged from the roadside, and the muzzle of a revolver was placed
+close to the cheek of the young man, while Robert called out menacingly:</p>
+
+<p>"Newton Edwards, I want you!"</p>
+
+<p>With an exclamation of pain, the young man dropped his fishing-pole and
+the bucket of fish he was carrying, while a chill ran through his frame,
+and he shivered like an aspen in the grasp of the determined detective.</p>
+
+<p>The others had now come forward, and as soon as he could recover from
+his astonishment, the old farmer cried out:</p>
+
+<p>"What does this mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"It means," said Robert coolly, "that we have arrested your nephew for
+burglary, and that he must go with us."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 480px;">
+<a href="images/gs03-large.jpg" target="image_window">
+<img src="images/gs03-small.jpg" width="480" height="308" alt="Newton Edwards, I want you!" title=""/>
+</a>
+<span class="caption">"Newton Edwards, I want you!"</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p><p>The moon just then came peeping from behind a cloud, and fell upon the
+haggard face and wild eyes of the hapless prisoner, who until then had
+not uttered a word.</p>
+
+<p>"It is all a mistake, Uncle Ben," faltered he; "but there is no use of
+making a denial here; if the blow has fallen, I must meet it like a
+man."</p>
+
+<p>The old man, with tears in his honest old eyes, gazed for a moment at
+his miserable relative, and then, putting his sturdy old arms around
+him, he turned to the officers:</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen, I suppose it is your duty. I have no fault to find. If the
+boy has done wrong, he must suffer; but bring him to the house now, and
+in the morning you can go your way."</p>
+
+<p>His offer was accepted, and directing the constable to return to his own
+home with his carriage, the others walked slowly up the lane toward the
+house.</p>
+
+<p>But few words were spoken during the night. The old farmer and his wife
+retired to their room, and during the few hours that remained,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> their
+voices could be heard as they sorrowfully discussed the painful
+situation.</p>
+
+<p>Securing Edwards' effects, which consisted of a small portmanteau, they
+learned from the honest old farmer, whose word was as true as gold, that
+nothing else belonging to the young man was in the house. All attempts
+to induce the young man to speak were unavailing, and they finally let
+him alone, and during the long hours he maintained a dogged silence. The
+detectives patiently awaited the dawning of the morn. At last the
+eastern sky was tinged with red, and the faint beams of a new day came
+streaming in through the windows of the old-farm house; and then
+Edwards, after bidding a tearful adieu to his aged and stricken
+relatives, and accompanied by the officers, left the house and proceeded
+on his way to McDonald, to commence his journey to Chicago.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">Newton Edwards brought back to Chicago&mdash;Attempt to Induce a
+Confession&mdash;A Visit to his Relatives&mdash;The Burglar Broken Down.</div>
+
+
+<p>It was in the gray dawn of the morning when the party arrived
+at the house of the constable, Daniel Bascom. Here breakfast was
+prepared, and after full justice had been done to a bountiful repast, an
+examination of the effects of Newton Edwards was commenced. Ever since
+his arrest the young man had maintained a rigid silence, not deigning to
+notice the detectives in any manner whatever. He partook of his
+breakfast in a dazed, dreamy fashion, scarcely eating anything, and
+pushing back his plate as though unable to force himself to partake of
+food. In his satchel was discovered a roll of bank-bills, which on being
+counted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> was found to contain a trifle over three thousand five hundred
+dollars.</p>
+
+<p>Edwards gazed at this money with a greedy, frightened look, like a wild
+beast at bay, but did not utter a word, as Robert placed it in a large
+envelope and secured it about his person.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you be kind enough to inform me," said Robert, when this was
+completed, "how you come to have so much money about you?"</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's hesitation, Edwards replied, doggedly:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir, I will. It is the proceeds of the sale of some property that
+I owned in the west."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," replied Robert, finding it useless, at present, to attempt
+to induce him to tell the truth. "You will have ample opportunity to
+satisfy a court and jury upon that point in a very short time."</p>
+
+<p>Nothing farther was said to him until the time arrived for departing,
+and then the party, with their prisoner, walked into the village in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>
+order to take the stage for the railroad station at Birmingham.</p>
+
+<p>Before leaving Mr. Bascom's, however, Robert handsomely remunerated the
+energetic constable for his valuable assistance, and after thanking him
+warmly for his active and cordial aid in our behalf, requested his
+company to the village.</p>
+
+<p>As they approached the store, where the stage-coach was in waiting, they
+found an unusual crowd awaiting their appearance. The news of the
+robbery and arrest had by some means become known, and the eager faces
+of nearly three score of curiosity-seekers greeted them upon their
+arrival.</p>
+
+<p>Old Jerry himself seemed to be impressed with an idea of additional
+importance, as though he was about to be called upon to perform a noble
+service of great responsibility to his country, in assisting to convey
+such a distinguished company in his old coach. The farmers gathered in
+little groups about the platform, and conversed in low tones, as they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>
+furtively regarded with sentiments almost approaching a respectful awe,
+the unwonted presence of the detectives and their charge. There was an
+utter absence of the boisterous hilarity which had been manifested on
+the preceding morning, and one might have thought that they had
+assembled for the purpose of officiating at a funeral, so thoroughly
+subdued and solemn did they all appear.</p>
+
+<p>The journey to the railway station was made in due time, and without
+accident, and the party were speeding on their way to Chicago. Robert
+forbore to press the young man any further, and let him severely alone
+during the entire day. During the night they all retired to their
+sleeping berths, Edwards being securely handcuffed to one of my men, and
+occupying the same berth with him.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning, Robert noticed a slight change in the demeanor of
+Edwards, and thought he detected a disposition to converse. He did not
+encourage him, however, preferring by all means that the advances should
+be made<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> by the young man himself. Nor did he have long to wait. They
+procured their breakfast in the dining car, and after the meal was
+concluded, Robert, without uttering a word, handed Edwards a cigar,
+which he very gratefully accepted. After sitting quietly smoking for a
+few moments, he turned to Robert and asked: "Mr. Pinkerton, how did you
+discover that I was in McDonald?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the same manner in which we have discovered many other things in
+connection with this robbery," replied Robert. "I may say, however, that
+the man we came for was William R. Amos; do you know anything about such
+a person?"</p>
+
+<p>As Robert spoke he gazed scrutinizingly at the face before him, and
+Edwards winced perceptibly under his glance.</p>
+
+<p>"I can explain that all right," he at length replied, with considerable
+embarrassment. "I got into some trouble at home with a young lady, and
+thought it best to leave town for a short time."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Edwards," said Robert sternly, "falsehood and impudence will not help
+you in this case, and I wish to hear no more. I have only to say that we
+have evidence enough against you to insure a conviction, and your only
+hope lies in making your sentence as light as possible."</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"By telling all you know about this matter. One of your accomplices, we
+have got dead to rights, and if you won't tell perhaps he will."</p>
+
+<p>"Who have you got?" inquired Edwards, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"That I cannot tell you now; our business is with you for the present. I
+want you to consider this matter carefully. You are a young man yet, and
+though you have thrown away golden opportunities in the past, you have
+yet an opportunity to reform your ways, and by assisting the officers of
+justice in recovering the money which you and your companions have
+stolen, and in arresting the rest of your associates, you may receive
+the clemency of the court, and perhaps benefit yourself materially."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Edwards was silent for a long time after this, and it was evident that
+he was seriously considering the matter. The words of the detective had
+made an impression upon him, but with the craftiness of an old offender,
+he was debating a plan by which he might turn his admissions into
+account for himself. At length he turned to Robert and asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Will I be able to escape if I tell what I know?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot promise that. But you are aware that the giving of information
+which leads to the capture of your associates and the recovery of the
+balance of this money, will work to your advantage very decidedly in the
+mind of the judge."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," said Edwards, with a dogged sullenness, "your advice is
+very good, but I have no confession to make."</p>
+
+<p>"Take your own course," said Robert, carelessly. "My advice was for your
+own good, and as you don't seem willing to accept it, I have nothing
+more to say."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Although he had not accomplished very much as yet, Robert was still
+hopeful of inducing Edwards to unburden himself; but he resolved to
+attempt nothing further with him until they arrived in Chicago, where he
+could be managed more successfully by those who were more fully
+conversant with the facts in the case. He well knew that we already
+possessed testimony amply sufficient to convict Edwards of participating
+in the robbery, but what we most desired was to obtain information
+concerning his partners in the deed. However, he decided to allow him
+ample time for reflection and said no more to him upon the subject until
+they reached Chicago, when he was at once conducted to the agency.</p>
+
+<p>A consultation was immediately held in order to devise the best means to
+be pursued to induce Edwards to reveal who his partners really were.
+William at once resolved upon a plan which he was hopeful would lead to
+good and immediate results. Calling a carriage, he directed the driver
+to take him to the residence<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> of Edwards' sister, Mrs. Andrews, on Logan
+Place. On arriving at the house, he found that lady and her daughter at
+home, and he was immediately ushered into the parlor by the pretty
+servant, Mary Crilly. Without unnecessary preliminary, William informed
+the lady that we had succeeded in arresting Edwards for the robbery of
+the Geneva Bank, and that he was now in custody. He also stated that
+from information which he had obtained, he was led to believe that his
+family were perfectly aware of his actions in this matter, if indeed
+they had not aided him in accomplishing it.</p>
+
+<p>At this point both mother and daughter burst into tears and sobbingly
+denied any knowledge of Edwards' crime until after he had committed it,
+and then they could not act as his accusers. Mrs. Andrews finally urged
+him to visit Edwards' brother, who resided on Freeman street, and hinted
+that he could tell something about the matter, although she asserted he
+took no part in it, and knew nothing about it until it had been
+completed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Taking it for granted that they had told him all they knew about the
+robbery, William next hurried to the place of business of Edwards'
+brother, whom he was fortunate enough to find in his office, and
+disengaged. He at once stated who he was, and what he wanted to know.
+Mr. Edwards was at first disposed to deny all knowledge of the matter,
+but on William's informing him of his brother's arrest, and hinting that
+he had made a partial confession, he changed his mind and became quite
+communicative.</p>
+
+<p>The brother then stated that for years he had been troubled with
+Newton's bad habits and extravagances, although he had never known him
+to commit a crime until the robbery of the bank at Geneva. He remembered
+hearing his brother boast once when he was intoxicated, that he could
+get plenty of money without work; but as Newton gambled a great deal, he
+imagined that he had alluded to that means of obtaining his money.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well," said William abruptly, "I want to know what you know about this
+robbery."</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you all I know," answered Mr. Edwards. "Some three or four
+weeks before I heard of this robbery, Newton was at my house, and was
+intoxicated. He boasted in his maudlin way that he had an opportunity to
+rob a bank, and that the cashier was a party to the affair; but I
+attributed all this to the wild utterances of a drunken man, and paid no
+further attention to it. On the Saturday night before the robbery took
+place, however, he came to my house during my absence, and had a
+companion with him, for whom he made a bed upon my parlor floor. In the
+morning they went away, and I have not seen him since. My wife informed
+me afterward that Newton, who was drunk at the time, had told her that
+the man with him was the one that was to help him to rob the bank, and
+that she had then ordered both of them out of the house. I did not at
+any time know where the bank was located, nor did I ever seriously
+entertain the idea of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> attempting anything of the kind; but when I
+heard of the robbery of the Geneva bank, I at once suspected my brother,
+and although humiliated deeply at the thought, I could not take any step
+that would tend to bring disgrace and ruin upon my own family."</p>
+
+<p>Without entering into the question of family honor, William inquired:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know the man who was with him at your house, and who was to
+assist in this robbery?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," answered Mr. Edwards. "I never heard his name, and all that I ever
+knew of him was that he came from Denver, Colorado."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you describe him?" asked William.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I think I can," said Mr. Edwards, and he then gave a description
+of the man, which agreed perfectly with that of Edwards' companion on
+the day of the robbery.</p>
+
+<p>Having now obtained all the information that was possible to be gained
+from this source, William returned to the agency, and entered the room
+where Edwards was confined. He found<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> the young man sitting with his
+face buried in his hands and evidently in sore distress.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Edwards," said William in his quick, imperious manner, "I have just
+had an interview with your brother and sister, who have told me all they
+know about this matter. You will readily see what little hope there is
+left for you if you persist in keeping from us the information which we
+desire. Whether you confess or not will make but little difference to us
+now, as sooner or later your associates will be caught, and your refusal
+to help us will only make it the harder for you. If you don't confess,
+Eugene Pearson will."</p>
+
+<p>As William uttered this last sentence Edwards started to his feet, and
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"My God, you know more than I thought! I will tell what I know."</p>
+
+<p>At last we had succeeded in breaking him down, and there was a gleam of
+satisfaction in William's eyes as he requested the presence of Mr.
+Warner and my son Robert, while the story was being told.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">The Confession of Newton Edwards&mdash;The foul Plot fully Explained&mdash;Eugene
+Pearson's Guilt clearly Proven&mdash;A Story of Temptation and Crime.</div>
+
+
+<p>The confession of Newton Edwards revealed a history of
+undiscovered crime that had been carried on for years. Beginning at
+first in wild and extravagant conduct, which consumed the liberal salary
+which he received, and then led to the incurring of debts which became
+pressing and impossible of payment by legitimate means; then followed a
+thirst for gambling, in which large returns were promised for small
+investments, and failing in this, came the temptation to crime and his
+consequent ruin.</p>
+
+<p>How certain it is, that once the downward step is taken, the rest
+follows swiftly and inevitably, and ruin and disgrace tread<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> swiftly and
+surely upon the heels of folly and crime. Newton Edwards began life
+under the brightest aspects. Of respectable parentage, he had enjoyed
+the benefits of a liberal education, and his first essay in business had
+been both fortunate and profitable. Beloved by his family, and admired
+by a numerous circle of friends, he deliberately gave himself up to a
+life of excess and dissipation, and the end was soon to be a dark and
+gloomy prison.</p>
+
+<p>I will, however, leave him to tell his own story, and the moral of it is
+so plain that he who runs may read. We were all seated around the fallen
+young man awaiting his recital, and after a few moments of hesitation
+and embarrassment he began:</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you all there is to relate, and in order that you may fully
+understand my present situation, I will commence with the first
+temptations, which finally led to the commission of this crime."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said William, encouragingly, "tell us all."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The robbery of the Geneva bank was planned more than six months ago,"
+continued Edwards, "but its real origin dates back more than a year. At
+that time I was traveling for a large house in the city, and was
+receiving a liberal salary. I had a large trade, and my employers were
+very generous with me. I cannot tell you how I drifted into habits of
+dissipation, but it was not very long before I found it a very easy
+matter to dispose of my salary almost as soon as received, and was
+forced to borrow money of my friends to enable me to maintain myself at
+all. From that I was tempted to gamble, and being fortunate at the
+outset, I soon found, as I imagined, an easy way to make money without
+serious labor; but I speedily discovered that my first success was
+doomed to be of short life, and I began to lose more money than I had
+ever won. It was after one of my losing experiences at the gaming-table,
+and when I was hard pressed for money to meet my immediate wants, that I
+visited Geneva, for the purpose of selling goods to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> some of my
+customers in that place. At that time I made the acquaintance of a young
+man by the name of Horace Johnson, who was a practicing dentist of that
+town. Like myself, he was a wild and reckless fellow, given to
+dissipation and drink, and who, like myself, had been able to conceal
+the fact from his family and their friends. Johnson's prevailing vice
+was an uncontrollable passion for gambling, and he had been addicted to
+this practice for a long time. I afterward understood that he had
+acquired this habit while attending a dental college in St. Louis, where
+he had become quite an expert in the handling of cards, and was well
+posted in the tricks so frequently resorted to by gamblers to fleece
+their unsuspecting victims. When he returned from college and
+established his business in his native town, he became the leader of a
+set of fast young men, and his office was the nightly resort of his
+associates, where they played and gambled frequently, until the morning
+hours drove them to their homes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"As I have said, I met Johnson at this time, and on my succeeding visit
+I was introduced by him to Eugene Pearson, the assistant cashier of the
+bank. That evening we spent together at Johnson's office in drinking and
+card-playing. Johnson stated that there was an excellent opportunity to
+make money offered, if we were disposed to accept it. I asked him what
+it was, and he stated that there were quite a number of well-to-do
+merchants in the town who were in the habit of meeting in a room which
+they had furnished for the purpose, and where they played cards for
+small amounts and for amusement.</p>
+
+<p>"Johnson stated that we could readily make their acquaintance, and once
+introduced into their games, it would be an easy matter to induce them
+to play heavily, and then, from his knowledge of gamblers' tricks, we
+could win their money in spite of them. We all agreed to this, although
+Pearson declined to become an active player, because of his position in
+the bank.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"On the next visit I made to Geneva, I remained over Sunday, and being
+taken to the club, we managed to win several hundred dollars before
+morning. This continued for some time, and always with the same success,
+and as a consequence I became more reckless in my expenditure of money
+than ever before, because I knew of a sure plan to replenish my pockets,
+when they were empty. Shortly after this, I received a letter from
+Johnson requesting me to come to Geneva as soon as possible, as he and
+Pearson had devised another scheme to raise money and wanted my
+assistance. Being hard pressed at that time, I responded as soon as I
+could, and in a few days found myself in Geneva, where I was heartily
+welcomed by both Johnson and Pearson. After supper we met in Johnson's
+office as usual, and then the plan was made known to me. At first I was
+startled by the daring proposition, which was nothing more or less than
+to rob Pearson's bank by means of forged checks. The checks, which had
+been already prepared by Pearson, were exhibited to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> me, and I was
+surprised at the cleverness of the forgery. It looked easy and safe, and
+I consented. The person selected as the victim was a rich farmer by the
+name of Henery Sharpless, whose accounts were only settled about twice a
+year, and consequently detection was not likely to follow very soon.
+After carefully comparing the forged checks with an old one that was
+genuine, I no longer hesitated and signified my readiness to try the
+experiment.</p>
+
+<p>"On the following day, therefore, I went to Johnson's office, and there
+put on a hickory shirt, a pair of coarse boots and pantaloons, and in a
+few minutes I was transformed into a veritable countryman. Johnson
+colored my face and hands with some preparation which made me appear
+like a tanned and sunburnt farmer, and thus equipped, I started for the
+bank. I was provided with two checks for three hundred dollars each, one
+of which was to be presented to the Geneva bank, when, if I experienced
+no trouble, I was to present the other at the Union National Bank, where
+also Mr. Sharpless kept<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> an account. I had no difficulty whatever in
+obtaining the money, and after dividing it among the other two, I left
+town on the first train. I received two hundred dollars for my share,
+and the forgeries were not discovered until a long time had elapsed, and
+when it was almost impossible to obtain any information concerning them.
+To this day I don't believe that any of the officers of the two banks
+have the slightest idea as to how the thing was done. Soon after this
+forgery, Johnson left Geneva and located at St. Louis, where he still
+resides. Emboldened by the success of this first venture, Eugene
+Pearson, who was really the master-spirit in these later efforts, boldly
+proposed to rob the bank in which he was engaged, but this was something
+too audacious to be considered for a moment. At length, by dint of
+repeated suggestions, Johnson and myself began to give some
+consideration to the matter, and upon Pearson's assuring us of the
+perfect ease with which the robbery might be accomplished, we at last
+began to discuss various plans by which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> the bank might be robbed.
+Several ideas and propositions were discussed, but either through fear
+or some other consideration, they all fell through.</p>
+
+<p>"At last we decided upon the plan which was finally carried out. Johnson
+and myself were to come to Geneva disguised as much as possible, and
+after the business of the day was over, and the other officers had gone
+home, Pearson was to give us the signal that the coast was clear. We
+were then to enter the bank, the doors of which would be left open, and
+after securing the young lady and Pearson, we were to rob the vault and
+place them within it. In order that they might not suffer from their
+confinement, Pearson was to start the screws in the lock, so that there
+would be no difficulty in opening the vault, after giving us time to
+make good our escape. It was understood that there was about twenty
+thousand dollars in the vault, in gold, silver and notes, and Pearson
+was to take his share out in advance and hide it, so that no danger
+should be incurred in the attempt to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> divide it afterward. As the time
+approached for carrying this plan into effect, Johnson began to show
+signs of weakening, and finally declined to have anything to do with it,
+although he promised to make no disclosures regarding our movements, and
+to keep our secret inviolate. After Johnson's backing out we did not
+know what to do, and were just about abandoning the whole thing, when I
+came across an old traveling friend of mine in Chicago, who had been on
+a protracted spree, and who was without money and friends, in a strange
+city, and who came to me to borrow enough to get him home to Denver. The
+idea at once occurred to me to induce him to join us and in this I was
+successful, for he was in a desperate state, and anything that promised
+to furnish him with money would have been greedily accepted at that
+time. Even after this, however, I don't believe that either of us would
+have had the courage to carry out the scheme, if we had not continued
+our drinking, and I don't believe I was sober a single moment until
+after we had accomplished our object and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> the robbery was committed. How
+it was done, you all know, and it is not necessary for me to detail the
+particulars of an event which will overcast my whole life."</p>
+
+<p>As he ceased speaking, Edwards buried his face in his hands, and wept
+aloud.</p>
+
+<p>"Who was this man whom you procured to help you?" inquired William.</p>
+
+<p>Edwards hesitated for some time, as though he was loth to divulge the
+name of his companion, but finally he said:</p>
+
+<p>"His name is Thomas Duncan, and he was in the clothing business, in
+Denver, Colorado."</p>
+
+<p>"Now tell us how much money you took from the bank, and how it was
+divided?" asked Mr. Warner.</p>
+
+<p>"There is something about that that I cannot understand," replied
+Edwards. "From what Pearson told me, there must have been more than
+twenty thousand dollars in the vault, twelve thousand of which was in
+gold. The agreement was that Duncan, Pearson and myself were to have six
+thousand dollars<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> apiece, and the balance was to be paid to Johnson for
+his silence. Pearson took his share out on the Saturday before the
+robbery, and when Duncan and I came to divide the money, we found that
+we were five thousand dollars short. There is only one solution I have
+to give for this, and that is that Pearson did not act fair with us, and
+took five thousand dollars in gold more than he was to have done."</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you and Duncan separate after the robbery?" asked William.</p>
+
+<p>"At Clinton, Iowa," was the reply. "Duncan went on toward Des Moines,
+while I made my way east, where I remained until you found me."</p>
+
+<p>Upon being questioned further, Edwards stated that when he met Duncan,
+he had a room in the lower part of the city, with a very respectable
+lady, who rented furnished apartments, and that when he left the city,
+having no money, he left his trunk and baggage in his room until he
+could settle for his rent.</p>
+
+<p>This was all that could be gained from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> Edwards at this time, and it
+must be confessed was most important. Pearson's guilt was fully proven,
+and we had a strong clew as to the identity of the third man in the
+robbery. It is true that he had more than a month the start of us, but
+we did not despair of finding him at last. In the meantime, much was to
+be speedily done. Edwards must be conveyed to Geneva at once, Johnson
+must be arrested at St. Louis, and we must pay our respects to Eugene
+Pearson as soon as possible. We must also start immediately upon the
+track of Thomas Duncan, and endeavor to trace him to his hiding-place.
+Everything was therefore made ready for the departure of Edwards, who
+was consigned to the care of two trusty operatives until evening, when
+they would take him to Geneva; and William forwarded a telegraphic
+message to Mr. Silby, at Geneva, to this effect:</p>
+
+<div class="message">
+"<span class="smcap">Watch that package.</span>"
+</div>
+
+<p class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></p>
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">Edwards Taken to Geneva&mdash;The Arrest of Eugene Pearson&mdash;His
+Confession&mdash;More Money Recovered&mdash;Dr. Johnson Arrested.</div>
+
+
+<p>As may be imagined, our detective labors were now but fairly commenced.
+We had, it is true, succeeded in capturing one of the active
+participants in the robbery, and in securing nearly four thousand
+dollars of the money that had been taken. We had also obtained
+information which would enable us to arrest two more of the parties who
+were connected with the affair, and perhaps secure an additional sum of
+money. The information which Edwards had given, however, was of vast
+importance to us, and enabled us to pursue our further search with a
+more intelligent knowledge of the parties interested, and with a more
+reasonable hope of eventual success.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Our suspicions regarding Eugene Pearson had been fully sustained, and
+while it was a source of regret to us that we would thus prove beyond
+question the deep guilt of a trusted and respected employ&eacute; of the bank,
+and would be compelled to shatter the false foundations of an honorable
+name, our duty in the premises was clear. Indeed, I have no hesitation
+in asserting that of all the parties connected with this burglary I had
+far less regard or sympathy with this deceitful and base-minded young
+scamp than for any of the others. If Edwards' story was reliable, Eugene
+Pearson was the arch conspirator of the entire affair, and no possible
+excuse could be offered for his dastardly conduct. His position in the
+bank was a lucrative one, and his standing in society of the highest.
+His family connections were of the most honorable character, while the
+affection of his employers for him, would certainly have appealed to his
+sense of honor, if he possessed any, so strongly that guilt ought to
+have been impossible. For Eugene Pearson there was no consideration of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>
+regard in my mind. He had deliberately, and without the slightest cause,
+violated the most sacred pledges of affection and duty, and had proven
+recreant to trusts, the very nature of which should have prevented a
+thought of wrong-doing. He was not dissipated. He did not drink to
+excess, and his part in the gambling operations of his friends had
+always resulted profitably to himself. He was a regular attendant at
+church, conducted himself in the face of all men as one incapable of
+wrong, and against whom no taint of suspicion could possibly attach. A
+veritable "wolf in sheep's clothing" was this dishonest man, and as such
+I felt that he richly deserved the fate that was so soon to overtake
+him. The day of his hypocrisy and dishonesty was soon to set, to be
+followed by a long night of ignominy and disgrace which is the
+inevitable result of such a course of crime as he had been guilty of. I
+cannot find words to express the detestation in which I regarded this
+smooth-faced liar and thief, who had outraged all the finer attributes
+of manhood, and, like the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> ungrateful dog, had bitten the hand that fed
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Before taking Edwards to Geneva, it was necessary to make some
+investigations with regard to Thomas Duncan, who as yet had completely
+eluded our search, and whose correct identity had until this time, been
+entirely unknown to us. William resolved, therefore, to improve the time
+remaining until evening, in making an investigation of the premises
+previously occupied by Duncan while he was in the city.</p>
+
+<p>Having obtained the exact location of this house, William and Robert
+repaired thither at once. They found it, as represented, a quiet,
+respectable house, and located in a neighborhood of unexceptionable
+reputation. Upon being admitted, they requested to see the lady of the
+house, who was a quiet, modest-looking widow lady of about fifty years
+of age. William introduced his brother as a Mr. Staunton, lately of
+Boston, who was desirous of obtaining a pleasant room in that locality,
+and who could<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> furnish undoubted references as to respectability and
+promptness. They were shown several unoccupied rooms, and finally
+entered the one which had probably been occupied by Edwards' companion
+in the robbery, for here were two trunks packed and strapped, and
+apparently ready to be taken away.</p>
+
+<p>"This room," said the lady, as the two gentlemen noticed the trunks,
+"has been occupied by a gentleman who has left the city. These are his
+trunks, and he has ordered them to be sent to him."</p>
+
+<p>William had already approached near enough to notice that the lettering
+upon the trunks was "T. J. Duncan, Des Moines, Iowa," and he was
+convinced that thus far Edwards' revelations had been correct.</p>
+
+<p>"I once knew a man by that name," remarked William, carelessly. "He
+traveled in the west for a clothing firm in Philadelphia."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" said the lady, "this gentleman, I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> think, was in the same
+business, and perhaps he may be the one you knew?"</p>
+
+<p>"I would not be at all surprised," replied William. "Where is Mr. Duncan
+now, do you know?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," answered the lady, "nothing further than that he has ordered his
+baggage sent to Des Moines, Iowa."</p>
+
+<p>Finding that thus far Edwards had spoken truthfully, and that no further
+information could be elicited from this source, Robert promised to call
+again, and the two men withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>At the next corner they found two operatives, who had been directed to
+await their appearance, and William, after describing Duncan's trunks to
+them, ordered them to keep a sharp lookout for their removal, and to
+endeavor to follow them to their destination.</p>
+
+<p>This done, they returned to the agency and completed their arrangements
+for taking Edwards to Geneva that evening. Operative Everman, who had
+returned from Woodford,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> was directed to proceed at once to St. Louis,
+and effect the arrest of Dr. Johnson, the dentist, on a charge of
+forgery, and to convey him to Geneva as soon as possible.</p>
+
+<p>It may be stated in passing, that until the confession of Edwards was
+made, I had no knowledge whatever of the forged checks which he
+mentioned, and the bank had made no efforts to discover the perpetrators
+of that fraud, which had now so unexpectedly been brought to light.</p>
+
+<p>We had been very careful to keep the fact of Edwards' arrest a profound
+secret, and as yet, the officers of the bank and the peaceful community
+at Geneva were in entire ignorance of what had taken place. William had
+telegraphed to Mr. Silby, stating that he would be in Geneva that night,
+and requesting him to meet him at the train. About midnight, therefore,
+when they arrived with their charge, there was no excitement or bustle
+about the place, and even the wakeful and observant railroad men were
+unsuspicious of the arrival of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> one of the robbers. A carriage was
+procured and the party were rapidly driven to the city hall, where, to
+the surprise of the officials, Edwards was placed in confinement,
+charged with being a participant in the robbery of the Geneva bank.
+Fearing that the information would leak out before morning, and that
+Eugene Pearson would take fright and endeavor to dispose of his share of
+the proceeds, it was deemed advisable to go at once to his residence and
+arrest him.</p>
+
+<p>This was done as speedily and quietly as possible, and before the young
+man was aware of the danger he was in, he was our prisoner. I will not
+attempt to depict the grief and anger of the family of this unfortunate
+young man when the object of our visit was made known; but their
+resentment of our action was just what might have been expected from
+people who believed implicitly in the innocence of their child, and
+regarded any attempt to deprive him of his liberty as an unpardonable
+outrage.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As respectfully, but as firmly as possible William stated his
+determination to arrest the young man, and informed them that every
+opportunity would be afforded him to defend himself, and to remove the
+stain upon his character when the proper time arrived.</p>
+
+<p>Eugene Pearson, the culprit, was the least disturbed of the party. His
+coolness was imperturbable. He flatly denied all knowledge of the
+robbery, and in the strongest terms, assured his weeping and
+grief-stricken relatives of his innocence.</p>
+
+<p>The arrest, however, was quietly accomplished, and Pearson was soon
+confined beneath the same roof which sheltered his associate in crime,
+Newton Edwards.</p>
+
+<p>Early the next morning the town was alive with people and the greatest
+excitement prevailed. The news of Eugene Pearson's arrest had spread far
+and wide, and a universal sentiment of indignation pervaded the whole
+community. Angry men gathered at the corners of the street, and threats
+of vengeance against the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> officers of my agency were loudly uttered. A
+lawless outrage had been committed by us, and the righteous indignation
+of an injured community refused to be appeased. The hotel where my men
+were stopping was besieged by the angry citizens, and our actions were
+denounced in the most belligerent manner. Eugene Pearson, in their
+opinion, was above suspicion; he was their ideal of a moral young man,
+his father was respected everywhere, and the base and unwarranted
+invasion of their home by my officers was an indignity which they were
+resolved they would not allow to pass unpunished. As the morning
+advanced the excitement increased, and several of the boldest of the
+angry citizens approached William, and in no complimentary terms
+expressed their contempt, not only for him individually, but for the
+methods which had been used to ferret out and apprehend men who were
+innocent of any wrong.</p>
+
+<p>Under ordinary circumstances William would have resented these insults,
+and that too<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> in a manner that would have convinced them that be was
+fully able to defend himself; but realizing the importance of coolness
+and discretion at this critical juncture, he preserved his good humor,
+and securing their attention for a few moments, he requested them not to
+be too hasty in their actions. If Eugene Pearson was innocent, he
+stated, no serious harm had been done the young man; and if he was
+guilty, as he could prove in a short time, they would deeply regret the
+course they were now threatening to pursue.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 480px;">
+<a href="images/gs04-large.jpg" target="image_window">
+<img src="images/gs04-small.jpg" width="480" height="308" alt="" title="William requested them not to be too hasty in their
+actions."/>
+</a>
+<span class="caption">William requested them not to be too hasty in their
+actions.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>In the meantime he had not been idle in his attempts upon the stoical
+firmness of Eugene Pearson himself, and at length the young burglar was
+broken completely down; he confessed his guilt, and promised to conduct
+the officers to the spot where he had hidden his share of the booty. In
+company therefore with two of the officers, he repaired to the barn in
+the rear of his father's house, and buried in the ground in the yard,
+they found a sack of coin amounting to the sum of six thousand dollars.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p><p>So far, so good. We had now captured two of the robbers, and had secured
+nearly one-half of the stolen money of the bank.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 480px;">
+<a href="images/gs05-large.jpg" target="image_window">
+<img src="images/gs05-small.jpg" width="480" height="308" alt="" title="Here they found a sack of coin amounting to the sum of
+six thousand dollars."/>
+</a>
+<span class="caption">Here they found a sack of coin amounting to the sum of
+six thousand dollars.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>It is needless to say that immediately following the confession of
+Eugene Pearson and the finding of the money he had stolen, the opinions
+of the previously enraged citizens underwent a decided change. If
+William had desired any evidence of the overwhelming triumph which he
+had achieved, the deportment of these disappointed men toward him would
+have fully satisfied him. No longer regarded as a ruthless invader of
+the privacy of honest homes, and guilty of outraging the finer feelings
+of humanity, he was everywhere received with the utmost respect and
+deference, and many apologies were offered for their inconsiderate
+conduct of a few hours before. And yet it must be recorded, that with
+this indisputable evidence of Eugene Pearson's guilty participation in
+the robbery, there yet remained many, who, unable to refute the damning
+proofs against him, were filled with a sympathetic sentiment<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> of
+regard for their fallen idol, and their prevailing feelings were those
+of sorrow and regret.</p>
+
+<p>The majority of them, however, came up by scores, frankly acknowledged
+their mistake, and freely apologized for their actions, which under the
+circumstances, were shown to be so hasty and ill-timed.</p>
+
+<p>In a day or two after this, Dr. Johnson made his appearance, under the
+escort of William Everman; and the delectable trio were placed in
+separate cells to prevent any collusion between them prior to their
+examination.</p>
+
+<p>Johnson's arrest had been very easy of accomplishment. He was entirely
+unaware of what had transpired with the other two, and having had no
+active participation in the robbery, had imagined himself perfectly
+secure and had taken no means of escape.</p>
+
+<p>Everman, on his arrival at St. Louis, had, in accordance with my
+instructions, obtained the assistance of the chief of police of that
+city, who very cheerfully and cordially volunteered all the aid in his
+power. Two men were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>therefore detailed to accompany Everman in
+searching for Dr. Johnson, and it was nearly midnight before they
+succeeded in ascertaining definitely where he lived. Shortly after that
+hour, however, the detectives ascended the stoop of the doctor's
+residence and requested to see him. He appeared in a few minutes, and as
+he stood in the doorway, Everman quickly placed his hand upon his
+shoulder, and informed him that he was wanted at police headquarters.
+The doctor turned pale at this announcement, and requested an
+explanation of such an unusual proceeding; but Everman informed him that
+all explanations would be made in due time, and at the proper place.
+Trembling in every joint, the discomfited doctor obeyed, and in a few
+minutes was conveyed to the office of the chief, where he was closely
+examined, but refused to divulge anything in connection with the robbery
+of the Geneva bank, and asserted boldly his entire innocence of the
+charge. Despite his pleadings for delay he was brought to Geneva upon
+the next train,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> and in a short time three of the guilty parties were
+safely in custody.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 480px;">
+<a href="images/gs06-large.jpg" target="image_window">
+<img src="images/gs06-small.jpg" width="480" height="305" alt="Everman quietly placed his hand upon the young man&#39;s
+shoulder, and informed him that he was wanted at police headquarters." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Everman quietly placed his hand upon the young man&#39;s
+shoulder, and informed him that he was wanted at police
+headquarters.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Our work had thus far been prompt and successful. We had captured the
+leaders of this gang, and had recovered nearly half of the stolen money.
+Much more, however, remained to be accomplished, and we determined that
+our efforts should not be relinquished until Duncan, the remaining
+member of this burglarious band, had been secured, and some clew to the
+remainder of the money had been obtained.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">Proceedings at Geneva&mdash;Speculations as to the Missing Five Thousand
+Dollars&mdash;John Manning Starts in Search of Thomas Duncan.</div>
+
+
+<p>The days which followed the arrest of the three young bank robbers were
+eventful ones in the history of Geneva. The three youthful offenders,
+now downcast and humiliated, were afforded a speedy hearing, and when
+the facts already adduced by us had been received, they were remanded to
+jail for trial at the next term of court.</p>
+
+<p>It is needless to say that the good citizens of the little town were
+shocked beyond expression at the unexpected results of our
+investigation. Both Pearson and Johnson had grown to manhood in their
+midst, and until this time no taint of suspicion had ever been urged
+against them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> No thought of wrong-doing had ever attached to them, and
+no shadow had dimmed the luster of their fair fame. Now all was changed,
+and the irreproachable reputations of days gone by were shattered.
+Debased and self-convicted, they stood before the bar of justice, to
+answer for their crimes. Instead of being the objects of admiration,
+they were now receiving the well-merited scorn of those who had been
+their friends and neighbors. Scarcely past their majorities, and just
+stepping over the threshold of life, the future bright with promises and
+fruitful of golden experiences, they had recklessly thrown all to the
+winds, and now stood before their former friends with the brand of the
+felon upon their brows. No sadder spectacle could have been presented,
+and certainly none more full of warning to the careless youths who
+thronged the court-room, than the presence of the aged parents of these
+young men on the day of the hearing. Their cup of bitterness and sorrow
+was indeed full, and as they raised their tear-stained eyes to their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>
+children, there was not one present whose heart did not throb in
+sympathy for their misfortunes. More especially was this the case with
+the mother of Eugene Pearson. He was her idol; and until the very moment
+of his arrest, she had never known him to be guilty of aught that would
+bring the blush of shame to his cheek. Now, however, the awful
+revelation came, and the boy on whom she had lavished all the wealth of
+her true heart's affection was proven, before all the world, to be the
+blackest of ingrates, and a designing hypocrite and thief. Mr. Silby,
+too, was much affected by the discovery of Pearson's guilt. His
+affection and regard were so sincere and trustful, that, had he been his
+own son, he could not have been more painfully disappointed at
+discovering his cupidity.</p>
+
+<p>Another interview had been obtained with Edwards at Geneva, and he gave
+us some further particulars about the course which he and Duncan had
+taken after having robbed the bank. Shortly after leaving the city of
+Geneva, they made their way to the railroad, along the track<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> of which
+they journeyed for some distance. The day was exceedingly warm, and the
+valise in which they were carrying the stolen money became very heavy
+and burdensome. Finding it impossible to proceed any further with such a
+heavy load, they decided to take out all of the money but a few sacks of
+silver, amounting altogether to about three hundred dollars. This they
+did, concealing the money about their persons, and then hiding the
+valise in a corn field which skirted the railroad track. Being furnished
+with a description of the locality, William proceeded, in company with
+the officers of the bank, to the place designated, and after a short
+search, succeeded in finding the satchel which they had discarded. Upon
+opening it, they found, as Edwards had said, three small canvas sacks
+containing about three hundred dollars in silver coin. No trace,
+however, was discovered of the sack supposed to contain the five
+thousand dollars whose disappearance was still a mystery. Pearson
+indignantly denied having taken more than six thousand dollars as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> his
+share, and this had been found in the yard of his father's house.
+Edwards was equally positive that he had not seen this sack, and yet the
+fact remained that there were five thousand dollars in gold coin which
+could not, as yet, be accounted for.</p>
+
+<p>Numerous theories were now advanced to account for this mysterious
+disappearance. One was that some outside party had found the valise, and
+finding the gold, had left the silver in order to make it appear that
+the satchel had not been disturbed. This was discarded at once, as the
+position and condition of the valise when found was such that it could
+not have been tampered with, or even opened. This was a surprising thing
+to contemplate, for the ground for miles around had been thoroughly
+searched by hundreds of people, and it was evident that no one had
+discovered the hiding-place of this valise.</p>
+
+<p>Another theory was that it was improbable that the two robbers would
+overlook a sack containing that large amount of money. Its<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> very weight
+would have betrayed its presence, and added nearly nineteen pounds to
+the burden which they carried, and therefore there were still some
+grounds for entertaining a belief that Pearson had taken more than his
+share of the booty. To this belief I was not inclined to give much
+weight, as I felt convinced that Pearson had made a full confession of
+what had taken place, and had made honest restitution of the money he
+had taken. Under all the circumstances, therefore, I was inclined to
+think that Edwards and his companion had taken the gold, and that the
+capture of the remaining robber would unravel the seeming mystery.</p>
+
+<p>I was further convinced of this by another incident which transpired in
+this connection. After the valise had been found and returned to the
+bank, Edwards was taken into the building. The silver coin which had
+been recovered was placed within the satchel, and handed to him. After
+taking it in his hand, he immediately exclaimed:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Why, that isn't nearly as heavy as it was when we left the bank!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Silby then brought out a sack containing five thousand dollars in
+gold, and placed it in the satchel. Again Edwards lifted it, and this
+time he at once said:</p>
+
+<p>"That is more like it!"</p>
+
+<p>This experience strengthened me in the belief of Eugene Pearson's
+innocence, and that Edwards and his companion had either lost the gold
+in some manner, or had disposed of it in some other way.</p>
+
+<p>Acting upon this theory, the ground in the vicinity of the spot where
+the valise was found was thoroughly searched by both the bank officials
+and my operatives. All in vain, however; no trace was obtained of the
+missing sack of gold, and the matter of its loss was as much a mystery
+as ever.</p>
+
+<p>After the preliminary hearing had been held, the prisoners were removed
+to the county town, some miles distant, where they were placed in
+confinement, awaiting the day of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> trial, which would not take place for
+some time to come.</p>
+
+<p>While these events were transpiring, we had by no means been idle. Our
+primary success in arresting the three men thus far secured, had been
+most gratifying to the officers of the bank as well as to ourselves. Of
+course I was anxious to continue the search for the missing robber, but
+no one possessed a better knowledge than myself of the expense and delay
+that would be contingent upon such an undertaking. I therefore, as was
+my duty, fully informed the officers of the bank of the difficulty to be
+encountered if our investigation was continued. More than thirty days
+had elapsed since the robbery had been committed, the news of the
+burglary had been spread far and wide, and the information of the
+capture of the three robbers would be equally disseminated. This would
+probably place the fugitive upon his guard, and we could not pretend to
+fix a limit to the time that would be necessary to effect his capture.
+All these facts were fully explained to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> the bank officials, and with
+the assurance that we would achieve success if it were possible to do
+so, the matter was left to their decision.</p>
+
+<p>They were not long, however, in coming to a determination, and without
+hesitation, I was directed to prosecute the search according to my own
+judgment, in which, they assured me, they placed the utmost reliance.</p>
+
+<p>Thus supported, we made immediate arrangements for a protracted and
+unceasing search for the fleeing burglar, and before the hearing had
+taken place in Geneva, operative John Manning had been despatched to
+Clinton, Iowa, at which point it was designed to commence operations.</p>
+
+<p>The two operatives who had been detailed to look after the trunks of
+Thomas Duncan, in Chicago, had also reported the result of their
+espionage. After waiting for more than two hours, they noticed that an
+express wagon was driven up before the door, after which the trunks were
+brought out, placed in the wagon, and rapidly driven away. The
+operatives fol<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>lowed as rapidly as they were able to do, and ascertained
+that they were taken to the railroad station for shipment to Des Moines.</p>
+
+<p>As has already been detailed, Edwards and Duncan parted company at
+Clinton, Iowa, Duncan proceeding west, while Edwards had come direct to
+Chicago, from which point he had made his way eastward to the little
+village in New York, where he remained in fancied security until he was
+so unexpectedly taken into custody.</p>
+
+<p>Clinton, Iowa, was therefore the place from which to trace the flight of
+the bank robber, and John Manning was dispatched to that place, with
+full authority to exercise his own judgment about his future course of
+action.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">On the Track of the Fleeing Burglar&mdash;Duncan's Home&mdash;Some Reflections.</div>
+
+
+<p>Within a few hours after receiving his orders, John Manning, satchel in
+hand, stepped from the train at Clinton, and proceeded to a hotel. It
+was nearly nightfall when he arrived, and after hastily partaking of his
+evening meal, he started out to make some inquiries about the man he was
+in search of. Having by some means gained a knowledge of Thomas Duncan's
+associates in Clinton, he had no difficulty in finding them, and
+dropping into a saloon which they frequented, he quietly introduced his
+name in a casual conversation with the proprietor.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know Tod?" asked that gentleman, with some surprise.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes, very well," replied Manning. "I spent several days with him in
+Chicago, about a month ago, and had quite a pleasant time."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I remember; he stopped here after that, on his way to his home in
+Des Moines. You must have had quite a time, for Tod looked very much
+broken up."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, he was on quite a spree, I believe&mdash;and so he went to Des Moines,
+did he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he started for that point; but I believe he intended stopping some
+time in Ames, where he has a good many friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he say what he intended doing there, or whether he was going on out
+to Denver?" asked Manning.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I think he said he was going with a fishing-party from there and
+would be gone several weeks." After stating that he was about to travel
+in that direction himself, and learning the names of several of Duncan's
+friends in Ames, Manning left the saloon, and returned to his hotel.
+Ascertaining that he could leave on a train that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> night, he hastened to
+the depot and was soon speeding on his way.</p>
+
+<p>He arrived at Ames in due season, and here he was fortunate enough to
+find a friend of Duncan's, who informed him that instead of remaining in
+that city he had only lingered there one day, when he left on a freight
+train for Des Moines, stating that he was to meet a friend in the latter
+city and could not wait for the regular passenger train.</p>
+
+<p>Manning without delay then started for Des Moines, and upon arriving
+there, telegraphed the result of his investigation thus far. In reply he
+was informed that Duncan's baggage had been sent to Des Moines, and
+directed to inquire at the office of the American express whether it had
+been received or delivered.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately on the receipt of these instructions Manning repaired to the
+express office, and there to his intense delight, he discovered Duncan's
+trunks among the unclaimed baggage. Making himself known to the express
+superintendent, who was friendly to our interests, he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> remained around
+the office until late in the evening, when as the office was about to be
+closed, and feeling confident that the trunks would not be called for
+that night, he repaired to his hotel and sought his much-needed repose.</p>
+
+<p>The following morning he was up betimes, and deferring his visit to
+Duncan's friends until he had seen the trunks removed, he made his way
+again to the express office and took up his position as a watcher.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly before noon, a wagon was driven up before the door, and a man
+presented himself and demanded the trunks in which the detective was so
+much interested. The wagon bore the name of a grocer, John Miller, and
+was evidently used in delivering the wares dispensed by the merchant
+whose name was painted upon its sides. After the trunks had been
+transferred to the wagon, the driver mounted to the seat and slowly
+drove away. Manning followed on behind them, and after a short journey,
+the driver drew up before a handsome residence, surrounded by a
+beautiful lawn, adorned with numerous beds<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> of bright blooming flowers.
+The building was a two-story one, with a wide porch extending around
+three sides, and was evidently the abode of a gentleman in fortunate
+circumstances. The trunks were removed from the wagon, and carried into
+the hall, after which the driver returned and drove away. After waiting
+for some time in view of the house, he saw the trunks taken in, and
+placed in a front room in the second story.</p>
+
+<p>Having now traced Thomas Duncan's trunks to their destination, and
+feeling the need of additional assistance, Manning repaired to the
+office of the chief of police and requested an interview with that
+functionary. Upon being conducted into the private office of the chief,
+Manning at once introduced himself, and stated the cause of his
+appearance in the city. He met with a most cordial reception, and the
+chief, without hesitation, promised him all the assistance in his power.
+He had heard of the robbery at the time of its occurrence, and had also
+read of the capture of the three men, who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> were suspected of being
+implicated in that affair. Upon being informed that Thomas Duncan was
+connected with the burglary, the chief evinced considerable surprise,
+for he was well acquainted with the young man, and had been for several
+years, in fact, almost since his boyhood. From the chief, Manning
+learned that Duncan's parents had lived in the city for a long time, and
+that "Tod" was rather a wild, careless fellow, who was frequently found
+in bad company. For a long time the young man and his father had been
+estranged, owing to the son's persistent course of folly and
+dissipation. Long and patiently had the old gentleman borne with his
+son, and had repeatedly opened his purse to liquidate debts which Tod
+had contracted; but finally, finding it useless to attempt to induce him
+to change his mode of life, he had forbidden him the house, and had not
+received him since.</p>
+
+<p>It was barely possible that Duncan might be found in the city, but the
+chief was inclined to a different belief. In any event, however, it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>
+would be useless to seek for him beneath his father's roof. Manning
+described the house at which the trunks were left, and was informed that
+it was occupied by a man named John Miller, a grocer, and an intimate
+friend of Duncan's. Duncan always made Mr. Miller's house his home
+during his visits to Des Moines, and if any one was acquainted with his
+movements, this John Miller ought to be the man.</p>
+
+<p>Instead, however, of calling upon Mr. Miller at once, Manning proposed
+to shadow the house during the day, in order to see if any one answering
+Duncan's description should enter or leave the place. This was deemed
+particularly advisable, as if Mr. Miller was approached at once, his
+suspicions might be excited, and if Duncan was in the city the alarm
+could be given, and he could readily make his escape before we could
+reach him.</p>
+
+<p>No one at all resembling Thomas Duncan, however, made his appearance
+during that day, and in the evening Manning repaired to the chief's
+office, as that gentleman had promised<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> to accompany him on his visit to
+the friendly grocer.</p>
+
+<p>John Miller and Mr. Wallace, the chief of police, were warm friends, and
+he felt confident that Miller would not tell him an untruth; but it was
+deemed best to introduce Manning as a friend of Duncan's, from Chicago,
+who wanted to see him upon a matter of business. Of course, it had not
+yet reached the public ear that Thomas Duncan was suspected of
+complicity in the robbery, as we had kept that fact entirely secret,
+fearing that a divulgence of Edwards' confession would seriously
+interfere with our search for the missing burglar, and perhaps prevent
+us from ever apprehending him.</p>
+
+<p>The two men therefore repaired to the store of the grocer, and were
+fortunate enough to find him at home. He greeted the chief warmly, and
+acknowledged the introduction of Manning with good-natured heartiness
+and sincerity. Inviting them into his private office, Mr. Miller
+requested to know the nature of their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> call, and Mr. Wallace at once
+explained to him what had already been agreed upon. Manning further
+explained that when he left Duncan, that gentleman informed him that he
+intended coming to Des Moines, and would probably stop with Mr. Miller.</p>
+
+<p>"Has he been here recently?" asked Mr. Wallace.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'll tell you," replied Mr. Miller. "More than three weeks ago he
+was here. It was about midnight, and I had retired to bed. Suddenly I
+was awakened by a loud ringing at my door-bell. Hastily dressing myself,
+I went down, and there, to my surprise, stood Tod Duncan. He was so
+disguised, however, that I did not recognize him until he addressed me
+and told me who he was. He was attired in a suit of coarse brown
+ducking, heavy boots, and a slouch hat; around his neck he wore a large
+red handkerchief, and he looked more like a German tramp than like my
+old friend. I felt at once that something was wrong, or that he was in
+some trouble; so I asked him in, and we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> went to my room. My family were
+away at the time, and there was no one in the house but myself, and as
+he looked tired and hungry, I produced what eatables I had in the house,
+and he made a hearty meal. After he had finished, he turned to me, and
+laughingly said:</p>
+
+<p>"'The devil himself wouldn't know me in this rig, would he?'</p>
+
+<p>"I told him I thought not, and then asked him what was the cause of his
+strange disguise and his unexpected appearance in Des Moines. He told me
+that he had got into some trouble about a game of poker in Leadville,
+and that he had shot and perhaps killed a notorious gambler in that
+city. He wished me to help him, as he was hiding from the officers who
+were after him, until the affair blew over. He seemed particularly
+anxious that I should help him to get away. Upon asking him how the
+affair happened he related the following incident to me. It happened
+that he was playing a game of poker in Leadville, with a notorious and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>
+unscrupulous gambler, and that at one time when there was a large amount
+of money on the table, this gambler deliberately displayed four aces,
+when Duncan held an ace which had been dealt to him in the first hand.
+Upon accusing the gambler of attempting to cheat him, that worthy drew a
+pistol and attempted to intimidate him. He was too quick for his
+opponent, however, and quick as a flash, he had fired upon him, and the
+man fell. Hastily gathering up the money that was upon the table, Duncan
+succeeded in making good his escape from the house, amid a scene of
+confusion and uproar impossible to describe. He showed me," continued
+Mr. Miller, "a considerable sum of money, in proof of his assertion, and
+of course I have no reason to doubt his word. He further informed me
+that his trunks were in Chicago and that he was desirous of obtaining
+them. I provided him with pen and paper, and he wrote a letter which
+purported to be written in St. Louis and addressed to myself, stating
+that he was in that city, without a dollar,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> and requesting me to send
+for his trunks at Chicago, promising to repay me at an early day. I did
+not understand this proceeding, particularly as after writing this
+letter, he gave me twenty dollars, to pay for having his trunks sent to
+Des Moines, and requested me to allow them to remain in my house until
+he should send for them. That this letter was intended to mislead some
+one, I have no doubt; but I was at a loss to understand how it could
+succeed in its purpose if I retained possession of it. At his request
+then I inclosed his letter to me to the landlady at Chicago, and I know
+nothing further about it except that Duncan's trunks arrived to-day and
+are now in my house, awaiting his disposition."</p>
+
+<p>"How long did Duncan remain in town at that time?" asked Manning.</p>
+
+<p>"I think he left the next day," replied Mr. Miller. "He left my house on
+the following morning at any rate, and I learned afterward that he went
+away with an old friend of his,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> who is a brakeman on one of the roads
+here, on the same day that he left my house."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know who the man was that he went away with?" now asked Mr.
+Wallace.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; his name is Bob King, and if I am not mistaken, King obtained a
+leave of absence from the railroad company for a few days in order to go
+with Duncan. They hired a horse and carriage and started off in the
+direction of Grand Junction. King was absent several days, and then
+returned with the team, stating that Duncan had gone west. I thought
+this very strange, as, if he had ran away from Leadville, it would
+certainly be very unwise for him to return. However, I heard no more
+about him, but I have seen Bob King frequently. He comes in several
+times a week, and you can most likely find him about some of the
+boarding-houses around the Union Depot."</p>
+
+<p>This was all that could be gained from Mr. Miller, and after receiving
+that gentleman's promise to inform Mr. Wallace, in case he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> should hear
+anything of Duncan, the two men took their leave of the accommodating
+and loquacious grocer.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving the chief at his office, Manning resolved to pay a visit to the
+residence of Duncan's parents. Not, however, to make himself known or to
+institute any inquiries; but to quietly watch from the outside whatever
+was transpiring within. He found the house to be a large frame dwelling,
+with extensive grounds surrounding it; everything evinced the utmost
+refinement and good taste, and it was evidently the abode of
+respectability and wealth. The lights were gleaming through the windows
+of a room upon the lower floor, and Manning quietly opened the gate, and
+screened himself behind some tall bushes that were growing upon the
+lawn. Here he was effectually hidden, both from the inmates of the
+house, and the passers-by upon the street. The scene that greeted his
+vision was so peaceful and homelike, that Manning was convinced that
+Dun<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>can's family were entirely ignorant of his movements or his crime.
+The father, a hale old gentleman with a smiling face, was reading aloud
+to the assembled members of his family, his wife and two daughters, who
+were busily engaged in some species of fancy work, so popular with
+ladies at the present time, and their evident enjoyment of the narrative
+was unmixed with any thought of wrong-doing or danger to one of their
+family.</p>
+
+<p>"How strange are the workings of circumstances," thought the detective.
+"Here is a happy home, a family surrounded by wealth, refinement and
+luxury, peaceful and contented, while a beloved member of it is now an
+outcast from the world, a fugitive from justice, hiding from the
+officers of the law, and vainly seeking to elude the grasp that sooner
+or later will be laid upon his shoulder."</p>
+
+<p>Silently maintaining his watch until the family retired, the detective
+slowly made his way to his hotel, and as he tossed upon his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> pillow, his
+dreams were peopled alternately with happy home-scenes of domestic
+comfort and content, and a weary, travel-stained criminal, hungry and
+foot-sore, who was lurking in the darkness, endeavoring to escape from
+the consequences of his crime.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">Bob King Meets with a Surprise&mdash;His Story of Duncan's Flight&mdash;The
+Detective Starts Westward.</div>
+
+
+<p>The most important object now to be accomplished was to secure an
+interview with Bob King, the brakeman, who had accompanied Duncan when
+he left Des Moines. Manning was convinced that King was fully aware by
+this time of the crime which Duncan had committed, and perhaps for a
+share of the proceeds, had assisted him in his flight from justice.</p>
+
+<p>Early on the following morning, therefore, he left the hotel, and
+started off in the direction of the depot, resolved to make a tour of
+the numerous boarding-houses before calling upon the chief of police. He
+had already obtained an accurate description of the man he was in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>
+search of, and had no doubt of recognizing him, should he be fortunate
+enough to meet him. Passing quietly along, he came to the large
+switch-yards, and here he was almost deafened by the rumble and noise of
+the trains, and the screeching and puffing of the engines. Here Manning
+paused awhile in the hope of seeing his man among the number of brakemen
+engaged about the yard; but finding no one that answered his
+description, he approached a party of men standing near, and inquired:</p>
+
+<p>"Can you tell me where I will find Bob King?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bob is not working to-day, and you will probably find him at the Union
+House, yonder," was the reply, as the man stretched his dirty finger in
+the direction indicated. Thanking the man, he passed through the yard to
+the street upon the opposite side. Here he found a long row of houses of
+various descriptions, but all of them apparently occupied as
+eating-saloons, boarding-houses and hotels. On the corner of the street,
+and directly opposite from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> where the detective stood, was a low,
+dingy-looking frame building, with the name of Union House painted
+across the front.</p>
+
+<p>"Here we are," said Manning to himself, "and we will soon ascertain if
+Mr. King is about."</p>
+
+<p>So saying he crossed the street and entered the office or waiting-room
+of the hostelry. An old settee, a half-dozen or more well-whittled
+wooden arm-chairs, a rusty stove set in a square box filled with
+saw-dust, were about all the movable furniture which the room contained.
+In the corner, however, was a short counter behind which, arranged on
+long rows of hooks, were suspended a number of hats, caps and coats of a
+decidedly miscellaneous character.</p>
+
+<p>An ancient-looking register, filled with blots and hieroglyphics, lay
+upon the counter, and as the room was empty, Manning walked toward the
+open volume and examined the names inscribed thereon. Under the date of
+the preceding evening, he found the name he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> was looking for, and a
+cabalistic sign on the margin designated that he had lodged there the
+night before and indicated that he might still be in the house.</p>
+
+<p>While he was thus standing, a frowsy-headed young man, whose face was
+still shining from the severe friction of a coarse roller-towel, which
+hung behind the door, entered the room, and saluting the detective
+familiarly, proceeded to comb his hair before a cracked mirror that hung
+behind the desk. After he had hastily finished this operation, he turned
+again to Manning, who had been smilingly observing his movements.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you had breakfast, sir? last table just ready."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," replied Manning, "I have already had my breakfast. I am
+looking for a man who is stopping here, by the name of King."</p>
+
+<p>"What's his first name&mdash;Bob?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that's his name. He is a brakeman on the road."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, Bob's here. He's eating his breakfast now. Just sit down,
+he'll be here directly."</p>
+
+<p>After waiting a few minutes, a tall, broad-shouldered young man, of
+rather good-natured and intelligent appearance, entered the room, and
+taking a cap from one of the hooks upon the wall, placed it upon his
+head.</p>
+
+<p>It did not require the rather officious indication of the young clerk to
+induce the detective to recognize the new-comer as the man whom he was
+most desirous of seeing; his appearance tallied precisely with the
+description of him which he had previously obtained.</p>
+
+<p>Stepping quietly up to the young man, the detective said, carelessly:</p>
+
+<p>"Your name is Bob King, I believe?"</p>
+
+<p>Somewhat confused by the abrupt salutation, the young fellow replied,
+rather awkwardly:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that's my name; but you've got the brakes on me, for I don't
+remember that I ever saw you before."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not," answered Manning, "but I want to have a little private
+conversation with you for a few minutes. Can we go somewhere where we
+will not be interrupted?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes," responded the other, still evidently ill at ease, "come in
+here." And turning about, he led the way through a door across the hall,
+and entered a small and plainly furnished sitting-room.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait," said Manning, as if suddenly conceiving an idea. "The morning is
+pleasant, and I have a good cigar here; suppose we take a short walk
+together. We can talk as we stroll along."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," said King, as he took the proffered cigar, and lighting it,
+they went out of the hotel into the street.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Robert King eyed the detective furtively ever and anon, and seemed
+to be impatient for him to begin the conversation, and inform him what
+it was all about. There was, however, such a perfect air of ease and
+unconcern about Manning, that the young<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> brakeman felt impelled to
+accompany him whether he would or not. Manning led the way in the
+direction of the office of the chief of police, and after they had
+fairly started, he turned to his companion, and good-naturedly said:</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. King, I suppose you are quite anxious to know who I am, and what is
+the nature of my business with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, yes," answered King, smilingly, for the <i>sang froid</i> of Manning
+had quite won his heart. "I would like to know both of those things."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said the detective, "my name is John Manning, and I am a native
+of Chicago. I am an intimate friend of 'Tod' Duncan's, and want to know
+where to find him."</p>
+
+<p>"You will have to ask somebody that can tell you, then," answered King,
+who had now fully recovered his composure, "for I don't know anything
+about him."</p>
+
+<p>"Why," ejaculated Manning, as though quite surprised at the information,
+"I thought that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> you and Tod went off on a hunting or fishing party a
+few weeks ago, and that you came home, leaving Tod to continue his
+journey alone."</p>
+
+<p>"That's a mistake," said King, "and whoever informed you to that effect
+was as much mistaken as you are."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. King was evidently trying the good-natured game of bluff, and
+Manning noticed with some satisfaction that they were now approaching
+very near to the office of Mr. Wallace.</p>
+
+<p>"See here," said he, suddenly turning on his companion. "Mr. King, this
+won't do. Duncan is wanted for the Geneva bank robbery. He was here
+three weeks ago, and you were with him. You got him out of town, and if
+you are not disposed to be communicative, I have simply got to place you
+under arrest."</p>
+
+<p>The change in King's manner was very complete. He was utterly surprised
+and nonplused, and before he could answer a word Manning placed his hand
+on his shoulder and said,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> peremptorily: "Come in here, Mr. King;
+perhaps Mr. Wallace can loosen your tongue."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 480px;">
+<a href="images/gs07-large.jpg" target="image_window">
+<img src="images/gs07-small.jpg" width="480" height="305" alt="&quot;Come in here, Mr. King; perhaps Mr. Wallace can loosen
+your tongue.&quot;" title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">&quot;Come in here, Mr. King; perhaps Mr. Wallace can loosen
+your tongue.&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>They were now directly in front of the office of the chief, and King
+knew that any attempt at resistance would be futile, and decidedly
+unwise, so he deemed it best to submit at once.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be too hard on a fellow," said he at last. "I have a good
+position and I can't afford to lose it. If you will give me a chance, I
+will tell you all I know."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, come right in here," said Manning, "and if you tell me the
+truth, I promise you no harm will come to you."</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes they were closeted with the chief, who knew King very
+well, and who added his assurances to those of Manning, that if he would
+unburden himself fully, no danger need be apprehended.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to say first," said King, at last convinced that it would be
+better to make a clean breast of the whole matter, "that what I did, was
+done in good faith, and I only thought<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> I was helping a friend who had
+got into trouble through acting in self-defense."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," said Manning, "we will admit all that, but tell us what you
+know."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," answered King, after a pause in which to collect himself, "It
+was about three weeks ago, that Duncan came to the city, and knowing
+where I stopped, he came to see me. I happened to be in from my run when
+he called, and he wanted to know if I could get a leave of absence for a
+week, as he wanted to go on a fishing trip and would pay all the
+expenses. I went to the master of transportation and found no difficulty
+in obtaining my leave, and then I saw Tod and told him I was at his
+service. We then procured a team, guns, fishing-tackle and provisions,
+not forgetting a good supply of smoking and drinking articles, and the
+next day started off in the direction of Grand Junction. Before we
+started, Duncan told me about getting into a scrape over a game of cards
+at Leadville, and that he had shot two gamblers<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> and was keeping out of
+the way until the excitement over the affair had died out."</p>
+
+<p>"Duncan has raised one man, I see," laughed Manning. "When I heard this
+story first, he had only killed one gambler in his fight over the
+cards."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I am telling you what Duncan told me," answered King.</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right," said Manning quietly, "but suppose you go ahead and
+tell us what he told you about robbing the Geneva bank."</p>
+
+<p>The cool assurance of the detective, and the easy assumption with which
+he stated his conclusions, so disconcerted King, that he was speechless
+for a few moments. Recovering himself quickly, however, he answered
+doggedly:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I intended to tell you the whole story, and I was simply telling
+it in my own way."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, Mr. King," said Manning, "all I want is the truth, but the card
+story won't do."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess it won't do me any good to tell you anything else but the
+truth," rejoined King.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> "Well, Tod told me about this shooting business
+before we started, and of course I believed it. I noticed, though,
+before we were away from the city very long, that there was something
+else on his mind, that made him very uneasy, and gave him a great deal
+of trouble. He was moody and silent for hours, and it was only when he
+drank a great deal that he was at all lively, or seemed like his old
+natural self. Finally, on the morning of the third day, I put the
+question fairly to him, and he then told me what he had done. He said he
+and two others had robbed a bank, and that he was making his way
+westward. He was resolved not to be captured, and said that no two men
+should take him alive. He then told me that he wanted me to take the
+team back to Des Moines, and that he would take the train at Grand
+Junction, and try to make his way to Manitoba. We parted company at the
+Junction, where Tod took the train for Sioux City. He paid all the
+expenses of the trip and offered to give me some of the money, but I
+refused to accept<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> any, and told him what I had done was done simply for
+friendship."</p>
+
+<p>"How much money did Duncan have at that time?" asked Manning.</p>
+
+<p>"He had nearly four thousand dollars, I should judge," answered King.</p>
+
+<p>"Did he say who assisted him in this robbery?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; he told me that a man by the name of Edwards was one, and that the
+assistant cashier of the bank was the prime mover in the whole affair.
+He also said that the cashier had not played fair, but had taken out
+twelve thousand dollars in gold instead of six thousand. He was very
+bitter against this man, and said he believed that he would give them
+all away to save his own neck, if it came to the pinch."</p>
+
+<p>After some further conversation, which convinced Manning that King was
+telling the truth and that he was entirely ignorant of Duncan's
+hiding-place, the young brakeman was allowed to go his way, with the
+understand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>ing that they were to meet again in the evening.</p>
+
+<p>Manning now hastened to the telegraph office, and a cipher message,
+containing in brief all he had thus far learned, was soon upon its way
+to me.</p>
+
+<p>My reply was to the effect that he should again see King, and inquire if
+Duncan had mentioned anything about the valise which they had carried
+away from Geneva. Then to endeavor to obtain a photograph of Duncan, and
+finally thereafter to lose no time in starting out for Sioux City.</p>
+
+<p>I was considerably exercised about this missing package of gold. I could
+not believe that Pearson had taken it, although both Edwards and Duncan
+appeared to be positive of it. The young cashier now seemed to be too
+utterly crushed down and humiliated to permit me to believe that he had
+lied still further, and that he was still keeping back a portion of the
+plunder he had secured. Still, however much I was desirous of discarding
+such a belief, I was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> resolved to leave no stone unturned in order to
+explain the mystery. I felt positive that some explanation would yet be
+made that would account for this package, and in a manner that would not
+connect Eugene Pearson with its disappearance. Up to this time, however,
+we were as far from the truth in this connection as when we commenced,
+and I could do no more than await the arrest of Duncan, before the
+matter could be definitely settled. I came to this conclusion on the
+assumption that all the parties thus far had told the truth, and it
+seemed to me that one or the other of them must certainly be mistaken in
+their original impressions.</p>
+
+<p>This theory, however, yet remained. Edwards and Duncan might have
+obtained the money, and being still under the influence of the liquor
+they had drank, and excited over what had transpired, had thrown away
+the valise, and at that time it might still have contained the gold.</p>
+
+<p>In accordance with my instructions, Man<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>ning remained in Des Moines two
+days succeeding this, but was unable to learn from King that Duncan had
+mentioned the valise in any manner whatever.</p>
+
+<p>In his attempt to obtain a photograph of Duncan, however, he was more
+successful, and with the assistance of Capt. Wallace, he was fortunate
+enough to be placed in possession of a very excellent picture of young
+Duncan, which had but recently been taken. This accession to his stock
+of knowledge was destined to play an important part in his continued
+search after the fugitive burglar. Finding that nothing more could be
+learned in Des Moines, and receiving assurances from the friendly chief
+that any information would be forwarded to him at once, Manning departed
+from the home of the youthful law-breaker and started for Sioux City.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">Manning Strikes the Trail&mdash;An Accommodating Tailor&mdash;Temporary
+Disappointment and final Success&mdash;The Detective reaches Minneapolis.</div>
+
+
+<p>August, with its hot, sweltering days, when the very skies seemed to be
+a canopy of lurid, quivering heat; and when every breeze seemed
+freighted with a depressing warmth that almost rendered labor
+impossible, had passed away, and we were now in the enjoyment of the
+clear, cool days of September. The skies were bluer, the air was purer,
+and the beautiful, golden autumn was welcomed with a grateful sense of
+pleasure and relief. Nearly a month had now elapsed since the robbery of
+the Geneva Bank, and, although we had accomplished much, our work was
+not yet completed. Thomas Duncan was still at liberty,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> and our task was
+yet unfinished. I have already, as briefly as I could, related the
+various events which had transpired since the robbery, and detailed the
+efforts which we had thus far made toward accomplishing the capture of
+the perpetrators of this crime. Of Thomas Duncan, however, I had learned
+comparatively little, and of his movements still less; and yet, at
+times, I found myself indulging in feelings of sympathy for the young
+man, who had so recklessly and inconsiderately thrown away the best
+chances of his life. Of a careless disposition and inclined to folly, I
+was convinced that until this time he had never stooped to commit a
+crime. This was his first flagrant violation of the law, and when I
+thought of him a hunted fugitive, seeking to hide himself from the
+vigilant eyes of the officers of the law, and of the quiet, peaceful and
+happy home of his parents, I could not repress a feeling of regret and
+sorrow for the wayward youth in this, the hour of his humiliation and
+trial. Far different from Eugene Pearson, who had no cares and no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>
+temptations to commit crimes, and who had practiced a scheme of vile
+deception and ingratitude for years, Thomas Duncan had been found in a
+moment of weakness and desperation, and under the influence of wily
+tempters, had yielded himself up to their blandishments, and had done
+that which had made him a felon. As to Eugene Pearson, the trusted,
+honored and respected official of the bank, who had deliberately planned
+and assisted in this robbery of his best friends, I had no words of
+palliation for his offenses; but for "Tod" Duncan, the weak and tempted
+victim of designing men and adverse circumstances, I experienced a sense
+of sympathy which I could not easily shake off.</p>
+
+<p>Where was he now? Perhaps hiding in the forests of the far west, amid
+the barbaric scenes of savage life; perhaps giving himself up to a
+reckless life of dissipation, seeking in the delirium of intoxication a
+forgetfulness of the deed he had committed, and of the consequences
+which must befall him. How many long, weary<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> nights since he fled from
+Geneva, with his ill-gotten booty, had he, even in the midst of a
+bacchanalian revel, started suddenly, as if in fear of the officer he so
+much dreaded, and then with a boastful laugh drank deeper to drown the
+agonies that oppressed him? Perhaps, on the other hand, the first step
+taken, the rest had come easy and without effort, and he had already
+become hardened and reckless. Whatever might be the case, we were as yet
+uninformed, and operative John Manning arrived in Sioux City with no
+definite clew to the missing man.</p>
+
+<p>Seeking, as before, the assistance of the police authorities, Manning
+proposed to make a tour of the so-called houses of pleasure, which
+infest all cities, deeming it most likely that he would obtain some
+traces of Duncan by that means. This proved successful in a comparative
+degree, for in one of these places Manning found a gay young cyprian,
+who recognized Duncan's picture immediately. A bottle of very inferior
+wine at an exorbitant price was ordered, and under its influence the
+girl informed the detective<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> that Duncan had come there alone one
+evening about two weeks prior to this time, and that she had accompanied
+him upon a drive. They had become quite familiar during their short
+acquaintance, and Duncan drank a great deal. On the following morning he
+had left the house, and stated that he was going to leave the city that
+day. Further than this, the girl could not say, and Manning must needs
+be content with even that trifling amount of encouragement for the
+present.</p>
+
+<p>Manning had also been provided with a facsimile of Duncan's handwriting
+and signature, and he carefully examined the registers of the several
+hotels, in order to discover whether he had stopped at any of them under
+his own or any fictitious name which resembled in any manner the one he
+bore, but without any success whatever.</p>
+
+<p>On returning to the hotel, he occupied himself debating as to the best
+movement to make next. He was surprised on arriving there to find a
+telegram from Capt. Wallace awaiting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> him. On removing the inclosure he
+found a message informing him that Duncan had an acquaintance in Sioux
+City whose name was Griswold, and who was engaged in the tailoring
+business at that place.</p>
+
+<p>Aided by this important piece of intelligence, the detective was not
+long in finding the establishment presided over by Mr. Griswold. That
+gentleman was located in the business section of the city, and his
+neatly arranged store was well stocked with goods of excellent quality
+and apparently of recent style. On entering the shop, Mr. Griswold was
+found perched on a table in the rear, his legs crossed, and with nimble
+fingers was engaged in the manufacture of some of the articles of his
+trade. He was a small, sharp-featured man, about forty, with a shrewd
+though not unpleasant face, and as he came briskly forward to greet a
+prospective customer, his countenance was wreathed in a smile that was
+almost irresistible.</p>
+
+<p>"Can I do anything for you this morning?" was the polite salutation of
+the little tailor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied the detective. "I want to look at some goods that will
+make a good suit of clothes."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," replied the knight of the shears. "I have some excellent
+styles here, and I am sure I can give you your full satisfaction."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no doubt of that," said Manning pleasantly. "I have been
+recommended here by my friend Tod Duncan, and he speaks very highly of
+you."</p>
+
+<p>The face of the little tailor was again wreathed in smiles, as he
+delightedly inquired:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean Duncan, the traveling man from Des Moines?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Manning, "that's the man; I am a traveling man myself,
+but in a different line, and I expected to meet him in this city, but I
+was disappointed. I guess he must have got ahead of me."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see," said Mr. Griswold, with his needle-pricked finger pressed
+against his nose. "He was here about two weeks ago, I guess."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Do you know which way he was going?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think he said he was going to St. Paul. I made a suit of clothes for
+him in a great hurry, as he was very anxious to get away."</p>
+
+<p>"What kind of a suit did he get?" asked Manning, now anxious to learn
+the clothing of the man, in order that he might the more accurately
+describe him.</p>
+
+<p>"It was from this piece," said Mr. Griswold, throwing on the table a
+roll of dark green cassimere. "That is one of the latest importations,
+and as fine a piece of goods as I have in the house."</p>
+
+<p>"I like that myself," said the detective. "Would you object to giving me
+a small piece of it as a sample? I want to show it to a friend of mine
+at the hotel, who has pretty good taste in such matters."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not," replied Mr. Griswold, as he clipped off a piece of the
+cloth, little dreaming of the use to which the detective would put it.</p>
+
+<p>Declining to make a selection until he had sought the advice of an
+imaginary friend, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> stating that he would probably call again in the
+evening, Manning took his leave of the little tailor. The detective then
+repaired to the railroad ticket office, where he had a friend of long
+standing, from whom he hoped to derive some material information.</p>
+
+<p>At the railroad station he found his friend on duty, and after the usual
+friendly salutations, he requested a few moments' private conversation.
+Being admitted to an inner office, Manning at once displayed the
+photograph of Duncan, and asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Harry, have you seen that face about here, say within about two weeks?"</p>
+
+<p>Taking the picture, and regarding it intently for a moment, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes&mdash;that's Duncan from Des Moines. I know him very well. He has
+been here often."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, has he been here within two weeks?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he was here about two weeks ago on a spree, and he bought a ticket
+for St. Paul."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Are you quite sure about that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly sure," answered the ticket agent. "I remember it distinctly,
+and what impressed it the more forcibly upon my mind is the fact that he
+wanted to know if I could give him a ticket on the Northern Pacific road
+from here, and I told him he would have to go to St. Paul for that."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he mention any particular point on the railroad that he wanted a
+ticket for?" asked Manning.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I think not. He simply said he was making for Dakota."</p>
+
+<p>Ascertaining that a train would leave for St. Paul in an hour, the
+detective purchased a ticket for that city, and thanking the agent for
+his information, he returned to the hotel to make arrangements for
+continuing his journey. Before leaving, however, he telegraphed me his
+destination, and what he had been able to learn.</p>
+
+<p>From this information it was evident that Duncan was endeavoring to
+reach the far west,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> and there seek a refuge among some of the numerous
+mining camps which abound in that section of the country, hoping by that
+means to successfully elude pursuit, should any be made for him. It was
+plainly evident to me that he was entirely unaware of being followed,
+and, in fact, of anything that had taken place since the robbery, and
+that he was simply following his own blind inclinations to hide himself
+as effectually as he could.</p>
+
+<p>The first task performed by Manning after reaching St. Paul, was to
+examine all the hotel registers, in the hope of discovering some traces
+of an entry resembling the peculiar handwriting of Duncan. He also took
+the precaution to quietly display the photograph of the young man to all
+the clerks of the various hostelries, trusting that some one would
+recognize him as one who had been their guest on some previous occasion.
+In this, too, he was disappointed. Among the many to whom he displayed
+Duncan's picture, not one of them had any recollection of such an
+individual.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Feeling somewhat disheartened at this non-success, Manning next sought
+the chief of police, and enlisted his services in our behalf. That
+evening, in company with an officer, he made a tour among the houses of
+ill repute, and here, too, disappointment awaited him. Not one among the
+number whom he approached had any knowledge of the man, and therefore
+could give him no information.</p>
+
+<p>Tired and puzzled and vexed, he at length was compelled to return to the
+hotel, and seek his much-needed repose.</p>
+
+<p>His experience in St. Paul had thus far been far from satisfactory, and
+yet the thought of abandoning his investigations in that city never
+occurred to him. He had too frequently been compelled to battle with
+unpromising circumstances in the past, to allow a temporary discomfiture
+to dishearten him now. He felt that he was upon the right track, that
+Duncan had certainly come from Sioux City to St. Paul, but whether he
+had remained here any length of time, or had pushed on without
+stopping,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> was the question that bothered him immensely. Resolving,
+therefore, to renew his efforts in the morning, he soon fell asleep.</p>
+
+<p>On the morrow, when he descended to the office of the hotel, preparatory
+to partaking of his morning repast, he noticed with some little surprise
+that a new face was behind the counter.</p>
+
+<p>Surmising that this might be the night clerk, yet unrelieved from his
+duties, and that Duncan might have arrived during the time he
+officiated, Manning approached him, and propounded the usual question.
+When he brought forth the photograph, to his intense delight, the clerk
+recognized it at once. Turning to the register and hastily running over
+the leaves, he pointed to a name inscribed thereon.</p>
+
+<p>"That's the man," said he confidently.</p>
+
+<p>Manning looked at the name indicated, and found scrawled in a very
+uncertain hand:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>John Tracy, Denver, Col.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"He came in on a night train," continued the clerk. "He only remained to
+breakfast and went away shortly afterward."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Have you any idea which way he went?" inquired Manning.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I cannot tell you that. He left the hotel shortly after breakfast
+in a hack. He did not return after that, but sent the hackman here to
+pay his bill and to obtain his valise. He acted very strange while he
+was here, and I felt somewhat suspicious of him."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you tell me the name of this hackman?" now asked Manning.</p>
+
+<p>"I think his name is Davids," answered the clerk, "but I will ask the
+baggage-man about him; he can, no doubt, tell me who he is."</p>
+
+<p>The baggage-man was summoned and he distinctly remembered the
+occurrence, and that the driver's name was Billy Davids, who was
+well-known throughout the city, particularly among the sporting
+fraternity.</p>
+
+<p>Thanking both of these men for the information which they had given him,
+the detective, forgetting all about his breakfast, hastened to the
+office of the chief of police, and acquainting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> him with what he had
+heard, expressed his desire to see this hackman at once.</p>
+
+<p>The chief, who knew the man, at once volunteered to accompany him, and
+they left the office together in search of the important cab-driver. It
+being yet quite early in the morning, they went directly to the stable,
+and here they found Billy Davids in the act of harnessing his horses and
+preparing for his day's work.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, Billy," said the chief, good-naturedly. "You are making
+an early start, I see; are you busy?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir," answered Mr. Davids; "I can take you gentlemen wherever you
+want to go."</p>
+
+<p>"Not to-day, Billy; but I have a friend here who wants to talk to you,
+and you may find it to your interest to tell him what he wishes to
+know."</p>
+
+<p>Manning stepped forward and stated, in as few words as possible, what he
+desired, and at length displayed the inevitable photograph.</p>
+
+<p>Davids recognized it at once, as a "party" who had engaged him to take
+himself and a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> woman from the hotel, to a resort some distance from the
+city, known as the "Half-way House." He performed this duty, and later
+in the day, after waiting several hours, the man had given him ten
+dollars and sent him back to the hotel to pay his bill and to obtain his
+valise. After performing this service, he returned to the Half-way
+House, and waited there until dark, when Duncan came out alone, and was
+driven to the Northern Pacific depot. Arriving here, he paid the hackman
+quite liberally and dismissed him, saying that he was going to leave
+town on the next train westward.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you any idea where he was going?" asked Manning.</p>
+
+<p>"I think he went to Minneapolis, for he asked me if that road would take
+him there, and I saw him get aboard the train for that city;" answered
+the driver.</p>
+
+<p>This was all that Davids could tell; and after remunerating him for his
+trouble, Manning left him to finish his preparations for the day.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Here was the very information he wanted, and he had struck the trail
+again. Anxious to pursue his journey, Manning invited the chief to
+breakfast with him; after which, finding he could leave in a very short
+time, he bade the courteous and valuable officer good-by, and was soon
+on his way to Minneapolis, there to commence again the trail of the
+fleeing burglar.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">The Detective at Bismarck&mdash;Further Traces of the Fugitive&mdash;A Protracted
+Orgie&mdash;A Jewish Friend of the Burglar in Trouble.</div>
+
+
+<p>On arriving in Minneapolis, Manning was able to discover without serious
+difficulty that Duncan, after remaining in that city two days, had
+purchased a ticket over the Northern Pacific railroad for Bismarck, a
+thriving town in Dakota. This information he had been able to gain by a
+resort to his old method of visiting the houses of ill-fame, and then
+carelessly exposing Duncan's photograph to the various inmates, in such
+a manner as to excite no suspicion of his real errand. His experience
+thus far had been that Duncan, either to evade pursuit, to gratify
+bestial passion, or to endeavor by such excitements to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> drive away the
+haunting fear that oppressed him, had invariably sought the
+companionship of the harlot and the profligate. Being possessed of
+plenty of money, it may be imagined that he experienced no difficulty in
+finding associates willing to minister to his appetites, and to assist
+him in forgetting the dangers that threatened him, by dissipation and
+debauchery. All along his path were strewn these evidences of reckless
+abandonment, which, while they temporarily enabled him to drown the
+remembrances of his crime, yet, at the same time, they served most
+powerfully to point out to his pursuer the road he was traveling.</p>
+
+<p>It appeared, therefore, that my first theories were correct, and that
+Thomas Duncan was making his way to the far western country, where,
+beyond the easy and expeditious mode of communication by railroad and
+telegraph, he would be safe from pursuit. He was evidently seeking to
+reach the mining district, where, among men as reckless as himself, he
+hoped to evade the officers of law.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Manning lost no time in following up the clew he had obtained in
+Minneapolis, and so, purchasing a ticket for Bismarck, he was soon
+thundering on his way to the Missouri river. At Brainerd, at Fargo in
+Minnesota, and at Jamestown in Dakota, during the time when the train
+had stopped for some necessary purpose, he had made inquiries, and at
+each place was rewarded by gleaning some information, however
+fragmentary, of the fugitive. He was therefore assured that he was upon
+the trail, and that unless something unforeseen occurred, he would
+sooner or later overtake the object of his pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>On the following day Manning arrived at Bismarck, a thrifty and growing
+little town on the banks of the muddy Missouri. As the train left the
+more thickly populated country and emerged into the region of this as
+yet comparatively undeveloped west, the detective was surprised to
+witness the rapid advancements that had been made within a few years.
+The spirit of American energy and enterprise was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> reaching out into this
+vast region, and already the influences of modern civilization and
+thrift were manifesting themselves. No longer a trackless waste,
+abandoned to the roaming bands of Indians and the wild beasts of the
+forest, and plain, the western continent was fast yielding to the
+plowshare of the husbandman, and to the powerful agencies of education
+and improvement.</p>
+
+<p>Bismarck itself was a wonderfully active town, and during the season of
+navigation a large commercial business was transacted with the various
+towns upon the river, both above and below it. Before the advent of the
+Northern Pacific railroad, Bismarck had an existence, but simply as a
+sleepy river station, with its periodical bursts of life and animation
+during the months when the river was navigable and when trade along its
+waters was possible. When winter came, however, with its chilling
+blasts, and the river was frozen, trade almost ceased entirely, and
+Bismarck remained in sluggish inactivity until spring with its
+refresh<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>ing showers and balmy breezes awakened it to new life and being.
+Now, however, all was changed. The railroad with its facilities, had
+opened the way to emigration; the pioneers had penetrated the solitudes,
+and Bismarck had grown with that wonderful rapidity so characteristic of
+the western town. The advent of the iron horse had opened up new and
+hitherto undreamed of possibilities. Real estate, which had previously
+no fixed value whatever, was now in demand at almost fabulous prices.
+Stores and dwellings sprang into being, hotels and churches were built,
+school houses and even banking institutions flourished with a vigor that
+seemed almost miraculous.</p>
+
+<p>Sauntering about the town on the morning after his arrival, Manning was
+surprised at the activity and bustle, the thrift and energy which
+greeted him on every hand. His past experiences had taught him many
+things which he found of use to him in making his inquiries in Bismarck,
+and it was not long before he succeeded in learning definite particulars
+of Dun<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>can's stay in this place. From reliable sources he ascertained
+that the young man had arrived in the town about two weeks prior to
+this, and had remained several days, enjoying himself in much the same
+manner that had marked his residence in the other cities along his
+route, except that in Bismarck he had exposed himself to a greater
+extent than at any other place. It seemed that as he got further west,
+his fears of pursuit and detection grew less, and he became more bold
+and open in his actions. Here he had not attempted concealment at all,
+except as to his name, which he gave as Tom Moore, of Chicago; his
+carousals were publicly known, and the lavish expenditure of his stolen
+money was commented upon by many.</p>
+
+<p>In a conversation with the proprietor of the hotel at which Duncan had
+stopped, the detective learned that his stay in the city had been marked
+by the most reckless dissipation and extravagance. So careless did he
+appear in the display of his money, of which he appeared to have a large
+amount, that the proprietor had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> taken it upon himself to warn him
+against the danger to which such a course would expose him. The town was
+infested with a gang of roughs and thieves, and he feared that if once
+they became aware of Duncan's wealth, his life would be of comparatively
+little value. Several of these characters had been seen about the hotel,
+and the landlord had remonstrated seriously with Duncan about his folly.
+To this Duncan had impudently replied that he could take care of
+himself, and needed no advice. Finding it of no use, therefore, to
+advise him, the landlord desisted in his efforts, and left him to follow
+his own inclinations.</p>
+
+<p>Manning also learned from his host that Duncan had associated quite
+intimately while in the city, with a Jew clothing merchant, who was a
+resident here, and who seemed to be an old acquaintance. The name of
+this man was Jacob Gross, and ascertaining where his place of business
+was located, Manning determined to give him a call.</p>
+
+<p>When he entered the store of Mr. Gross,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> that gentleman was engaged in
+waiting upon a customer. He was a perfect type of the
+Israelite&mdash;sharp-featured, with prominent nose, keen, glittering eyes
+and curly black hair. If any doubt of his race remained, the manner in
+which he conducted his bargain with his unsuspecting customer would have
+convinced any one of the presence of the veritable Jew.</p>
+
+<p>Manning watched, with amused interest, the tact with which the Hebrew
+clothier endeavored to convince his customer that a coat, much too large
+for him, was "yust a fit and no mistake," and that the price which he
+asked was not half as much as the garment was worth.</p>
+
+<p>After the customer had departed, the clothier advanced, bowing and
+smiling, toward the detective, as if anticipating another sale as
+profitable as the last one. Manning informed him in a few words that he
+was looking for Duncan, and was a friend of his, who was desirous of
+gaining some information of his present whereabouts, as unless he saw
+him, Duncan might be getting into more trouble.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It appeared that Duncan had told the same gambling story to Mr. Gross,
+who seemed to be dreadfully shocked at the affair.</p>
+
+<p>"Py gracious," said he excitedly, "I hafe knowed dot boy ven I sold
+cloding in Des Moines, more as fife years ago, and so help me Moses I
+did nefer belief he vud do such a ting loike dot."</p>
+
+<p>After further conversation, he learned that Duncan had spent a great
+deal of his time at this store, and when he left, had stated that he
+intended to go on to Miles City, and perhaps to Butte City, Montana. It
+appeared that Duncan had an uncle who was engaged in the clothing
+business at Butte City, and that it was possible he might eventually get
+there.</p>
+
+<p>"If you find him," said Mr. Gross, after he had given the above
+information, "you musn't told him where you heard this, because he told
+me, I should say nothing about him to anybody."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," replied Manning, "if I find<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> him, it won't make much
+difference to him who told me about him."</p>
+
+<p>As he uttered these words a peculiar look came into the shrewd face of
+the Jew, a look which was partly of quick suspicion and of fear, and he
+eyed the imperturbable detective for a few moments as though seriously
+in doubt about the whole affair. Manning, however, had nothing further
+to say, and bidding the clothier a pleasant farewell he left the store.</p>
+
+<p>On returning to the hotel, he found that he had several hours to wait,
+as no train would leave Bismarck until evening, and he therefore
+employed his time in writing up his reports and mailing them to me.</p>
+
+<p>After partaking of an early tea, he returned to the railroad station,
+where he discovered that he had yet some time to wait before the arrival
+of the train, which was belated. As he was standing on the rude
+platform, musing over the events which had taken place in his journey
+thus far, and speculating as to the probable result of his chase after
+an individual who had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> seemed, phantom-like, to have eluded his grasp at
+every point.</p>
+
+<p>He knew full well the desperation of the man he was following, and the
+threat that "no two men should take him alive," was, he realized, no
+idle one. He had no doubt that unless he could circumvent him in some
+way, his capture might be no easy task, and that in this undeveloped
+country he was taking his life in his hands in the journey he was now
+making. He never faltered for an instant, however; he was determined to
+capture this criminal, if possible, and he quietly murmured to himself:
+"Well, let the worst come, a quick eye and a steady hand are good things
+to have in a meeting like this may be, and I'll take care that Thomas
+Duncan does not catch me napping."</p>
+
+<p>His meditations were suddenly interrupted by the unexpected appearance
+of the little Jewish tailor, who, breathless and panting, now came
+scrambling up on the platform and exclaimed:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Py gracious, Mr. Manning! I vas afraid you vas gone, and I hafe
+somedings on my mindt dot bodders me like de dickens!"</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 480px;">
+<a href="images/gs08-large.jpg" target="image_window">
+<img src="images/gs08-small.jpg" width="480" height="305" alt="&quot;Py cracious, Mr. Manning, I hafe somedings on my mindt
+dot bodders me loike de dickens!&quot;" title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">&quot;Py cracious, Mr. Manning, I hafe somedings on my mindt
+dot bodders me loike de dickens!&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>"What is it that troubles you, Mr. Gross?" inquired the detective,
+laughing in spite of himself at the little fellow's distress.</p>
+
+<p>"Vell, I'll told you," he answered, mopping the perspiration which was
+streaming from his face. "I was tinkin' dot may be if you git dot
+fellow, you vould be vantin' me for a vitness, and s'help me Moses I
+vould not do dot&mdash;not for dwo hundred tollar."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you need not give yourself any uneasiness on that score, Mr.
+Gross," said Manning; "you will not be wanted in any case whatever."</p>
+
+<p>"My gootness, I vas glad of dot. If I vas to leaf my bisness I vould be
+ruined. Dot's all right, dough. Let's go und take a glass of peer."</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, the shrill whistle of the approaching train was heard,
+and this fact<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> enabled the detective to decline the proffered
+beverage. After a hearty hand-shake from the nervous little clothier,
+Manning sprang upon the train and in a few moments later he was on his
+way to Miles City.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">From Bismarck to Bozeman&mdash;The Trail Growing Warmer&mdash;Duncan Buys a
+Pony&mdash;A Long Stage Ride.</div>
+
+
+<p>The distance from Bismarck to Miles City is about three hundred miles,
+and as Manning left the former place early in the evening, he secured a
+couch in the comfortable sleeping car, and shortly afterward retired to
+rest. It seemed almost incredible the giant strides which had been made
+in a few years in the process of civilization in our western country.
+But yesterday the ground which our operative was now traveling in
+comfort, was overrun by the Indian and the wild beasts of the forest,
+and to-day along his entire route were rising up substantial towns and
+villages, bringing in their wake the enlightening influences of
+education and morality. The railroad, that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> mighty agent of
+civilization, is rapidly forging a chain of communication between the
+two great oceans, and travel in the western wilds, formerly fraught with
+hardships and dangers unspeakable, is now performed with rapidity,
+comfort and safety. In the morning the train stopped at Little Missouri,
+where the passengers were refreshed with breakfast, then on again past
+Sentinel Butte, they left the boundaries of Dakota and entered the great
+territory of Montana. On again like the rush of the wind, until about
+five o'clock in the afternoon, they arrived at Miles City, where the
+train was to remain nearly two hours, before continuing their journey.</p>
+
+<p>Miles City was another striking illustration of the wonderful growth of
+American towns. Less than a year ago, a barren waste marked the spot
+where now was growing a thriving city. The railroad, as in other
+localities, had played an important part in awakening this uninhabited
+region to life and activity. The trackless, boundless prairie had been
+reclaimed, and was now a flourishing city, full of bustle and vigor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>
+Making his way to a neat and comfortable hotel, which bore the rather
+euphonious title of St. Cloud, Manning partook of a substantial meal and
+then set about his investigations. He soon found news of the object of
+his inquiries. From the proprietor of the St. Cloud, he learned that
+Duncan had remained here two days, and upon the register he saw the now
+well-known signature of Tom Moore of Chicago. He had informed the
+inn-keeper of his intention of going to Bozeman, a town lying to the
+north of the Crow Reservation.</p>
+
+<p>Manning resolved, therefore, to press right on, and he returned to the
+railroad station, where the train was still waiting. Purchasing a ticket
+for Billings, he started again on his way, and at nearly midnight he
+arrived at his destination, where he secured quarters for the night.</p>
+
+<p>Billings was, at this time, the terminal point of the Northern Pacific
+railroad, and as the detective sought the open air on the following
+morning, he was amazed at the scenes that were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> presented to his view.
+The place was literally swarming with people. Prospectors, land-buyers,
+traders, merchants, and a miscellaneous army of railroad men were
+everywhere. No time had been afforded in which to build suitable
+structures for housing the ever-increasing population, and the town
+presented the appearance of a huge encampment; nearly one-half of the
+city being composed of canvas tents. In the hotels, on the corners of
+the streets, and in the places of business, the universal topic of
+conversation was the phenomenal growth of the city, and the grand
+prospects which the future had in store for this embryotic western
+metropolis. Along the railroad, a perfect army of workmen were
+assembled, awaiting their orders for the day. Graders, tie-men,
+track-layers and construction corps, were already on the spot, and they
+too seemed imbued with the same spirit of enthusiasm which filled their
+more wealthy and ambitious neighbors in the city. As may readily be
+imagined, crime and immorality followed hand in hand with the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> march of
+improvement. The gambler and the harlot plied their vocations in the
+full light of day, and as yet unrebuked by the ruling powers of a
+community, too newly located to assume the dignity of enacting laws.</p>
+
+<p>The detective made his way through the streets, mentally noting these
+things, while his efforts were directed to finding some trace of Thomas
+Duncan. He made a systematic tour of the hotels, or more properly
+speaking, the boarding-houses with which the town was filled, and after
+numerous disappointments, was at last successful in learning something
+definite of the movements of his man. At a hotel called the "Windsor,"
+he found the unmistakable signature he was looking for, and was
+convinced that Tom Moore of Chicago had preceded him but a few days.
+Exhibiting his talismanic photograph to the proprietor, he was informed
+that Duncan had been there some ten days before, and after remaining a
+day or two, had gone over to the military cantonments, some four or five
+miles distant, where a detach<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>ment of United States soldiers were
+quartered.</p>
+
+<p>Procuring a horse, Manning started for the cantonment, where he was
+kindly received by Major Bell, the officer in charge, who informed him
+that Duncan had been there some days before, and that he had remained
+about the camp for several days, playing cards with the soldiers and
+enjoying himself generally. During his stay he had purchased a pony from
+a Crow Indian, and while he was at the cantonment he rode into Billings
+and bought a Sharp's repeating rifle, after which he had mounted his
+horse and rode off in the direction of Fort Custer. He had remained away
+several days when he again returned to the cantonment, and after
+remaining there one night, he had started on horseback for Bozeman and
+Helena.</p>
+
+<p>This was authentic and gratifying intelligence. Manning had received not
+only reliable information as to the movements of Duncan, but the
+distance between them had been materially lessened by the fugitive's
+long<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> detention at the cantonment. The burglar was now but a few days
+ahead of him, and if nothing transpired to delay him, he would soon
+overtake the man, who, from all indications, was entirely unsuspicious
+of the fact that a detective was upon his track who had followed his
+trail as closely and as unerringly as the Indian follows the track of
+the beast through forest and stream. As an additional means of
+identification, Manning secured a full description of the horse
+purchased by Duncan, and with this increased fund of information,
+Manning returned to Billings. On the following morning, seated beside
+the driver on the top of the stage-coach, and behind four dashing bay
+horses, Manning rattled out of the pushing little town of Billings on
+his way to Bozeman.</p>
+
+<p>He now indulged in high hopes of soon overhauling Duncan, and all along
+their way, whenever the stage stopped to change horses, he was gratified
+to receive the information that the man and the pony which he described
+had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> passed over the same route a few days in advance of him.</p>
+
+<p>The road from Billings to Bozeman led them part of the distance along
+the Yellowstone river, and through a country wild and picturesque in the
+extreme. Sometimes winding around the sides of a huge mountain, from
+which they obtained a magnificent view of the rugged and beautiful
+scenery below, and again descending to the valleys, they swept along
+between the mountains which towered aloft on either hand, their rugged
+sides forming a marked contrast with the emerald-hued verdure skirting
+their base. Occasional ranches presented the evidences of cultivation
+and profitable stock-raising. Broad fields and luxuriant pastures were
+spread before the view, and hundreds of sleek cattle were scattered over
+the country, either sleeping quietly in the sun or browsing upon the
+rich, tender herbage which abounds. At these ranches the horses were
+frequently changed, and the mail was delivered, much to the
+gratification of these hardy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span> pioneers, who were otherwise shut out from
+the busy actions of the world beyond them.</p>
+
+<p>The country through which they passed was exceedingly rich in an
+agricultural point of view, the resources of which cannot be
+overestimated, and the atmosphere was dry and pure. Inhaling the
+invigorating air as they rode along, Manning suffered none of the
+discomforts which are naturally consequent upon a journey by stage of
+more than one hundred and fifty miles. At noon, they stopped at a ranch
+station, and here they were regaled with a repast which would have
+tickled the palate of an epicure. Broiled trout from a mountain stream
+near by, roast fowl and a variety of dishes, made up a feast well worthy
+of the lusty appetites of the travelers. Here, too, Manning received
+tidings of the fleeing burglar. His horse, which was a fine one, and
+peculiarly marked, had been noticed particularly by the ranchmen, so
+there was no doubt that he was upon the right road to overtake him.</p>
+
+<p>After the dinner, and a good resting spell,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> they resumed their journey.
+Now their road ran along the fertile valley, and again passing through a
+sharp defile in the mountains, and finally winding its way along a
+narrow ledge of rock, where the slightest turn to left or right, a
+single misstep of the sure-footed animals, or an awkward move of their
+driver, would have hurled them into an abyss hundreds of feet below,
+where instant and horrible death awaited them.</p>
+
+<p>No accident befell them, however, and just as the sun was going down in
+a blaze of glory, behind the towering mountains into the west, they
+arrived at a ranch for supper and rest.</p>
+
+<p>In the evening the moon came out, illuminating the landscape with a soft
+enchanting beauty, as its beams fell upon the tall mountain and the
+level plain, lighting up tree and flower, and flashing upon the river
+like a myriad of polished gems. As they rode along, song and story
+enlivened the journey, and a draught or two from a wicker-covered flask
+which the detective carried, soon produced an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> era of good feeling
+between the outside passengers and the burly, good-natured driver.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you ever been bothered with robbers or highwaymen along this
+route?" asked Manning of their driver during a lull in the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we used to be," answered the fat fellow, with a quiet chuckle, as
+he cracked his whip unpleasantly near to the flank of the off leader,
+who was lagging a little; "but of late we haven't seen anything of the
+kind."</p>
+
+<p>"Ever had any adventure with them yourself?" asked Manning in a coaxing
+tone, as he fancied he could see that the old fellow had a story which
+he could be induced to relate.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he answered, puffing quietly away at a cigar which Manning had
+given him. "About a year ago I had a little experience up near
+Thompson's place, which we will reach about ten o'clock, if we have no
+bad luck."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us hear it, won't you?" asked one of the other passengers, now
+becoming interested.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," answered the driver, evidently<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> pleased at finding himself an
+object of interest, "wait until we round this spur here, and then we'll
+have a tolerable straight road ahead. I don't suppose, though, that
+you'll find it very interesting."</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments they passed around the spur of the mountain, and the
+whole landscape was lighted up with a blaze of moonlight that flooded
+the scene with a radiance beautiful to behold. No living habitation was
+within sight, and the rumble of the coach was the only sound that broke
+the stillness that brooded over the scene.</p>
+
+<p>The driver settled himself back in his seat, and after a few preparatory
+coughs, and a swallow of brandy, to clear his throat, began his
+narration.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">The Stage Driver's Story.</div>
+
+
+<p>"Well," said the driver, as he set his long-lashed whip into its socket,
+and gathered up his reins in his left hand, in order to afford him an
+opportunity to declaim more freely with his right, "you must know that
+I've been drivin' on this line more than two years, and consequently I
+know every inch of the route like a book. I must own, though, that I
+didn't know quite as much at the time I speak of. The driver whose place
+I took when I came on to the road, had been pretty badly used up in a
+scrimmage with the bandits about a week before, and I didn't like the
+prospects, you may be sure; but as I was out of a job, I took this, and
+I made up my mind when I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> I commenced, never to put my head in the way
+of a robber's bullet, if I could help it."</p>
+
+<p>"That's the case with most of you, isn't it?" said Manning,
+good-naturedly.</p>
+
+<p>"What makes you think so?" inquired the driver, quizzically.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, the ease and success with which stage coaches have usually been
+robbed," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'll tell you," he answered, good-humoredly, and not the least
+disturbed by Manning's quiet reflection on the bravery of stage drivers
+in general. "When a fellow has to manage four tolerably skittish horses
+with both hands full of leather, he haint much time to fool around
+huntin' shootin' irons, 'specially when he's got to look down into the
+muzzle of a repeater which is likely to go off and hurt somebody."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think these stage robbers, as a rule, are disposed to kill
+anybody?" asked Manning.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir," answered the driver, "they would just as soon kill a stage
+driver as eat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> their breakfast, and they know how to handle a rifle,
+too, let me tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"There's something in that reasoning," replied Manning, laughingly. "But
+go on with your story."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," continued the driver, "I had made several trips and had met with
+no trouble or accident, so I began to think the gang had gone away from
+these parts, and that there was no danger to be feared. However, I still
+carried a brace of good revolvers in a handy place, just to make sure I
+was safe; though, Lord bless you, I knew I couldn't get at them in time
+to do any good, if the robbers did attack us.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, one morning&mdash;it was a cold, raw day in April&mdash;I left Billings
+with my coach full of people, most of whom were goin' through to Helena,
+although I only drove as far as Bozeman, just as I do now. I had nine
+passengers, all told, and among the number was an old ranchman named
+Kyle Barton, and his handsome daughter. I tell you, she was a stunner;
+her hair was as black as a crow, and her bright<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> black eyes sparkled
+like diamonds. I knew 'em both pretty well, for the old man owned a
+ranch out near Bozeman, and was as fine a man as ever stood six feet in
+his boots. The young woman was a fiery little beauty, and as hard to
+manage as a three-year-old colt. The old man and his daughter had been
+on a trip to the East, and were now returning home again, after bein'
+away several months. Well, the young woman, as I have said, for all she
+was as pretty as a picture, had a devilish wicked look in her flashing
+black eyes, that made a fellow kind 'o wilt when she looked him square
+in the face.</p>
+
+<p>"The young woman took her seat on the inside, while the old man, who was
+hardy and tough as a pine knot, took his place on the outside, right
+where you are sittin' now. It was pretty cold, and we had to bundle up
+pretty well, but the old man didn't mind it a bit. He smoked his pipe
+and passed his bottle&mdash;thankee', yes, sir, I don't care if I do&mdash;and we
+were enjoying of ourselves amazin'.</p>
+
+<p>"We journeyed along all day," continued the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> driver, as he handed the
+bottle back, and wiped his lips with the sleeve of his coat, "and
+nothin' happened to hinder or delay us in the least. Instead of gittin'
+warmer as the day wore on, it kept gittin' a dern sight colder, until
+along about four o'clock in the afternoon, when it began to snow, and by
+early dark, it was hard at it, a regular December snow-storm, with a
+drivin' wind that cut our faces tremendous. This bothered us a good
+deal, for the snow being wet and sticky, would ball up on the horses'
+feet so that they could hardly stand, and we just poked along our way at
+a gait not a bit faster than a slow walk. We couldn't get along any
+faster, and it was no use a-beatin' the poor critters, for they was
+a-doin' all in their power, and a-strainin' every nerve to keep
+a-movin'.</p>
+
+<p>"The old ranchman was a good-hearted, sociable old fellow, and he didn't
+seem to mind the storm a bit. As we plodded along he talked about his
+cattle ranch, the price of cattle, and what profit he had made that
+year. It was along after dinner, and we had both been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> strikin' the
+bottle pretty regular, although the cold was so great we could hardly
+feel it, when he fell to talkin' about himself and his daughter. We were
+the only two outside, and he became quite confidential like, and I
+pitied the old man, for he'd had a deal of trouble with the young
+spitfire inside.</p>
+
+<p>"Among other things, he told me that she had almost broken his old heart
+lately by fallin' in love, or imaginin' she had, with one of his
+herdsmen, a handsome, dashing, devil-may-care sort of a fellow he had
+picked up at Bozeman and taken out to his ranch about a year before.
+When the old man found out that the gal was gone on the fellow, and that
+he was a-meetin' her after dark, he ups and discharges him instanter,
+and gives him a piece of his mind about his takin' a mean advantage of
+the confidence which had been placed in him.</p>
+
+<p>"His daughter, Stella, as he called her, fought against his dischargin'
+of the young man, and had been sullen and ill-tempered ever<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> since her
+lover left. He had caught them correspondin' with each other after that,
+and on one occasion he was certain they had a clandestine meetin'. On
+findin' out that his daughter was determined not to give up this
+worthless young cuss, the old man made up his mind to take her away, and
+he had accordin'ly packed up and gone on a long journey to the East,
+where he had stayed several months, and they were now just gettin' back
+to their home again. The old man had hoped that absence from her lover
+and meetin' with other people in different scenes, would induce her to
+forget her old passion, and to realize the folly she had committed in
+seekin' to marry such a worthless fellow against her father's wishes."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see what this has got to do with the bandits, though," now said
+the detective, who was getting a little anxious to find out what all
+this was leading to.</p>
+
+<p>"I was afraid it wouldn't interest you much," replied the driver; "but
+you'll soon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> see the point to my story and what this young girl had to
+do with it."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon," said Manning, "I am interested in it, only I was
+anxious to hear where the bandits came in. Let's take a little drop of
+brandy, and I promise you I won't interrupt you again until you have
+finished."</p>
+
+<p>Here he handed the flask over to the old man, who took it with the
+remark that it "looked for all the world like the one carried by the old
+ranchman," and after a hearty pull at it, passed it back again, and
+resumed his story.</p>
+
+<p>"As the darkness increased, the old ranchman, who it seemed had heard of
+the recent robberies, began to grow a little nervous, although he didn't
+appear to be a dern bit scared. He looked carefully to the condition of
+his pistols, and also advised me to have mine handy in case of need;
+nothin' would satisfy him but I had to get mine out of the box, and
+after he had looked them all over, they were laid on the seat between
+us. Not content with this,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> he warned the inside passengers that there
+was danger to be apprehended, and that there were bandits on the road.
+He urged them to have their weapons in readiness, so that in case the
+robbers did come, we could give them a red-hot reception. The people
+inside caught the old man's spirit, and they all resolved that if an
+attack did come they would meet it like men. To tell the truth, I didn't
+fear any danger, and I thought the old man was excitin' everybody
+without cause; but I didn't say anything, cause it wouldn't do any harm
+anyhow, even if we were not molested.</p>
+
+<p>"However, I had reckoned without my host, for just as we reached this
+place, and were a-turnin' around this bend in the road, two men sprang
+out from the bushes and grabbed the lead horses by the bits. Two more
+jumped out on one side of the coach, and two more on the other, while
+one man stepped up to me and demanded me to come down. Of course the
+coach was stopped, and just as the robber spoke to me, the old man
+reached over in front of me<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> and fired. The robber fell at once
+without a sound. Barton then fired at the man at the horse's head
+nearest him, and brought him down. These shots were both fired as quick
+as a flash, but his aim had been unerring. 'Duck down, Davy, duck down,'
+he cried to me as he swung himself from the coach, and a volley of
+bullets passed over our heads.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 480px;">
+<a href="images/gs09-large.jpg" target="image_window">
+<img src="images/gs09-small.jpg" width="480" height="310" alt="&quot;The old man reached over in front of me and fired.&quot;" title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">&quot;The old man reached over in front of me and fired.&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>"I followed his example, and in a hurry, too, and escaped unhurt. Just
+then we heard two reports from the passengers inside, and in less time
+that it has taken me to tell it the scrimmage was over and the robbers
+who were unhurt had fled, leaving three of their number on the ground,
+two of them seriously wounded, and the other one as dead as a post, with
+a bullet hole plum through his forehead.</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as they could the passengers clambered out of the coach, and by
+the aid of our lanterns, we found the robbers as I have just told you.
+We all congratulated ourselves on our fortunate escape, and the old man
+was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span> warmly commended for his forethought and for the gallant service he
+had rendered.</p>
+
+<p>"I saw the old man did not seem disposed to say much, but I also noticed
+a look of grim satisfaction on his face as he looked down at the dead
+bandit. He then looked anxiously toward the coach, and seemed relieved
+to find that his daughter still remained inside.</p>
+
+<p>"We bound up as well as we could the wounds of the other two, and lifted
+them to the top of the coach. When it came to the dead one, some of the
+passengers were in favor of lettin' him lie where he was, but others
+objected and wanted to take him along with us, as we did not have far to
+go."</p>
+
+<p>"While we were discussin' the question, the young woman, who had got out
+of the coach while we were talkin', and without her father observin'
+her, caught sight of the bandit's face, as he lay on his back in the
+snow, and with a wild scream of anguish, she pushed the men aside and
+flung herself upon the lifeless body. Her sobs were terrible to hear,
+and many a strong<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> man turned away to hide the tears that came to their
+eyes in spite of them. Her father approached her and tried to draw her
+away, but all to no use, until at length her strength gave out, and she
+fainted dead away.</p>
+
+<p>"You see," continued the driver, "that dead man was her lover. He had
+been engaged in the business of robbin' stage coaches for a long time,
+and only hired with the old man as a cover to hide his real business,
+and to try and win the girl, whom he had frequently seen before.</p>
+
+<p>"The old man was all broke up about the girl, but he was glad that
+things had happened as they did, and he felt sure that after her grief
+was over, she would not fail to see the danger she had escaped, and to
+thank her father for savin' her from a life of shame and disgrace.</p>
+
+<p>"We lifted the girl into the coach, and put the dead man along with the
+others on the top. He had been the terror of the neighborhood, although
+no one knew, until this time, who had been the leader of this murderous
+gang. We buried him at Bozeman, and since that time<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span> we have had no
+trouble with anything like bandits or robbers along the route."</p>
+
+<p>"What became of the other two?" asked the detective.</p>
+
+<p>"They were put under arrest, but somehow they managed to escape before
+they were brought to trial, and that was the last we ever heard of
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"And the girl," asked Manning, "what became of her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, she is all right now; as pert as a cricket, and prettier than
+ever," answered the driver. "She was married some time ago to a young
+fellow who is the sheriff of the county here, and is as happy as the day
+is long. You wouldn't know that she ever had an experience like this,
+and I don't believe she ever thinks of her bandit lover, while she hangs
+around her old father with all the affection of a child, and the old
+ranchman is as happy and contented a man as you will find in the whole
+county."</p>
+
+<p>As the driver concluded his narrative, the stage rolled into Bozeman,
+and at sharp mid<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span>night they drew up before the door of the inn. The moon
+was still shining, and lights were flashing from the windows when they
+arrived. Tired and hungry, the passengers alighted, and after a light
+lunch, Manning procured a bed and retired to rest.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">False Information which Nearly Proves Fatal&mdash;A Night Ride to
+Helena&mdash;Dangers by the Wayside.</div>
+
+
+<p>Traveling by coach is far from being as comfortable and pleasant as a
+journey by rail. The time occupied in going comparatively short
+distances is very great, besides the rough jolting over uneven roads
+which is a natural concomitant of stage coach travel. It is true that by
+the easy locomotion of a journey of this kind, a much better view of the
+surrounding country is afforded, and the traveler finds ample
+opportunities to admire the beauty of nature everywhere spread before
+him; but even that palls upon the eye when the journey is protracted
+from early morn until midnight, and the traveler is cramped up in an
+uncomfortable position upon the driver's box. Under<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> such circumstances,
+after a time, there is but little compensation for the trials and
+fatigues of a journey such as Manning had just completed when he arrived
+at Bozeman on the night before. The road through which they had come led
+them through a country so varied in its grand and imposing beauty,
+towering rocks and fertile valleys, winding streams and gentle
+elevations, that for a time fatigue was forgotten in the enjoyment of
+the scenes about him, and it was not until the journey had been
+completed that he realized how utterly wearied and tired out he was. His
+limbs were sore and stiffened from his cramped position, and being
+unable to sleep at all on the journey, he was completely exhausted when
+he sought his couch at the hotel at Bozeman. Being of a strong and
+healthy physique, however, and upheld by an ambition to succeed in the
+mission he had undertaken, Manning arose in the morning, and after a
+refreshing bath and an excellent breakfast, was quite rested and fully
+prepared to continue his efforts.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Bozeman, unlike the other towns which he had passed through upon his
+journey, was remotely situated as yet from railroad communication, and
+yet in spite of that fact was a busy and well-populated little town. It
+is the county seat of Gallatin county, and contained at this time
+several pretentious stores, a hotel, a national bank, and a goodly
+number of substantial dwellings. As may naturally be inferred, there was
+the usual complement of saloons, in which drinking and gambling were
+indulged in without license, and with no fear of restraint from the
+prohibitory influences of the law.</p>
+
+<p>Failing to find any trace of Thomas Duncan, or "Tom Moore," at the
+hotel, Manning began his usual systematic tour of these houses of public
+entertainment. House after house was visited, and the day waned without
+his making the slightest discovery that would avail him at all in his
+pursuit. At length, however, as night was falling, he encountered a
+saloon-keeper, who in answer to his inquiries gruffly informed him, that
+a person answering Duncan's descrip<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span>tion and mounted upon a pony
+resembling his, had stopped in his saloon a few days before, and had
+gone away in the direction of the Yellowstone Park.</p>
+
+<p>This was rather disappointing intelligence, for it required him to
+retrace his steps, and go back over ground which he had already
+traveled. However, if the information was reliable, no time was to be
+lost, and he started from the saloon to commence his preparations at
+once.</p>
+
+<p>While at the bar, he had noticed a sturdy, honest-looking miner, who was
+taking a drink, and who had stopped and looked intently at him while the
+proprietor had given him the information above mentioned. As Manning
+left the saloon, the man followed him a short distance, and when out of
+sight of the saloon called after him; Manning stopped and the man came
+toward him.</p>
+
+<p>"Mister," said he, as he approached the detective, "ef ye go to the
+park, you won't find the man yer arter, that's a dead sure thing."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" asked Manning with some surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"I means as how the boss of the saloon yonder has lied to ye, that's
+all."</p>
+
+<p>"What makes you think so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bekase I passed the man ye wor askin' about three days ago, on the road
+to Helena."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure about this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I reckon I am. I couldn't make much of a mistake about that
+white-faced pony he wor a-ridin'."</p>
+
+<p>Requesting the miner to accompany him to the hotel, Manning interrogated
+him closely about the appearance of the man, and found that he was
+giving him the correct information, as his description of Duncan tallied
+precisely with what he himself had already learned. After carefully
+weighing the matter, Manning decided to act upon this latter
+information, and to start for Helena that evening. The saloon-keeper
+evidently mistrusted some danger to Duncan, from the detective's
+inquiries, and Manning was inclined to believe that the fugi<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span>tive had
+stopped there during his stay in Bozeman, and that the proprietor of the
+saloon had attempted to deceive him and turn him off from the tracks of
+the unfortunate burglar.</p>
+
+<p>Thus far, from all that could be learned of Duncan's movements, the
+young man was traveling entirely alone. From point to point across the
+western continent Manning had traced him, and no tidings of a companion
+had been as yet received. Alone and friendless, cut off from all the old
+associations of his past life, this unfortunate man was flying from a
+fate which he felt must be impending. Through the long summer days and
+under the starry skies during the weary nights, this fleeing outcast was
+working his way to fancied freedom and security. I wonder if, during the
+long watches of the night, when he sought the needed slumber which his
+weary brain and body demanded, whether the accuser's voice was not
+sounding in his ears, whether he did not start with affright at fancied
+dangers, and find his lonely life a burden, heavy and sorrowful!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It was now nearly eight o'clock, and the stage would not leave for
+Helena until midnight, and Manning, having nothing else to do, sought a
+few hours' sleep in order to be better prepared for the long journey
+before him. The distance from Bozeman to Helena was about ninety-five
+miles, and from what he had heard the roads were in a terrible
+condition. Heavy rains had fallen recently, and the mud in some places
+along his journey was said to be nearly axle deep. Undaunted by the
+gloomy prospect before him, however, Manning rested quietly, and, when
+the time for starting arrived, he was fully refreshed and eager for the
+long ride before him.</p>
+
+<p>Profiting by his past experience, he now secured an inside seat, as he
+would be better protected from the chilling night winds so prevalent in
+this mountainous country, and would perhaps, be able to sleep at
+intervals during the hours which would ensue before daylight.</p>
+
+<p>The other passengers in the coach were three<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> men who were interested in
+mining in the neighborhood of Helena, and who, like himself, were bound
+for that place. They were all, however, rather wearied with their
+journey from Billings, and very much disposed to sleep. Manning,
+therefore, stowed himself away in one corner of the coach, as
+comfortably as he was able to do, and nodded and dozed fitfully until
+they arrived at the breakfast station at Gallatin, a little town on the
+river.</p>
+
+<p>After an hour's rest and a change of horses, they pushed on again. From
+this point onward they found the reports about the condition of the
+roads fully verified. The stage lumbered along through the deep, muddy
+roads, and ever and anon the passengers would be required to alight, and
+assist in lifting the wheels from a particularly soft spot, where they
+were threatened with being inextricably mired. As may be imagined, a
+journey under such circumstances was far from being a pleasant one, but
+they all submitted with good nature to a state of affairs which was
+beyond<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span> their power to remedy. As it was, they fared much better than a
+party of travelers whom they met upon the road. They were returning from
+Helena, and when crossing a narrow bridge over one of the mountain
+streams, had the misfortune to have their coach overturned, and
+themselves precipitated violently to the ground, thereby sustaining
+serious injury. Upon meeting this forlorn party of travelers, Manning
+and his companions all turned out again, and by herculean efforts
+succeeded in righting the overturned coach, and in repairing, as far as
+in their power, the damage that had been done. With such laborious
+experiences as these, the party traveled on, and by the time they had
+arrived at the supper station they were almost exhausted.</p>
+
+<p>After this, however, the roads gradually improved, and as darkness came
+on, they again essayed to sleep. On they went, and the night was passed
+in uncomfortable slumber, broken and disturbed by the lurching and
+uneasy jolting of the coach over the rough<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span> mountain roads, and the
+curses of the driver, administered without stint to the struggling and
+jaded horses. The night, however, brought neither danger nor mishap, and
+at four o'clock in the morning they arrived at Helena, very much
+demoralized and worn out, but with whole bodies and ravenous appetites.
+Manning went to bed immediately on his arrival, and did not awake until
+the sun was high in the heavens, when he arose, feeling considerably
+refreshed and strengthened by his repose.</p>
+
+<p>Helena, the capital of Montana, he found to be a pushing and energetic
+city of about ten thousand inhabitants. Here were mills and factories, a
+handsome court-house, graded schools, several newspapers, charitable
+institutions and public hospitals, in fact, all the progressive elements
+of a thriving and well-settled city of modern times. All this had been
+accomplished in less than twenty years, and without the assistance of
+the railroad or the energizing influence of river navigation. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span>
+railroad had not yet penetrated into this mountainous region, and the
+Missouri river was fourteen miles distant. To the adventurous spirit of
+gold-hunting Americans had Helena owed its origin and growth, and its
+resources were unknown until 1864, when a party of prospecting miners
+discovered unmistakable evidences of rich yielding gold and silver mines
+in the immediate vicinity of what is now the thriving city of Helena.
+Following this discovery, thousands of gold-hunters sought this new
+"Eldorado," and in a few months a populous community had taken
+possession of the ground. Within a year after this the territory of
+Montana was formed, and from its central location and large population,
+Helena was chosen as the capital. From this time the success of the city
+was assured, emigration continued, the mines showed no signs of
+diminution, and the town soon aspired to the dignity of a city, despite
+its remoteness from the river, the railroad and the telegraph. Exceeding
+even California in the richness of its gold mines, Montana shows a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span>
+wonderful yield of silver, which is obtained with an ease which makes
+mining a pleasurable and sure source of incalculable profit. In addition
+to the precious metals, copper is also found in abundance, and forms an
+important feature of the mineral wealth of this territory.</p>
+
+<p>Montana is easily reached during the season of navigation by steamboats
+on the Missouri river from St. Louis, from which point, without
+obstruction or transshipment, the river is navigable to Fort Benton,
+situated almost in the center of the territory, a distance of more than
+twenty-five hundred miles. Here, too, there is a large and constant
+supply of water, a matter of great difficulty and scarcity in other
+mining districts. As the range of the Rocky Mountains in this vicinity
+does not present that broken and rugged character which marks the other
+ranges, the land is especially adapted for agricultural purposes, and
+timber of all kinds abounds in sufficient quantities for all the
+purposes of home consumption. Possessing these manifold and important
+advantages, it is not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span> strange that the country is not materially
+dependent upon the railroads for its growth and present development.</p>
+
+<p>These facts Manning gleaned in a conversation with the proprietor of the
+hotel, while he was making his preparations to commence his search for
+the man whose crime had led him such a long chase, and whose detection
+now seemed hopefully imminent.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">In Helena&mdash;A Fruitless Quest&mdash;Jerry Taylor's Bagnio&mdash;Reliable
+Tidings&mdash;A Midnight Ride&mdash;Arrival at Butte City.</div>
+
+
+<p>After obtaining much valuable information with reference to the various
+localities of the city, from the landlord of the hotel, Manning sallied
+forth upon his quest. With untiring energy he prosecuted his inquiries,
+only to meet with repeated disappointments and rebuffs; all day long he
+labored assiduously, visiting a hundred brothels, saloons and hotels,
+and yet without discovering a trace of Duncan or his white-faced
+quadruped. Could it be possible that the honest-faced miner had played
+him false, and designedly thrown him off the scent? Might not the
+saloon-keeper at Bozeman have given him the proper direction of
+Duncan's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span> flight toward the Yellowstone park? and was he not now miles
+away from all pursuit, and perhaps by this time fully aware that he was
+being followed? These thoughts flew through the brain of the detective
+as after all his efforts he found himself baffled at all points. At
+length, in despair, he sought the aid of the authorities, and was
+received with a cordiality that was unmistakable, and with a proffer of
+assistance that promised to be valuable in the extreme. An officer, well
+tried and trusted, a man of considerable experience, and who was the
+very ideal of a discreet and intelligent official, was delegated to
+accompany him during the evening. For a long time these two men devoted
+their combined energies to the task before them; but as had been the
+case with Manning during the day, no success attended their efforts.</p>
+
+<p>At length the officer turned to Manning and said:</p>
+
+<p>"There is only one more place where we can possibly hope to hear from
+your friend, and I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> have left that until the last, because I scarcely
+hope to learn anything even there."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us go at once," said the detective; "drowning men, they say, catch
+at straws. I am determined that no possible point shall be lost and we
+may only be disappointed again; but let us try."</p>
+
+<p>"Come along, then," replied the officer; "but keep your revolver where
+you can find it, for you may have occasion to use it."</p>
+
+<p>"Where are we going?" asked Manning.</p>
+
+<p>"To Jerry Taylor's ranche," answered the officer, "as hard a dive as you
+ever saw."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," said Manning, "we will go. I have no fear for myself, and
+perhaps this is the turning-point in our search."</p>
+
+<p>So saying they started off, and after half an hour's walk found
+themselves in the extreme northern part of the city, and in a locality
+which presented anything but an inviting appearance.</p>
+
+<p>Although but a short distance from one of the main thoroughfares, the
+houses were of the most wretched character, and the people who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span> were
+congregated about the doorways were villainous looking men and
+low-browed, brazen-faced women. Lights shone from many windows, and from
+within came the sound of loud laughter and ribald song. They were
+evidently in a quarter of the city where vice reigned supreme and where
+poverty, crime and immorality held full sway.</p>
+
+<p>Passing through this neighborhood without molestation, for Manning's
+companion seemed to be well known and universally feared, they reached a
+long, rambling frame building, which was gayly painted and brightly
+illuminated. Men and women of all ages were entering and leaving the
+place, and crowds of people were gathered about the entrance. Above the
+noise of the clinking of glasses and the loud orders of the waiters,
+could be heard the sounds of music, and a general confusion of voices
+that bespoke a large assembly.</p>
+
+<p>The detective had frequently heard of the character of a dance-house in
+the far west, and here was an opportunity to view one in full<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span> blast.
+Elbowing their way through the crowd, Manning and his companion soon
+found themselves in a large, brilliantly lighted room, almost entirely
+bereft of furniture. At one end was a raised platform, on which were
+seated the orchestra, consisting of a piano, sadly out of tune, a
+cracked violin, and a cornet which effectually drowned out the music of
+the other two instruments. Around the sides of the room were ranged rows
+of tables and wooden chairs, which were occupied by men and women, all
+busily occupied in disposing of the villainous liquids which were
+dispensed to them by so-called pretty waiter girls, who had evidently
+long since become strangers to modesty and morality. The band was
+playing a waltz, and the floor was filled with a motley gathering of
+both sexes, who were whirling about the room, with the greatest
+abandonment, dancing madly to the harsh and discordant music. The scene
+was a perfect pandemonium, while boisterous laughter and loud curses
+mingled with and intensified the general excitement and confusion.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> Both
+the men and women were drinking freely, and some of them were in a wild
+state of intoxication, while others had long since passed the stage of
+excitement and were now dozing stupidly in the corners of the room.</p>
+
+<p>Manning and his companion stood for some time gazing at the scenes
+around them. The detective's mind was busy with somber meditations upon
+the human degradation that was here presented. Here were women, many of
+them still youthful and with marks of beauty still remaining, in spite
+of their life of dissipation. Their eyes were flashing under the
+influence of intoxication, and from their pretty lips were issuing
+blasphemies which made him shudder. Old women, with a long record of
+shame and immorality behind them, and with their bold faces covered with
+cosmetics to hide the ravages of time. Rough men, with their flannel
+shirts and their trousers tucked into their high, mud-covered boots.
+Young men of the city, dressed well and apparently respectable, yet all
+yielding to their passion for strong<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span> drink and the charms of lewdness
+and indecency. A strange, wild gathering of all grades and conditions,
+mingling in a disgraceful orgie which the pen refuses to depict. How
+many stories of happy homes wrecked and broken could be related by these
+painted lizards who now were swimming in this whirlpool of licentious
+gratification! How many men, whose past careers of honor and reputation
+had been thrown away, were here gathered in this brothel, participating
+in so-called amusements, which a few years ago would have appalled them!
+Ah, humanity is a strange study, and debased humanity the strangest and
+saddest of them all.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 480px;">
+<a href="images/gs10-large.jpg" target="image_window">
+<img src="images/gs10-small.jpg" width="480" height="307" alt="Manning and his companion stood for some time gazing at
+the scenes around them." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Manning and his companion stood for some time gazing at
+the scenes around them.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The detective was aroused from his reflections by the voice of his
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think of this?"</p>
+
+<p>"I scarcely know," answered Manning, sadly. "I have seen much of the
+under-current of social life, but this exceeds anything I have ever
+before experienced."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, this is comparatively nothing," said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span> the other. "Pleasure is the
+ruling spirit now. You should be here some time when there is a fight,
+and then you would think that hell was a reality, and these people
+devils incarnate."</p>
+
+<p>While they were thus conversing, the proprietor of the establishment,
+Jerry Taylor, approached them, and respectfully saluting the officer,
+whom he knew, said smilingly:</p>
+
+<p>"Seein' the sights of the city, are you, lieutenant?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, yes, Jerry; that's part of our business. But we are looking for a
+young man who was here a few days ago, and perhaps you can help us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if I can do anything for you I will," answered Jerry, who was a
+tall, broad-shouldered, black-haired man, with flashing black eyes and a
+somber mustache, which trailed below his chin. "Come over into the
+wine-room, where we can talk. We can't do it here for the noise."</p>
+
+<p>Accepting the suggestion, the three men walked across the room, and
+entering a narrow<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span> doorway in one corner, were ushered into an apartment
+which was designated as the "wine-room." This room was occupied by the
+better dressed portion of the habitues of the place, and their
+deportment was much more circumspect than those in the larger room
+outside. Leading the way to a table in a retired corner of the room, the
+proprietor requested them to be seated, while Manning called for the
+services of one of the waiter girls in providing for their liquid
+nourishment.</p>
+
+<p>The officer, who had obtained possession of Duncan's photograph, now
+produced it, and handing it over to Mr. Taylor, said:</p>
+
+<p>"Jerry, that is the fellow we are looking for. Do you know anything
+about him?"</p>
+
+<p>Taylor looked at the picture a moment, and then answered:</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, I know something about him. He was here two or three days
+ago, and was as flush with his money as a nobby aristocrat."</p>
+
+<p>Manning's heart leaped with joy as he heard these words. He was no
+longer doubtful of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span> results, and was satisfied that he was upon the
+right track.</p>
+
+<p>"How long did he stay here?" asked the officer.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see," said Taylor, meditatingly. "He had a white-faced pony with
+him, and I took care of the animal in my stable. He was here, I guess, a
+day and two nights."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know which way he went?" now inquired Manning.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a moment, gentlemen," said Taylor, rising to his feet, "I think I
+can find some one who can tell you all about it."</p>
+
+<p>Walking to the door, he disappeared, and after an absence of a few
+minutes he returned, accompanied by a rather handsome young woman of
+about twenty years of age, and who appeared to be far superior to the
+balance of the females whom Manning had noticed since his entrance into
+the bagnio.</p>
+
+<p>The young woman came smilingly forward, and seating herself at the
+table, deliberately poured out a glass of wine, and tossed it off<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span> with
+an air of good humor that proved her to be no novice in the art.</p>
+
+<p>Jerry Taylor introduced the gay cyprian to the officers, and the nature
+of their business was soon made known to her.</p>
+
+<p>Without hesitation or the faintest evidence of a blush, she informed the
+officers that Duncan had been her companion during his stay in Helena,
+and that they had enjoyed each other's company immensely. He had lots of
+money, the girl said, and she had assisted him in spending some of it.
+In reply to their questions, the girl stated that Duncan had left Helena
+two days ago, and that he intended going to Butte City, where he had
+relatives in business. Further than this she could not say, and they
+were compelled to be satisfied with what information she had been able
+to give them.</p>
+
+<p>This was reliable and satisfactory news to Manning, and after lingering
+in the place a few minutes longer, and compensating the girl for her
+revelations, the two men took their depart<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span>ure and returned to the
+hotel, well pleased with the result of the evening's experience.</p>
+
+<p>Upon making inquiries, Manning learned, to his intense disappointment,
+that he would be obliged to wait until noon on the following day before
+he could secure a passage in the stage for Butte City. As no time was to
+be lost, now that he was approaching so near to what he hoped would be
+the termination of his journey, Manning determined not to delay his
+departure until the starting of the coach. The nights were moonlight
+now, and requesting the further services of the officer in assisting him
+to procure a good saddle horse and a guide, Manning resolved to start at
+once for Butte City.</p>
+
+<p>A horse was soon secured, and a trusty man was found who was well
+acquainted with the road, and who was willing to accompany him. Bidding
+farewell to the officer, whom he amply remunerated for his trouble,
+Manning, at ten o'clock that night, leaped into his saddle and set out
+on his journey. He rode hard all that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span> night, and at sunrise reached
+Boulder, having traveled considerably more than half the distance. Here
+they stopped for breakfast, to feed their horses and take some rest. His
+guide left him at Boulder City and returned to Helena, and about nine
+o'clock, Manning set off alone for Butte. He pushed on without delay or
+accident, and about four o'clock in the afternoon arrived at his
+destination.</p>
+
+<p>His first care was to provide quarters for his horse, and to make
+arrangements for his return to Helena by the stage next day, after which
+he sought the hotel for rest, and refreshment for himself.</p>
+
+<p>How near he was to the object of his long search he did not know, but
+tired and hungry from his long ride, he mentally breathed a prayer that
+success would speedily crown his efforts, and that the weary chase would
+soon be ended.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">The Long Trail Ended&mdash;Duncan Traced to his Lair&mdash;Caught at Last&mdash;The
+Escaping Burglar a Prisoner.</div>
+
+
+<p>Butte City is a rich mining village in Deer Lodge county in the
+territory of Montana, and is surrounded by high hills, which contain
+rich deposits of gold and silver which are taken from the quartz rock,
+and in the city are situated the furnaces and other appliances for
+extracting the precious metals from the rocks in which they are found.
+The population, although largely of a transient and adventurous
+character, is composed of a respectable, well-ordered community, many of
+whom have located permanently, and have labored for the advancement and
+success of the village. There are several stores, numerous hotels, many<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span>
+very handsome private dwellings, and a newspaper. Though not so large as
+Helena, by any means, it bids fair in time to rival her more successful
+neighbor, and the elements of success are found within her domain. The
+local government consists of a mayor and a city marshal, while the
+deputies of the latter official constitute the police force who maintain
+order in the city and protect the persons and property of the citizens.
+A substantial jail looks frowningly down upon one of the main
+thoroughfares, and altogether Butte City is as well-conducted and
+carefully managed a town as is to be found west of the Mississippi
+river. Within a few months a railroad, a branch of the Union Pacific
+road, had been completed, which placed the city in communication, both
+by rail and telegraph, with the larger towns and cities located in the
+South and East.</p>
+
+<p>After a hearty dinner and a refreshing bath, Manning left the hotel and
+sought the office of the city marshal. Here, as elsewhere, he was
+received with the utmost courtesy and kind<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span>ness, and with a warm proffer
+of assistance, which the detective most gladly accepted. He detailed the
+circumstances of the robbery and his long pursuit of the escaping
+burglar, and also his strong belief that Duncan was now hiding in the
+city. The marshal fully coincided with his views, and promised to aid
+him to the utmost of his ability. He then furnished Manning with the
+address of Duncan's relative, and the detective started out to find the
+locality to which he had been directed.</p>
+
+<p>He soon discovered the place he was looking for, located on the second
+floor of one of the larger buildings in the city, and over the entrance
+was suspended the sign:</p>
+
+<div class="message">
+<span class="smcap">GEORGE DUNCAN, CLOTHIER.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Mounting the stairs without hesitation, the detective entered the store,
+where he found to his intense satisfaction the merchant at home. He was
+assured of this fact from the striking resemblance which the man bore to
+his fugitive relation. On the pretense of ordering a suit of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span> clothing,
+the detective engaged him in conversation for some time, and after
+satisfying himself that Duncan was not about the premises he took his
+leave, promising to call again and effect his purchase. Arriving on the
+outside, Manning took up a position where he could watch the entrance
+unobserved, and where anyone entering or leaving the place could be
+readily seen by him. Maintaining his watch for several hours, he was
+gratified, about nine o'clock, to see the clothier making preparations
+to close his store, and a few moments afterwards he appeared upon the
+street. As the merchant walked along the streets, the detective followed
+him closely, never losing sight of him for a moment. For a time the man
+strolled about, apparently with no definite object in view, and Manning
+began to fear that his hopes of finding Duncan were futile, and that
+this relative was entirely unaware of his relative's movements. The
+night was dark and it was with difficulty that he could keep his man in
+sight, without approaching so close as to excite suspicion. At<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span> last,
+however, the merchant came out of a saloon which he had entered a short
+time before, and this time he was accompanied by another man whom
+Manning could not obtain a fair view of. Taking a circuitous route, they
+at length gained the main street in the vicinity of the merchant's
+store. Here they entered a doorway leading from the street and ascending
+a stairway were soon lost to sight. The detective at once surmised that
+the clothier occupied sleeping apartments in the building, and that the
+two men had probably retired for the night.</p>
+
+<p>His first impulse was to follow them up stairs and demand admittance,
+and should Duncan prove to be one of the parties, to make the arrest
+then and there. A little reflection, however, convinced him that such a
+proceeding would be not only unwise but hazardous in the extreme. He was
+not sure that the companion of the merchant was Duncan, as he had been
+unable to get close enough to recognize him, and a precipitate entry now
+would, in case he was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> not the man, only serve to put them all upon
+their guard against future surprises.</p>
+
+<p>Manning therefore rapidly made his way to the marshal's office, and
+finding him within, at once acquainted him with what he had discovered,
+and requested his advice and assistance. The marshal selected one of his
+most trusty assistants and the three men repaired to the place where
+Manning had seen the merchant and his companion enter. The marshal, who
+was intimately acquainted with the clothing merchant, informed Manning
+that the gentleman occupied apartments in the building, and suggested
+that he would be the best man to go up, as in case their man was not
+there, he could invent some pretext for his visit which would not excite
+undue suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>This proposition was agreed to, and the marshal ascended the stairs. He
+found the room unoccupied by the merchant and knocked at the door. All
+was dark and silent within, and no response came to his summons. After
+again knocking and making a careful examina<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span>tion of the place, the
+marshal was convinced that the room was empty and that the men, whoever
+they were, had departed.</p>
+
+<p>Returning to the sidewalk, a hurried consultation was held, and it was
+determined to leave the deputy to watch the room, while Manning and the
+marshal went to the various livery stables in the town, in order to
+ascertain if Duncan had arrived and had quartered his horse at any of
+them. This arrangement was immediately carried into execution, and
+stationing the deputy in a position where he could safely watch the
+premises, the other two started upon their errand.</p>
+
+<p>To Manning's delight their inquiries were rewarded with success, and at
+one of the livery stables they found the identical white-faced pony
+which had carried Duncan on his long journey, and which was now quietly
+resting in comfortable quarters. This was indeed glad tidings to the
+indefatigable detective, and he could have caressed the graceful little
+animal from pure joy. There was now no longer any<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span> doubt that Duncan was
+in the city, and that with proper precautions he could be secured. From
+Mr. Livermore, it was learned that Duncan had arrived in Butte City on
+the morning of the day previous, and that he was believed to be making
+preparations for a trip into Mexico, in company with his cousin, the
+merchant.</p>
+
+<p>Believing that the best means now to be adopted to secure the young man,
+was to remain in the stable until Duncan called for his horse, Manning
+requested permission to do so, which was cheerfully granted by the
+obliging liveryman. Manning therefore took up his position as a watcher,
+while the marshal went to look after the man whom they had left on the
+lookout at the sleeping apartments of the clothing merchant. After
+watching for a long time, Manning made himself as comfortable as
+possible, and prepared to spend the night in his new quarters. He dozed
+and slept at fitful intervals in his uncomfortable position, and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span>
+long night wore away without the appearance of the much-desired visitor.</p>
+
+<p>The stable in which Manning had established himself, was arranged with a
+row of stalls on either side, with a wide passage-way extending between
+them. He therefore ensconced himself in the vacant stall immediately
+opposite to the burglar's horse, and where he could see him at all
+times. By peering through the crevices in the woodwork he also commanded
+a full view of the entrance, and was thus enabled to see all who entered
+the barn. Slowly the morning waned away and as yet no sign of the man
+for whom he was waiting. How many times he had fancied he heard the
+longed-for footstep, and peered anxiously out, only to be disappointed,
+it would be impossible to tell. At length, however, just as he was about
+to despair of success, he heard footsteps at the door, and peeping
+through the opening in the stall, he saw the figure of the man for whose
+appearance he had watched so long, and whose face had haunted him day
+and night since he had started in pur<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span>suit of him. There he stood, not a
+dozen feet away from him, and as the detective gazed at the unsuspecting
+thief, a thrill of pleasurable excitement filled his being. In a moment,
+however, he had controlled himself; and perfectly calm and collected, he
+watched the man before him. There was no doubt that Duncan was
+contemplating a renewal of his journey. He was dressed in a hunting suit
+of heavy brown ducking, with high top boots and a wide brimmed sombrero,
+while across his shoulders was slung a leather bag, which was filled
+probably with clothing and provisions. In his hand he carried a splendid
+repeating rifle, and a brace of pistols were in his belt.</p>
+
+<p>All this the detective was able to note in the brief moment that Duncan
+paused at the door, as if looking for some one to whom he could give
+orders for the saddling of his horse. Seeing no one about the place,
+however, he set his rifle down in a corner by the door, and walked
+slowly down the passage until he reached the stall where his pony was
+standing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He was now directly in front of the spot where the detective was
+concealed, but with his back toward the operative. As he turned to go
+into the stall, Manning stopped quickly forward, with his revolver in
+his hand, and grasping Duncan firmly by the shoulder, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Thomas Duncan, I have caught you at last."</p>
+
+<p>Duncan started as though he had been shot, as these words rang in his
+ears, and he felt the grasp of the detective's strong arm. In an instant
+he recovered himself, and his hand quickly sought one of the revolvers
+in his belt. The detective, however, was too quick for him, and placing
+the muzzle of his pistol against the burglar's cheek, he said,
+determinedly:</p>
+
+<p>"If you attempt to draw your pistol, I'll blow your brains out!"</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 480px;">
+<a href="images/gs11-large.jpg" target="image_window">
+<img src="images/gs11-small.jpg" width="480" height="307" alt="&quot;If you attempt to draw your pistol, I&#39;ll blow out your
+brains!&quot;" title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">&quot;If you attempt to draw your pistol, I&#39;ll blow out your
+brains!&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Duncan felt that it was useless to attempt to trifle with the resolute
+man before him, and his arms dropped to his side.</p>
+
+<p>"It's no use, Tod," said Manning, with a quiet smile. "I've got the drop
+on you, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span> you might as well cave. Throw your pistols on the
+ground."</p>
+
+<p>Mechanically Duncan did as he was directed, and then turning to Manning,
+he inquired in a low, suppressed tone:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want me for?"</p>
+
+<p>"For the Geneva bank robbery," answered Manning. "You have led me a
+pretty long chase, but you see I have caught you at last."</p>
+
+<p>"If you had been one hour later," said the other, doggedly, "you never
+would have taken me. Once on my horse, I would have defied you, and I
+would have killed you like a dog."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well," answered Manning, "we won't talk about what you might have
+done. I've got you, and that's enough for me."</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture the marshal made his appearance, and offering his
+assistance, the crestfallen young burglar was quietly led away to the
+jail, where he was searched, and fifteen hundred dollars in money was
+found upon his person, besides an excellent and valuable gold watch.
+Without waiting for any further<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span> results, Manning rushed to the
+telegraph office, in order to apprise me of his success. He could not
+repress a pardonable feeling of pride in the victory he had
+accomplished. His search was ended, his man was a prisoner, and shortly
+afterward there came clicking over the wires to Chicago, the following
+message:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>I have him, fifteen hundred dollars in money, a gold watch, horse and
+rifle. Will sell horse for what I can get, and leave here, with
+prisoner, for Chicago, in the morning.</i>"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">The Burglar Returns to Chicago&mdash;Revelations by the Way&mdash;The Missing
+Five Thousand Dollars.</div>
+
+
+<p>As I had received no tidings of John Manning since his departure from
+Minneapolis, it may be imagined that I was considerably relieved when
+his brief but comprehensive telegram from Butte City was received. So
+long a time had elapsed since he had been able to transmit me any
+definite information about his movements, that I had begun to grow
+alarmed, not only for the successful termination of his pursuit, but for
+his personal safety. Now, however, all my fears were set at rest; the
+daring and ambitious detective was safe and well, and in addition to
+this he had succeeded in capturing the fugitive, who was now in his
+custody. The chase had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span> been a long and fatiguing one, but victory had
+crowned our efforts, and the entire quartette of criminals were now in
+the hands of the officers of the law, and would be held to answer for
+their crimes. The pursuit of Duncan had been most admirably carried out
+by my trusted operative, and Manning was deserving of unstinted credit
+for the sagacious mind and untiring spirit he displayed. So thoroughly
+determined had he been to secure his prisoner, that no consideration of
+personal comfort, or even necessary rest, had been allowed to interfere
+with his movements. With more than a month elapsing between the
+commission of the crime and the commencement of the chase, and traveling
+over a country thinly settled and semi-barbarous, I regarded the victory
+which he had achieved as one deserving of the highest encomiums, and
+reflecting great credit upon his skill, determination and pertinacity.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Silby and the bank officials were immediately notified of Duncan's
+capture, and their satisfaction was unbounded; their congratula<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span>tions
+were unsparingly uttered, and their words of commendation were of the
+heartiest and warmest character. They were now fully satisfied that the
+vexing problem of the missing five thousand dollars in coin would be
+solved, and earnestly hoped that the solution would inure to their
+advantage. However, nothing could be done in the matter until the
+arrival of Duncan, and we impatiently awaited his appearance.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning after his arrest Duncan was placed on the train, and in
+company with John Manning started for Chicago. The detective had
+experienced no difficulty in disposing of the horse owned by the young
+prisoner, and Mr. Livermore, the stable-man, became his purchaser for a
+fair price. Having experienced quite as much of the discomforts and
+fatigues of traveling by stage coach and on horseback as he desired,
+Manning resolved to return to Chicago by rail, and he accordingly took
+passage on the Idaho division of the Union Pacific railroad, which would
+be both a more expeditious<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span> and comfortable mode of traveling, besides
+being a safe method of conducting a prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>Ever since his arrest Duncan had been sullen and uncommunicative. He was
+evidently crushed by the sudden and surprising turn which affairs had
+taken. In the moment of his triumph he had fallen, and when he fancied
+himself the most secure, defeat and detection had overtaken him. It was
+not long, however, after they had started upon their return journey, ere
+Manning succeeded in breaking through his reserve, and in inducing him
+to talk freely. To the young man's credit be it said, that the first
+inquiry he made was in regard to the recovery of Miss Patton, the young
+lady whom he had assaulted in the bank, and when he learned of her
+speedy and complete recovery, he seemed quite relieved. He expressed the
+most intense regret at having been compelled, as he put it, to treat her
+so roughly, and he added, "I tell you she was a plucky little woman, and
+had Eugene Pearson been an honest man and fought as well as she did, we
+never could have got that money."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"She is certainly a brave girl," replied Manning.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, look here," exclaimed Duncan, extending his left hand toward him,
+upon two fingers of which the detective noticed several dark-looking and
+freshly-healed scars. "I was compelled to strike her. She fastened her
+teeth into my hand, and bit me to the bone. I never could have got loose
+without that; as it was, my hand bled terribly, and was a long time in
+healing, besides being excessively painful."</p>
+
+<p>By degrees the detective led him to speak of his connection with the
+robbery, and after a momentary hesitation he revealed the whole story,
+which in every particular coincided with that already told by Newton
+Edwards. He stated that being in Chicago without money, and without a
+friend except Edwards, he had requested a loan from him, which was
+readily granted. Then followed another drinking spree in company with
+his friend, and during its continuance Edwards proposed the robbery, and
+explained how easily and safely it might be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span> accomplished. Lured by the
+glittering prospect and intoxicated as he was, he gave a ready consent
+to enter into the scheme, and almost before he was aware of it, and
+certainly before he became thoroughly sober, the burglary had been
+committed, and with his ill-gotten gains he was on the road, seeking to
+escape from the consequences of his crime. He professed sincere
+repentance for what he had done, and stated that this was his first
+offense, which would now have to be atoned for by a long term of
+imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>As they progressed upon their way, and when about fifty miles out,
+Duncan informed the detective that he had met a noted rough in Butte
+City who was known as Texas Jack, and that this man had told his cousin
+that, if he desired it, a party could be raised, who would waylay the
+train and effect his rescue.</p>
+
+<p>"What would you have done if they had made the attempt?" asked Duncan,
+jocularly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," answered Manning coolly, and with determination, "they might
+have taken you,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span> but it would have been after I had put a bullet through
+your brain."</p>
+
+<p>The quiet and resolute tone in which this was said, caused the robber's
+cheek to turn pale, as he saw the determined spirit of the man with whom
+he had to deal. It is needless to say that no attempt was made to effect
+a rescue, nor had Manning any fears that such an effort would be made,
+but he deemed it wise to give his prisoner a quiet but firm hint as to
+what the consequences would be if a rescue was attempted.</p>
+
+<p>During the remainder of the journey Duncan was as cheerful and pleasant
+in his manner as though no thought of a prison entered his mind, and the
+detective experienced no trouble or annoyance with him whatever.</p>
+
+<p>Two days later they arrived at Council Bluffs, where they changed cars,
+and, taking the Rock Island route, they were not long in reaching
+Chicago. Manning brought his prisoner to my agency, where he was taken
+care of until<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span> arrangements could be made for his transportation to
+Geneva.</p>
+
+<p>I cannot express the satisfaction I experienced when I realized at last
+that our chase was over, and that a full and satisfying victory had
+attended our efforts in this matter. All of the prisoners were now
+taken, and, except for the solution of the question of the missing five
+thousand dollars, our work had been successfully accomplished.</p>
+
+<p>Another matter Duncan had related to Manning while upon their journey,
+which, while unfortunate for us, at the same time did not detract from
+the victory we had gained. It appeared that, while traveling from
+Bozeman to Helena, Duncan had occasion to use his pocket-handkerchief,
+and, in pulling it out of his pocket, he also drew out a small package
+of notes which he carried loosely in his pocket, and which contained
+nearly five hundred dollars. This was exceedingly unfortunate, and
+accounted in some measure for the small<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span> amount of money which was found
+upon Duncan's person at the time of his capture.</p>
+
+<p>However, this was of comparatively trifling importance, when the
+important features of his arrest are considered, and when even the
+amount of fifteen hundred dollars had been actually recovered.</p>
+
+<p>On the whole, I was very well contented with affairs as they were, and
+as far as the bank was concerned, there was every indication of
+thankfulness and rejoicing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">The Mystery of the Missing Five Thousand Dollars Solved at Last&mdash;The
+Money Recovered&mdash;Duncan at Geneva.</div>
+
+
+<p>On the day following the arrival of Duncan in Chicago, he was conveyed
+to Geneva, in company with my son William and a trusty operative. As may
+be imagined, the appearance of the fourth and hitherto unknown burglar
+threw the inhabitants of the quiet little town into another state of
+wild excitement, this time, however, without any indication of hostility
+to my officers or their actions. A charge of sentiment had taken place
+in the public mind, and now, instead of threatened resistance to our
+movements, my men were received with every evidence of approbation and
+indorsement.</p>
+
+<p>Thomas Duncan was taken at once to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span> bank and here he made a full
+statement of his connection with the robbery, the amount of money which
+he and Newton Edwards obtained, and detailed at length his travels from
+the time he left Geneva until he was arrested at Butte City by John
+Manning. He fully corroborated the statement of Newton Edwards about
+their disappointment in not obtaining, within five thousand dollars, as
+much money as they expected, and he expressed the belief that Eugene
+Pearson had taken this additional sum, and had thus deceived both his
+companions and the bank.</p>
+
+<p>He fully explained the disposition they made of the valise, which
+contained the silver, by hiding it in the corn-field by the road-side;
+after which they continued their journey unincumbered by the weight of
+the coin, which they did not consider valuable enough to burden
+themselves with.</p>
+
+<p>After he had finished, William inquired:</p>
+
+<p>"Was there no other sack or sacks than those you have mentioned as being
+in the valise<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span> when you threw it away? Did you not dispose of some
+before you parted with the satchel? Think carefully now; there is a
+mystery about that sack of gold which we want to solve, if possible."</p>
+
+<p>"Eugene Pearson declares," added Mr. Silby, the bank president, "that he
+has given up everything, and is positive that you took away from the
+bank nearly fifteen thousand dollars in currency and coin."</p>
+
+<p>Again, as in the case of Edwards, the valise was brought out, and the
+amount of money which was supposed to have been taken at the time of the
+robbery, less five thousand dollars in gold, was handed to Duncan to
+lift. Duncan raised it in his hand, and at once pronounced it lighter
+than when they carried it away from the bank. A sack containing five
+thousand dollars in gold was then added, and when he again took it in
+his hands, he exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"That's more like it; when we left the bank the valise was fully that
+heavy."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Mr. Duncan," said Mr. Silby, "this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span> test satisfies me that Eugene
+Pearson is innocent of having taken more money than he has restored to
+us, and that when you left the bank, you carried away the amount he
+states."</p>
+
+<p>While Mr. Silby was speaking, Duncan had been recalling all the events
+which had transpired during their flight, and endeavoring to trace, step
+by step, all that they had done.</p>
+
+<p>"I remember now," he said slowly, after a few moments, "that before we
+concluded to throw away the valise, we sat down by the railroad track to
+rest. We then opened the valise, to see what it contained. Among the
+contents, I noticed a small, dingy sack, which was marked
+'silver&mdash;$100,' and that being pretty heavy, and only a small amount, I
+took it and hid it in the weeds that were growing around us. I suppose
+it is there yet, provided no one has found and removed it."</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, Mr. Welton, the cashier, who had been listening
+quietly, jumped to his feet and excitedly exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"That solves the mystery! I remember<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span> distinctly having placed that gold
+in a sack marked silver, as it was the only one we could find at the
+time." Then turning to Duncan, he added: "You, therefore, instead of
+throwing away one hundred dollars in silver, as you supposed, actually
+disposed of five thousand dollars in as good gold as ever came from the
+mint."</p>
+
+<p>This explanation appeared to be as plain as the sun at noonday, and it
+was evident that, mistaking the contents of the sack to be silver, and
+of a small amount, Duncan had thrown it away, not deeming it worth the
+trouble of taking.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you tell the spot where you disposed of this sack?" asked William,
+who still indulged in the hope of recovering the missing money.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I could find it," answered Duncan. "And if you gentlemen will
+accompany me, I think I can point it out to you."</p>
+
+<p>Without delay, a carriage was procured, and Mr. Silby, Mr. Welton,
+Duncan and my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span> son William, started off. They proceeded in the
+direction which Duncan said they had traveled after leaving the bank,
+and without difficulty he found the spot where he said they had stopped
+to rest.</p>
+
+<p>Alighting from the carriage, Duncan pointed out the place where they had
+seated themselves, and he sat down in what he claimed was the exact
+spot. It was at the foot of a little bank, which rose abruptly from the
+roadside, and was covered thickly with heavy grass and weeds, now dry
+and withered, and closely packed together. The three men who accompanied
+Duncan grew exceedingly anxious at this point, for a few moments would
+decide the question of the recovery of a large amount of money, or its
+unquestionable loss. Silently they waited, as Duncan thrust his hand
+under this growth of dry grass and weeds, where he said he had put the
+gold, and with surprise and joy they saw him draw forth the identical
+dingy-looking canvas bag. Exultantly he held it aloft, and then placed
+it in the hands of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span> Mr. Welton, who, on opening it, found the shining
+gold pieces, and the mystery of the missing money was solved at last.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 480px;">
+<a href="images/gs12-large.jpg" target="image_window">
+<img src="images/gs12-small.jpg" width="480" height="307" alt="With surprise and joy they saw him draw forth the
+identical dingy-looking canvas bag." title=""/></a>
+<span class="caption">With surprise and joy they saw him draw forth the
+identical dingy-looking canvas bag.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>During all the weeks that had elapsed since the robbery, that gold had
+lain there undisturbed. Hundreds and thousands of people had tramped
+over the ground in the hope of finding some traces of the burglars, and
+no one had discovered the snug little sum which lay so temptingly near
+them, and which might have been theirs for the simple trouble of taking
+it.</p>
+
+<p>As for the bank officials and ourselves, our gratification at this
+profitable discovery was only exceeded by our astonishment at the
+singular manner in which it had been at last accomplished. Then, too, it
+set at rest all doubts as to the truthfulness of young Pearson's story,
+and proved conclusively that he was honestly regretful and penitent for
+the crime he had committed, and had given up all he had taken. At the
+same time it relieved his companions from any suspicion of having made
+away with or concealed it for future use.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As for Duncan, to his credit it must be added, that he seemed as much
+pleased and relieved at this restoration of the stolen money as did any
+of the others, and this action impressed the officers of the bank with a
+feeling of profound sympathy for the unfortunate young man, and
+convinced them that although he had been guilty of a serious crime, he
+was not really bad at heart, and that this was his first offense, into
+which he had been led by his thoughtless folly and reckless dissipation.
+At his request, he was allowed to see Miss Patton, and to her he frankly
+and feelingly expressed his regrets for having so roughly treated her,
+and her forgiving words were received as gratefully as could have been
+desired.</p>
+
+<p>Our work was nearly finished. Out of twenty thousand dollars which had
+been taken, we had succeeded in recovering nearly eighteen thousand
+dollars; the balance, having been squandered by Edwards and Duncan, was,
+of course, irretrievably gone. But this was good enough as it was, and
+the officers of the bank<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span> were satisfied and delighted at this most
+satisfactory conclusion of an operation which, at its commencement,
+promised so little, and out of which such great results had flowed.</p>
+
+<p>The party returned to Geneva, and the next day Duncan was formally
+arraigned. He waived an examination, and in default of bail was removed
+to the county prison, where his confederates were already confined,
+anxiously awaiting their trial.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1 class="chapter"><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.</h1>
+<div class="subtitle">Conclusion&mdash;Retribution.</div>
+
+
+<p>A few days later, and the last act in this sad drama of crime was
+performed. The four youthful criminals were arraigned for trial before a
+conscientious judge, and by a jury composed of gentlemen, many of whom
+were intimately acquainted with two of the accused, Eugene Pearson and
+Dr. Johnson, both of whom, it will be remembered, were born and reared
+in the little town of Geneva. As may be imagined, the trial attracted
+universal attention in that section of the country, and on the day that
+the court was convened, the town was filled with people from all the
+surrounding districts, who came to witness the important proceedings.
+Long before the hour fixed for the commencement of the trial, the
+court-room was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span> crowded to suffocation by the eager multitude, who had
+come from far and near, for the purpose of being present at this unusual
+judicial investigation. Many were actuated only by the promptings of
+idle curiosity, and regarded the trial somewhat in the light of a
+diverting exhibition, for which no admission fee was charged; others,
+from a stern sense of justice, came to view a trial in which crime was
+to be punished, and the law in all its majesty was to be invoked for the
+protection of the honor of society, and the property of the individual.
+There was yet another class, who came from the impulses of love and
+sympathy and friendship&mdash;some who were linked to the unfortunate
+criminals by the ties of family and blood, and some who had known and
+esteemed them ere their hearts had been hardened, and before the wiles
+of the tempter had lured them from the paths of honor and virtue. There
+were present also the gray-haired father and mother of Eugene Pearson,
+broken and bowed with the grief and shame which had been brought upon
+them by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span> the crimes of their beloved son; the aged parents of Dr.
+Johnson, who had come to witness, with saddened hearts, the doom of
+their darling boy; the young wife of Newton Edwards, who in the moment
+of her husband's ruin had, with true womanly devotion, forgotten his
+past acts of cruelty and harshness, and now, with aching heart and
+tear-stained eyes, was waiting, with fear and trembling, to hear the
+dreaded judgment pronounced upon the man whom she had sworn to "love and
+cherish" through "good and evil report."</p>
+
+<p>Since his incarceration she had been a constant visitor to his cell, and
+by her love and sympathy had sought to uphold the fallen man in the dark
+hours of his shame and disgrace. Here also was the aged father of Thomas
+Duncan, the only friend whom the young man had in all that vast
+assembly. Though his face was stern and immovable, yet the quivering of
+the lips and the nervous trembling of the wrinkled hands told too
+plainly that he too was suffering beyond expression in the sorrow that
+had been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span> wrought by the boy who in his early years had been his pride
+and joy.</p>
+
+<p>When the judge had taken his seat, and the door opened to admit the four
+youthful prisoners, all eyes were turned upon them. Slowly and with
+downcast eyes they entered the chamber of justice, and amid an awe-like
+stillness that pervaded the room, took their seats in the prisoners'
+dock. In spite of all that had transpired, and with the full conviction
+that these youthful offenders richly merited whatever judgment they were
+to receive, there was not one in that entire audience, whose heart did
+not throb with sympathy for the aged parents and relatives of the
+accused, and even for the culprits themselves in this, the dreadful hour
+of their humiliation and grief.</p>
+
+<p>The trial was not a protracted one. A jury was speedily empaneled, the
+low, stern tones of the judge were heard in timely admonition, and the
+prosecution was commenced. Upon the prisoners being asked to plead to
+the indictments which had been prepared against<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span> them, Mr. Kirkman, a
+prominent attorney of Geneva, who had been retained to defend the
+unfortunate young men, arose, and in impressive tones entered a plea of
+guilty. With the keen perceptions of a true lawyer, he felt that the
+proofs were too strong to be overcome, and that to attempt to set up any
+technical defense would only result in greater hardships to his clients.
+He, however, made an eloquent and touching appeal for the exercise of
+judicial clemency. He referred in feeling terms to the youth of the
+prisoners, to the groups of weeping and stricken relatives, whose
+prayerful hearts were echoing his appeals. He urged that the evidences
+of sincere repentance had been manifested by all of the prisoners, and
+that, as this had been their first offense, the exercise of gentle mercy
+would be both grand and productive of good results.</p>
+
+<p>His words were not lost even upon the prosecuting attorney, and when Mr.
+Kirkman had concluded, that gentleman arose, and in a few words echoed
+the sentiments of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span> attorney for the defense. He also expressed the
+conviction that, while justice called loudly for sentence, yet there
+were elements in this case in which the wisest judgment would be that
+which partook of the qualities of mercy.</p>
+
+<p>At the conclusion of this request, the judge, with a delicate regard for
+the tender feelings of the assembled relatives, ordered an adjournment
+of the court, in order that he might take the merits of the case under
+advisement, and to enable him to administer such sentence, as, in his
+best judgment, was demanded under the circumstances. Slowly the immense
+audience dispersed, and for a few moments the prisoners were allowed to
+converse with their weeping friends, after which they were again
+conducted to their cells to await the action of the court.</p>
+
+<p>A few days later they were brought quietly before the judge and their
+sentences were pronounced. Dr. Johnson, owing to the existence of a
+doubt as to his complicity in the robbery, was condemned to four years'
+imprisonment on the charge of forgery, while Newton<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span> Edwards, Eugene
+Pearson, and Thomas Duncan were each sentenced to an imprisonment of six
+years on the indictment for burglary.</p>
+
+<p>Thus ended this important case, and the action of the court received the
+almost universal approbation of the community, while the relatives and
+nearest friends of the prisoners were compelled to acknowledge its
+fairness and justice.</p>
+
+<p>But little remains to be told. The prisoners were soon conducted to the
+state prison, and a short time afterward, having occasion to visit that
+institution, I saw them again. They all bore evidences of the most acute
+remorse and contrition, and their life in prison had produced serious
+effects upon their robust persons. Far different was their lot now, to
+the free and happy existence which had once been theirs. Eugene Pearson,
+the dapper young gentleman, was put at hard labor in the stone-cutting
+department; Johnson, the dentist, was assigned to the machine shop,
+while Edwards and Duncan were working in the shoe-making<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span> department.
+Day after day the weary labor was performed, and night after night the
+gloom of the prison cell enshrouds them. Weeks will roll into months and
+the months will stretch into weary years, ere they will breathe the
+sweet air of liberty again. Within the frowning walls of the prison,
+they are paying the heavy penalty for their crime, and here we must
+leave them, in the earnest and sincere hope that true repentance may
+come to them, and that when their term of servitude is ended, they may
+come forth, filled with resolves to live down the stain upon their
+characters, and by upright and honorable lives to redeem and obliterate
+the dark and painful past. That "judgment overcometh crime," has been
+fully proven in the lives of these men, and trusting in the future to
+redeem the past, we leave them to the burdens and the solitude to which
+they have brought themselves.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center">THE END.</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="title2">1883</div>
+<div class="title1">G.W. Carleton &amp; Co</div>
+
+<p><br /></p>
+
+<div class="title1">NEW BOOKS</div>
+<div class="title2">AND NEW EDITIONS,</div>
+<div class="title3">RECENTLY ISSUED BY</div>
+<div class="title1"><span class="smcap">G. W. Carleton &amp; Co.</span>, Publishers,</div>
+<div class="title2">Madison Square, New York.</div>
+
+<p class="message">The Publishers, on receipt of price, send any book on this Catalogue by
+mail, <i>postage free</i>.<br />
+All handsomely bound in cloth, with gilt backs suitable for libraries.</p>
+
+<table class="pricelist" summary="Catalogue of G. W. Carleton &amp; Co.">
+
+<tr><th colspan="4" class="center">Mary J. Holmes' Works.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Tempest and Sunshine.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">Darkness and Daylight.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">English Orphans.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50 </td><td class="pricename"> Hugh Worthington.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Homestead on the Hillside.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50 </td><td class="pricename"> Cameron Pride.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">'Lena Rivers.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50 </td><td class="pricename"> Rose Mather.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Meadow Brook.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50 </td><td class="pricename"> Ethelyn's Mistake.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Dora Deane.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50 </td><td class="pricename"> Millbank.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Cousin Maude.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50 </td><td class="pricename"> Edna Browning.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Marian Grey.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">  West Lawn.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Edith Lyle.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">  Mildred.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Daisy Thornton.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">  Forrest House.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Chateau D'Or. (New)</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50 </td><td class="pricename"> Madeline. (New)</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><th colspan="4" class="center">Marion Harland's Works.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Alone.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">Sunnybank.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Hidden Path.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Husbands and Homes.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Moss Side.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Ruby's Husband.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Nemesis.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Phemie's Temptation.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Miriam.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">The Empty Heart.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">At Last.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Jessamine.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Helen Gardner.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">From My Youth Up.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">True as Steel. (New)</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">My Little Love.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><th colspan="4" class="center">Charles Dickens&mdash;15 Vols.&mdash;"Carleton's Edition."</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Pickwick, and Catalogue.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">David Copperfield.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Dombey and Son.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Nicholas Nickleby.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Bleak House.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Little Dorrit.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Martin Chuzzlewit.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Our Mutual Friend.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Barnaby Rudge&mdash;Edwin Drood.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Curiosity Shop&mdash;Miscellaneous.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Child's England&mdash;Miscellaneous.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Sketches by Boz&mdash;Hard Times.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Christmas Books&mdash;Two Cities.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Great Expectations&mdash;Italy.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">&nbsp;</td><td class="pricename">&nbsp;</td><td class="pricename">Oliver Twist&mdash;Uncommercial.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Sets of Dickens' Complete Works, in 15 vols.&mdash;[elegant half calf.
+bindings].</td><td class="pricevalue">50 00</td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><th colspan="4" class="center">Augusta J. Evans' Novels.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Beulah.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 75</td><td class="pricename">St. Elmo.</td><td class="pricevalue">$2 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Macaria.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td><td class="pricename">Vashti.</td><td class="pricevalue">2 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Inez.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td><td class="pricename">Infelice. (New)</td><td class="pricevalue">2 00</td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">May Agnes Fleming's Novels.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Guy Earlscourt's Wife.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">Heir of Charlton.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">A Wonderful Woman.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Carried by Storm.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">A Terrible Secret.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Lost for a Woman.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">A Mad Marriage.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">A Wife's Tragedy.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Norine's Revenge.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">A Changed Heart.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">One Night's Mystery.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Pride and Passion.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Kate Danton.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Sharing Her Crime.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Silent and True.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">A Wronged Wife. (New).</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Allan Pinkerton's Works.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Expressmen and Detectives.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">Gypsies and Detectives.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Mollie Maguires and Detectives.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Spiritualists and Detectives.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Somnambulists and Detectives.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Model Town and Detectives.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Claude Melnotte and Detectives.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Strikers, Communists, etc.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Criminal Reminiscences, etc.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Mississippi Outlaws, etc.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Rail-Road Forger, etc.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Bucholz and Detectives.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td><td class="pricename">Bank Robbers and Detectives.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Bertha Clay's Novels.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Thrown on the World.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">A Woman's Temptation.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">A Bitter Atonement.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Repented at Leisure.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Love Works Wonders.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Between Two Loves.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Evelyn's Folly.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Lady Damer's Secret.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Under a Shadow. (New).</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">A Struggle for a Ring. (New).</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">"New York Weekly" Series.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Brownie's Triumph&mdash;Sheldon</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">Curse of Everleigh&mdash;Pierce.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">The Forsaken Bride. do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Peerless Cathleen&mdash;Agnew.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Earle Wayne's Nobility. do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Faithful Margaret&mdash;Ashmore.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Lost, A Pearle&mdash; do. (New)</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Nick Whiffles&mdash;Robinson.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">A New Book. do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Grinder Papers&mdash;Dallas.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">His Other Wife&mdash;Ashleigh.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Lady Leonora&mdash;Conklin.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Miriam Coles Harris' Novels.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Rutledge.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">The Sutherlands.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Frank Warrington.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">St. Philips.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Louie's Last Term, St. Mary's.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Round Hearts for Children.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">A Perfect Adonis.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Richard Vandermarck.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Missy. (New).</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Happy-Go-Lucky.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">A. S. Roe's Select Stories.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">True to the Last.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">A Long Look Ahead.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">The Star and the Cloud.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">I've Been Thinking.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">How Could He Help it?</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">To Love and to be Loved.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Julie P. Smith's Novels.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Widow Goldsmith's Daughter.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">The Widower.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Chris and Otho.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">The Married Belle.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Ten Old Maids.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Courting and Farming.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">His Young Wife.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Kiss and be Friends.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Lucy.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Blossom Bud. (New).</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Artemas Ward.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="3">Complete Comic Writings&mdash;With Biography, Portrait and 50 illustrations.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">The Game of Whist.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="3">Pole on Whist&mdash;The English standard work. With the "Portland Rules".</td><td class="pricevalue">$ &nbsp; 75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Victor Hugo's Great Novel.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="3">Les Miserables&mdash;Translated from the French. The only complete edition.</td><td class="pricevalue"> $1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Mrs. Hill's Cook Book.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="3">Mrs. A. P. Hill's New Southern Cookery Book, and domestic receipts. </td><td class="pricevalue">   $2 00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Carleton's Popular Quotations.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="3">Carleton's New Hand-Book&mdash;Familiar Quotations, with their authorship. </td><td class="pricevalue"> $1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Carleton's Classical Dictionary&mdash;Condensed Mythology for popular use.   </td><td class="pricevalue">  75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Celia E. Gardner's Novels.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Stolen Waters. (In verse).</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">Tested.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Broken Dreams. do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Rich Medway.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Compensation. do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">A Woman's Wiles.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">A Twisted Skein. do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Terrace Roses.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Captain Mayne Reid's Works.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">The Scalp Hunters</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">The White Chief</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">The Rifle Rangers</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">The Tiger Hunter</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">The War Trait</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">The Hunter's Feast</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">The Wood Rangers</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Wild Life</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">The Wild Huntress</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Osceola, the Seminole</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Hand-Books of Society.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="3">The Habits of Good Society&mdash;The nice points of taste and good manners</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">The Art of Conversation&mdash;For those who wish to be agreeable talkers</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">The Arts of Writing, Reading and Speaking&mdash;For Self-Improvement</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">New Diamond Edition&mdash;The above 3 books bound in one volume&mdash;complete</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Josh Billings.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="3">His Complete Writings&mdash;With Biography, Steel Portrait, and 100 Illustrations</td><td class="pricevalue">$2 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Old Probability&mdash;Ten Comic Alminax, 1870 to 1879. Bound in one volume</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Charles Dickens.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="3">Child's History of England&mdash;With Historical Illustrations for School use</td><td class="pricevalue">$ &nbsp; 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Parlor Table Album of Dickens' Illustrations&mdash;With descriptive text</td><td class="pricevalue">2 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Lord Bateman Ballad&mdash;Notes by Dickens; Pictures by Cruikshank</td><td class="pricevalue">25</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Annie Edwardes' Novels.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Stephen Lawrence</td><td class="pricevalue">$ &nbsp; 75</td><td class="pricename">Ought We to Visit Her</td><td class="pricevalue">$ &nbsp; 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Susan Fielding</td><td class="pricevalue">75</td><td class="pricename">A New Book</td><td class="pricevalue">75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Ernest Renan's French Works.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">The Life of Jesus. Translated</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 75</td><td class="pricename">The Life of St. Paul. Transl.</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Lives of the Apostles Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td><td class="pricename">The Bible in India&mdash; By Jacolliot</td><td class="pricevalue">2 00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">G. W. Carleton.</th></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Our Artist in Cuba, Peru, Spain, and Algiers&mdash;150 Caricatures of travel</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">M. M. Pomeroy (Brick).</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Sense. A serious book</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">Nonsense. (A comic book)</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Gold Dust. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Brick-dust. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Our Saturday Nights</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Home Harmonies</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Miscellaneous Works.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="3">Every-Day Home Advice. For Household and Domestic Affairs</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">The Comic Liar. By the Funny Man of the N. Y. Times. With illustrations</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">The Children's Fairy Geography&mdash;With hundreds of beautiful illustrations</td><td class="pricevalue">2 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Carleton's Popular Readings&mdash;Edited by Mrs. Anna Randall Diehl</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Laus Veneris, and other Poems&mdash;By Algernon Charles Swinburne</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Longfellow's Home Life&mdash;By Blanche Roosevelt Machetta</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Hawk-eyes&mdash;A comic book by "The Burlington Hawkeye Man." Illustrated</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Redbirds Christmas Story&mdash;An Illustrated Juvenile. By Mary J. Holmes</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">The Culprit Fay&mdash;Joseph Rodman Drake's Poem. With 100 illustrations</td><td class="pricevalue">2 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">L'Assommoir&mdash;English Translation from Zola's famous French novel</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Parlor Amusements&mdash;Games, Tricks, Home Amusements, by Frank Bellew</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Love [L'Amour]&mdash;English Translation from Michelet's famous French work</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Woman [La Femme]&mdash;The Sequel to "L'Amour" Do. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Verdant Green&mdash;A racy English college Story. With 200 comic illustrations</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Why Wife and I Quarreled&mdash;Poem by the Author of "Betsey and I are Out"</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">A Northern Governess at the Sunny South&mdash;By Professor J. H. Ingraham</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Birds of a Feather Flock Together&mdash;By Edward A. Sothern, the actor</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">West India Pickles&mdash;A yacht Cruise in the Tropics. By W. P. Talboys</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Yachtman's Primer&mdash;Instructions for Amateur Sailors. By Warren</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">The Fall of Man&mdash;A Darwinian Satire, by author of "New Gospel of Peace."</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">The Cronicles of Gotham&mdash;A New York Satire. Do. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">25</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Ladies and Gentlemen's Etiquette Book of the best Fashionable Society</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Love and Marriage&mdash;A book for young people. By Frederick Saunders</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Under the Rose&mdash;A Capital book, by the author of "East Lynne."</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">So Dear a Dream&mdash;A novel by Miss Grant, author of "The Sun Maid."</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Give me thine Heart&mdash;A capital new domestic Love Story by Roe</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Meeting Her Fate&mdash;A charming novel by the author of "Aurora Floyd."</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Faithful to the End&mdash;A delightful domestic novel by Roe</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3">Delicate Ground&mdash;A powerful new novel by Mrs. Annie Edwardes</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Miscellaneous Works.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Dawn to Noon&mdash;By Violet Fane</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">Don Quixote&mdash;Illustrated</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Constance's Fate&mdash;Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Arabian Nights&mdash;Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">French Love Songs&mdash;Translated</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td><td class="pricename">Robinson Crusoe Do</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">A Bad Boy's First Reader</td><td class="pricevalue">10</td><td class="pricename">Swiss Family Robinson&mdash;Illus.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Lion Jack&mdash;By P. T. Barnum</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Debatable Land&mdash;R. Dale Owen</td><td class="pricevalue">2 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Jack in the Jungle&mdash;Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Threading My Way. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Cats, Cooks, Etc&mdash;By Edw. T. Ely.</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td><td class="pricename">Spiritualism&mdash;By D. D. Home</td><td class="pricevalue">2 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Drumming as a Fine Art</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td><td class="pricename">Fanny Fern Memorials</td><td class="pricevalue">2 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">How to Win in Wall Street</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td><td class="pricename">Orpheus C. Kerr&mdash;4 vol. in one</td><td class="pricevalue">2 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">The Life of Sarah Bernhardt</td><td class="pricevalue">25</td><td class="pricename">Northern Ballads&mdash;E.L. Anderson</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Arctic Travels&mdash;Isaac I. Hayes</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Offenbach's Tour in America</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">College Tramps&mdash;Fred. A. Stokes</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Stories about Doctors&mdash;Jeffreson</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Gospels in Poetry&mdash;E. H. Kimball</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Stories about Lawyers Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Me&mdash;By Mrs. Spencer W. Coe</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td><td class="pricename">Mrs. Spriggins.&mdash;By Widow Bedott</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">N. Y. to San Francisco&mdash;Leslie</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">How to Make Money&mdash;Davies</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><th colspan="4">Miscellaneous Novels.</th></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="pricename">Doctor Antonio&mdash;By Ruffini</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 50</td><td class="pricename">Saint Leger&mdash;R.B. Kimball</td><td class="pricevalue">$1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Beatrice Cenci&mdash;From the Italian</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Was He Successful? Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Madame&mdash;By Frank Lee Benedict</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Undercurrents of Wall St. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">A Late Remorse Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Romance of Student Life. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Hammer and Anvil Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">To-day. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Her Friend Laurence Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Life in San Domingo Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Prairie Flower&mdash;Emerson Bennett</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Henry Powers, Banker Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Among the Thorns&mdash;Dickinson</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Led Astray&mdash;Octave Feuillet</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Women of To-day-Mrs. W. H. White</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">She Loved Him Madly&mdash;Borys</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Braxton's Bar&mdash;R. M. Daggett</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Thick and Thin&mdash;Mery</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Miss Beck&mdash;Tilbury Holt</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">So Fair yet False&mdash;Chavette</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Sub Rosa&mdash;Chas. T. Murray</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td><td class="pricename">A Fatal Passion&mdash;C. Bernard</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Hilda and I&mdash;E. Bedell Benjamin</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">A Woman's Case&mdash;Bessie Turner</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">A College Widow&mdash;C. H. Seymour</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Marguerite's Journal&mdash;For Girls</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Old M'sieur's Secret&mdash;Translation</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td><td class="pricename">Rose of Memphis&mdash;W. C. Falkner</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Petticoats and Slippers</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td><td class="pricename">Spell-Bound&mdash;Alexandre Dumas</td><td class="pricevalue">75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Shiftless Folks&mdash;Fannie Smith</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Heart's Delight&mdash;Mrs. Alderdice</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Peace Pelican. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Another Man's Wife&mdash;Mrs. Hartt</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Price of a Life&mdash;R. Forbes Sturgis</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Purple and Fine Linen&mdash;Fawcett</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Hidden Power&mdash;T.H. Tibbles</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Pauline's Trial&mdash;L. D. Courtney</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Two Brides&mdash;Bernard O'Reilly</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">The Forgiving Kiss&mdash;M. Loth</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Sorry Her Lot&mdash;Miss Grant</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td><td class="pricename">Flirtation&mdash;A West Point novel</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Two of Us&mdash;Calista Halsey</td><td class="pricevalue">75</td><td class="pricename">Loyal unto Death</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Cupid on Crutches&mdash;A.B. Wood</td><td class="pricevalue">75</td><td class="pricename">That Awful Boy</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Parson Thorne-E.M. Buckingham</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">That Bridget of Ours</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Marston Hall&mdash;L. Ella Byrd</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Phemie Frost&mdash;Ann S. Stephens</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Ange&mdash;Florence Marryatt</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td><td class="pricename">Charette&mdash;An American novel</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Errors&mdash;Ruth Carter</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Fairfax&mdash;John Esten Cooke</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Unmistakable Flirtation&mdash;Garner</td><td class="pricevalue">75</td><td class="pricename">Hilt to Hilt. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Wild Oats&mdash;Florence Marryatt</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Out of the Foam. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Widow Cherry&mdash;B.L. Farjeon</td><td class="pricevalue">25</td><td class="pricename">Hammer and Rapier. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Solomon Isaacs. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">50</td><td class="pricename">Warwick&mdash;By M. T. Walworth</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Edith Murray&mdash;Joanna Mathews</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Lulu. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Doctor Mortimer&mdash;Fannie Bean</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Hotspur. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Outwitted at Last&mdash;S.A. Gardner</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Stormcliff. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Vesta Vane&mdash;L. King, R.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Delaplaine. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Louise and I&mdash;C.R. Dodge</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Beverly. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">My Queen&mdash;By Sandette</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Kenneth&mdash;Sallie A. Brock</td><td class="pricevalue">1 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">Fallen among Thieves&mdash;Rayne</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Heart Hungry&mdash;Westmoreland</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">San Miniato&mdash;Mrs. Hamilton</td><td class="pricevalue">1 00</td><td class="pricename">Clifford Troupe. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">All For Her&mdash;A Tale of New York</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Silcott Mill&mdash;Maria D. Deslonde</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">All for Him&mdash;Author "All for Her"</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">John Maribel. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">For Each Other. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Conquered&mdash;By a New Author</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">The Baroness&mdash;Joaquin Miller</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Janet&mdash;An English novel</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="pricename">One Fair Woman. Do.</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td><td class="pricename">Tales from the Popular Operas</td><td class="pricevalue">1 50</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="title2">ALLAN PINKERTON'S</div>
+
+<div class="title1">GREAT DETECTIVE BOOKS.</div>
+
+<table summary="List of books by Allan Pinkerton" style="margin-top: 20pt;">
+<tr><td class="ralign">1.</td><td>MOLLIE MAGUIRES AND DETECTIVES.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="ralign">2.</td><td>STRIKERS, COMMUNISTS, AND DETECTIVES.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="ralign">3.</td><td>CRIMINAL REMINISCENCES AND DETECTIVES.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="ralign">4.</td><td>THE MODEL TOWN AND DETECTIVES.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="ralign">5.</td><td>SPIRITUALISTS AND DETECTIVES.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="ralign">6.</td><td>EXPRESSMAN AND DETECTIVE.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="ralign">7.</td><td>THE SOMNAMBULIST AND DETECTIVES.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="ralign">8.</td><td>CLAUDE MELNOTTE AS A DETECTIVE.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="ralign">9.</td><td>MISSISSIPPI OUTLAWS AND DETECTIVES.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="ralign">10.</td><td>GYPSIES AND DETECTIVES.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="ralign">11.</td><td>BUCHOLZ AND DETECTIVES.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="ralign">12.</td><td>THE RAIL ROAD FORGER AND DETECTIVES.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="ralign">13.</td><td>BANK ROBBERS AND DETECTIVES.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="ralign">14.</td><td>BURGLAR'S FATE AND DETECTIVES.</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><br /></p>
+
+<div class="center">
+These wonderful Detective Stories by Allan Pinkerton are having an<br />
+unprecedented success. Their sale is fast approaching one hundred<br />
+thousand copies. "The interest which the reader feels from the<br />
+outset is intense and resistless; he is swept along by the<br />
+narrative, held by it, whether he will or no."
+
+<hr style="width:20%;" />
+
+All beautifully illustrated, and published uniform with this<br />
+volume. Price $1.50 each. Sold by all booksellers, and sent <i>free</i><br />
+by mail, on receipt of price, by<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="title1">
+G. W. CARLETON &amp; CO., Publishers,<br />
+New York.
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
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+<span class="caption">Cover of &quot;The Burglar's Fate and The Detectives&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Burglar's Fate And The Detectives, by
+Allan Pinkerton
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Burglar's Fate And The Detectives
+
+
+Author: Allan Pinkerton
+
+
+
+Release Date: February 12, 2006  [eBook #17762]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BURGLAR'S FATE AND THE
+DETECTIVES***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Jeroen van Luin, Suzanne Shell, and the Project
+Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
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+      or
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+
+
+
+
+
+THE BURGLAR'S FATE AND THE DETECTIVES.
+
+by
+
+ALLAN PINKERTON,
+
+Author of
+"Expressman and Detective," "Melnotte and Detectives,"
+"Professional Thieves and Detectives,"
+"Railroad Forger and Detectives,"
+"Mollie Maguires and Detectives,"
+"Spiritualists and Detectives,"
+Etc., Etc., Etc.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+New York:
+G. W. Carleton & Co., Publishers.
+London: S. Low, Son & Co.
+MDCCCLXXXIV.
+Copyright,
+by
+Allan Pinkerton.
+Stereotyped by Samuel Stodder, 42 Dey Street, N.Y.
+Trow's Printing And Book-Binding Co., N.Y.
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+In the pages which follow I have narrated a story of actual occurrence.
+No touch of fiction obscures the truthful recital. The crime which is
+here detailed was actually committed, and under the circumstances which
+I have related. The four young men, whose real names are clothed with
+the charitable mantle of fiction, deliberately perpetrated the deed for
+which they suffered and to-day are inmates of a prison. No tint or
+coloring of the imagination has given a deeper touch to the action of
+the story, and the process of detection is detailed with all the
+frankness and truthfulness of an active participant. As a revelation of
+the certain consequences which follow the perpetration of crime, I send
+this volume forth, in the fervent hope that those who may read its
+pages, will glean from this history the lessons of virtue, of honor,
+and of the strictest integrity. If in the punishment of Eugene Pearson,
+Dr. Johnson, Newton Edwards and Thomas Duncan, the young men of to-day,
+tempted by folly or extravagance, will learn that their condemnation was
+but the natural and inevitable result of thoughtless crime, and if their
+experience shall be the means of deterring one young man from the
+commission of a deed, which the repentance of years will not obliterate,
+I shall feel that I have not labored in vain. As a true story of
+detective experience, the actors in which are still living, I give this
+volume to the world, trusting that its perusal may not fail in its
+object of interesting and instructing the few or many who may read its
+pages.
+
+ALLAN PINKERTON.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+PREFACE                                                                  v
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+Geneva--The Robbery--Search for the Burglars--My Agency notified        11
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+The Investigation begun--John Manning's Visit to Geneva--Eugene
+Pearson's Story--The Detective's Incredulity--A Miraculous
+Deliverance with a Ten-Cent Coin                                        22
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+An Interview with Miss Patton--Important Revelations--Doubts
+Strengthened--Mr. Bartman's Story--William Resolves to seek Newton
+Edwards                                                                 38
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+The Work Progresses--Eugene Pearson's Early Life--On the Trail of
+Newton Edwards                                                          51
+
+
+CHAPTER  V.
+New Developments--Tidings of Newton Edwards--Suspicions
+Strengthening against Eugene Pearson--Mr. Silby's Confidence            63
+
+
+CHAPTER  VI.
+The Detective at Woodford--An Interview with the Discarded Wife of
+Newton Edwards                                                          77
+
+
+CHAPTER  VII.
+A Fire and a Talkative Fireman--Mrs. Edwards Receives a Letter          90
+
+
+CHAPTER  VIII.
+A Plan to Intercept Correspondence--Edwards fully Identified
+A pretty Servant Girl and a Visit to Church                            102
+
+
+CHAPTER  IX.
+Waiting and Watching--Two Letters--Newton Edwards' Hiding-Place
+Discovered                                                             116
+
+
+CHAPTER  X.
+The Burglar Tracked to his Lair--The old Stage Driver--A Fishing
+Party--A Long Wait--A Sorrowful Surprise--The Arrest of Newton
+Edwards                                                                125
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+Newton Edwards brought back to Chicago--Attempt to Induce a
+Confession--a Visit to his Relatives--The Burglar Broken Down          141
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+The Confession of Newton Edwards--The foul Plot fully Explained
+Eugene Pearson's Guilt clearly Proven--A Story of Temptation and
+Crime                                                                  154
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+Edwards taken to Geneva--The Arrest of Eugene Pearson
+His Confession--More Money Recovered--Dr. Johnson Arrested             167
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+Proceedings at Geneva--Speculations as to the Missing Five Thousand
+Dollars--John Manning Starts in Search of Thomas Duncan                182
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+On the Track of the fleeing Burglar--Duncan's Home--Some Reflections   192
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+Bob King meets with a Surprise--His Story of Duncan's Flight
+The Detective starts Westward                                          208
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+Manning Strikes the Trail--An Accommodating Tailor--Temporary
+Disappointment and final Success--The Detective reaches Minneapolis    224
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+The Detective at Bismarck--Further Traces of the Fugitive
+A Protracted Orgie--A Jewish Friend of the Burglar in Trouble          241
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+From Bismarck to Bozeman--The trail Growing Warmer--Duncan Buys a
+Pony--A long Stage Ride                                                254
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+The Stage Driver's Story                                               266
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+False Information which nearly Proves Fatal--A Night Ride to
+Helena--Dangers by the Wayside                                         280
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+In Helena--A Fruitless Quest--Jerry Taylor's Bagnio--Reliable
+Tidings--A Midnight Ride--Arrival at Butte City                        293
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+The Long Trail Ended--Duncan Traced to his Lair--Caught at last
+The Escaping Burglar a prisoner                                        306
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+The Burglar Returns to Chicago--Revelations by the Way
+The Missing Five Thousand Dollars                                      319
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+The Mystery of the Missing Five Thousand Dollars Solved at Last
+The Money Recovered--Duncan at Geneva                                  328
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+Conclusion--Retribution                                                337
+
+
+
+
+THE BURGLAR'S FATE AND THE DETECTIVES.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+Geneva--The Robbery--Search for the Burglars--My Agency Notified.
+
+
+Geneva is one of the prettiest and most thriving little towns in the
+west. Situated, as it is, in the midst of one of the finest agricultural
+districts in the country, its growth has been rapid beyond expectation,
+while its social progress has been almost phenomenal. Stretching for
+miles in all directions, over a country beautifully interspersed with
+gentle elevations and depressions, lie the well-cultivated farms of the
+honest tillers of the soil. The farm-houses, which nestle down beneath
+the tall trees, present an appearance of comfort and beauty rarely
+witnessed, while the commodious and substantial out-buildings evince the
+thorough neatness of systematic husbandry. Standing upon a high knoll,
+and gazing over the scene upon a bright sunny morning, the eye lights
+upon a panorama of rustic splendor that delights the vision and
+entrances the senses. The vast fields, with their varied crops, give
+indications of a sure financial return which the gathered harvests
+unfailingly justify, and the rural population of Geneva are, in the
+main, a community of honest, independent people, who have cheerfully
+toiled for the honest competence they so fully enjoy.
+
+Nor is the town dependent alone upon the farmer and the herdsman for its
+success in a financial sense. Nature has been bounteous in her gifts to
+this locality, and in addition to the fertile and fruitful soil, there
+is found imbedded under the surface, great mines of coal, of excellent
+quality, and seemingly inexhaustible in quantity. This enterprise alone
+affords employment to hundreds of men and boys, who, with their begrimed
+faces and brawny arms, toil day and night in the bowels of the earth for
+the "black diamonds," which impart warmth and light to countless happy
+homes, and materially add to the wealth of the miners.
+
+Numerous manufacturing industries also find a home here. Large
+buildings, out of whose huge chimneys the black smoke is pouring forth
+in dense volumes, and whose busy wheels and roaring furnace fires,
+mingled with the sound of scores of ringing hammers, make merry music
+throughout the day.
+
+On certain days in the week Geneva presents a cheerful and animated
+appearance. On every hand are heard the sounds of honest toil and the
+hum of busy trade. Farmers from the surrounding country come in numbers
+into the village to purchase their necessary supplies and to listen to
+the news and gossip of the day, and the numerous stores transact a
+thriving business and reap a handsome profit on their wares.
+
+The old mill, weather-beaten and white with the accumulating flour dust
+of ages, and with the cobwebs hanging thick and heavy from its dingy
+rafters, stands near by, and this too is an object of interest to the
+sturdy farmers of the surrounding country. From morn till night its
+wheels go round, transmuting the grain into the various articles of
+consumption for man and beast, and bringing a goodly share of "honest
+toll" into the coffers of the unimpeachable old miller. The mill is a
+great place of meeting for the farmers, and the yard in its front is
+daily filled with teams from the country, whose owners congregate in
+groups and converse upon topics of general interest, or disperse
+themselves, while waiting for their "grist," about the town to transact
+the various matters of business which had brought them hither.
+
+In common with all progressive American towns, Geneva boasts of its
+school-house, a large brick building, where rosy-cheeked children daily
+gather to receive the knowledge which is to fit them more thoroughly for
+the great battle of life, when the years shall have passed and they
+become men and women.
+
+Here, too, are banking institutions and warehouses, and every element
+that contributes to the thrift and advancement of a happy, honest,
+hard-working and prosperous people.
+
+Of its history, but few words are necessary for its relation. Not many
+years ago it was the home of the red man, whose council fires gleamed
+through the darkness of the night, and who roamed, free as the air, over
+the trackless prairie, with no thought of the intruding footsteps of the
+pale-face, and with no premonition of the mighty changes which the
+future was to bring forth.
+
+Then came the hardy pioneers--those brave, self-reliant men and women
+who sought the broad acres of the west, and builded their homes upon the
+"edge of civilization." From that time began the work of progress and
+cultivation. Towns, villages and cities sprang up as if under the wand
+of the magician. Fifty years ago, a small trading post, with its general
+store, its hand grist-mill, rude blacksmith-shop and the fort. To-day, a
+busy active town, with more than five thousand inhabitants, a hundred
+business enterprises, great railroad facilities, and every element that
+conduces to prosperity, honesty and happiness.
+
+Such is Geneva to-day, a substantial, bustling, thriving and progressive
+village of the west.
+
+It is a hot, sultry day in August, 18--, and the shrill whistles from
+the factories have just announced the arrival of six o'clock. Work is
+suspended for the day, and the army of workmen are preparing for their
+homes after the labors of the day.
+
+At the little bank in Geneva the day has been an active one. Numerous
+herders have brought their stock into market, and after disposing of
+them have deposited their moneys with the steady little institution, in
+which they have implicit confidence, and through which the financial
+affairs of the merchants and farmers round about are transacted.
+
+The last depositor has departed, and the door has just been closed. The
+assistant cashier and a lady clerk are engaged within in settling up the
+business of the day. At the Geneva bank the hours for business vary with
+the requirements of the occasion, and very frequently the hour of six
+arrives ere their customers have all received attention and their wants
+have been supplied. This had been the case upon this day in August, and
+breathing a sigh of relief as the last customer took his leave, the
+front door was locked and the work of balancing up the accounts was
+begun.
+
+Suddenly, a knock is heard at the outer door, and Mr. Pearson, the
+assistant cashier, being busily engaged, requested the young lady with
+him to answer the summons. As she did so, two men, roughly dressed, and
+with unshaved faces, burst into the room. Closing the door quickly
+behind them, one of the men seized the young lady from behind and placed
+his hand upon her mouth. Uttering a piercing scream, the young lady
+attempted to escape from the grasp upon her, and with her teeth she
+inflicted several severe wounds upon the ruffianly hand that attempted
+to smother her cries. In a moment she was knocked down, a gag was placed
+in her mouth, and she was tied helplessly hand and foot. While this had
+been transpiring, the other intruder had advanced to the assistant
+cashier, and in a few moments he too was overpowered, bound and gagged.
+In less time than is required to tell the story, both of them were lying
+helpless before their assailants, while the open doors of the bank vault
+revealed the treasures which had excited the passions of these depraved
+men, and led to the assault which had just been successfully committed.
+
+No time was to be lost, the alarm might be sounded in a moment, and the
+thieves, picking up a valise which stood near by, entered the vault,
+and securing all the available gold, silver and bank-notes, placed them
+in the satchel and prepared to leave the place.
+
+Before doing so, however, they dragged the helpless bodies of the young
+man and woman into the despoiled vault, and laying them upon the floor,
+they deliberately closed the doors and locked them in.
+
+Not a word had been spoken during this entire proceeding, and now, in
+silence, the two men picked up the satchel, and with an appearance of
+unconcern upon their faces, passed out of the bank and stood upon the
+sidewalk.
+
+The streets were filled with men and women hurrying from their work. The
+sun was shining brightly in the heavens, and into this throng of human
+beings, all intent upon their own affairs, these bold burglars
+recklessly plunged, and made their way safely out of the village.
+
+How long the two persons remained in the bank it is impossible to tell;
+Miss Patton in a death-like swoon, and Mr. Pearson, in the vain
+endeavor to extricate himself from the bonds which held him. At length,
+however, the young man succeeded in freeing himself, and as he did so,
+the young lady also recovered her consciousness. Calling loudly for
+help, and beating upon the iron door of their prison, they indulged in
+the futile hope that some one would hear their cries and come to their
+rescue.
+
+At last, however, Mr. Pearson succeeded in unscrewing the bolts from the
+lock upon the inside of the doors of the vault, and in a few minutes
+thereafter, he leaped out, and dashing through a window, gave the alarm
+upon the street. The news spread far and wide, and within an hour after
+the robbery had taken place, the town was alive with an excited
+populace, and numerous parties were scouring the country in all
+directions in eager search of the fugitives. All to no avail, however,
+the desperate burglars were not discovered, and the crest-fallen bank
+officers contemplated their ruin with sorrowful faces, and with
+throbbing hearts.
+
+Meanwhile, Miss Patton had been carefully removed to her home, her
+injuries had been attended to, and surrounded by sympathetic friends,
+who ministered to her wants, she was slowly recovering from the effects
+of the severe trial of the afternoon.
+
+An examination of the vault revealed the fact that the robbers had
+succeeded in obtaining about twenty thousand dollars in gold, silver and
+currency--all the available funds of the bank, and the loss of which
+would seriously impair their standing, and which would be keenly felt by
+every one interested in its management.
+
+Though sorely crippled by their loss, the bank officials were
+undismayed, and resolved to take immediate steps for the capture of the
+criminals, and the recovery of the stolen property. To this end they
+decided to employ the services of my agency at once, in the full hope
+that our efforts would be crowned with success. Whether the trust of the
+directors was well founded, and the result so much desired was achieved,
+the sequel will show.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+The Investigation Begun--John Manning's Visit to Geneva--Eugene
+Pearson's Story--The Detective's Incredulity--A Miraculous Deliverance
+With a Ten-Cent Coin.
+
+
+On the evening of the same day on which this daring robbery occurred,
+and as I was preparing to leave my agency for the day, a telegram was
+handed to me by the superintendent of my Chicago office, Mr. Frank
+Warner. The message read as follows:
+
+
+                        "GENEVA, August --, 18--.
+
+     "Bank robbed to-day. Twenty thousand
+      dollars taken. Please send or come at once.
+
+               "(Signed,) HENRY SILBY, President."
+
+
+This was all. There was no detail of particulars, no statement of the
+means employed, only a simple, concise and urgent appeal for my
+services. As for myself, realizing the importance of promptness and
+despatch in affairs of this nature, and fully appreciating the anxiety
+of the bank officials, I resolved to answer their call as speedily as
+possible. But few words of consultation were required for the subject,
+and in a short time I had selected the man for the preliminary
+investigation, and requested his presence in my office. John Manning was
+the operative chosen for this task, an intelligent, shrewd and trusty
+young man of about thirty years of age, who had been in my employ for a
+long time. Well educated, of good address, and with a quiet, gentlemanly
+air about him that induced a favorable opinion at a glance. Frequently,
+prior to this, occasions had presented themselves for testing his
+abilities, and I had always found him equal to any emergency. Sagacious
+and skillful as I knew him to be, I felt that I could implicitly rely
+upon him to glean all the information that was required in order to
+enable me to devise an intelligent plan of detection, and which would,
+as I hoped, lead to eventual success.
+
+Giving John Manning full instructions as to his mode of proceeding, and
+cautioning him to be particular and thorough in all his inquiries, I
+directed him to proceed as soon as possible to the scene of the robbery,
+and enter at once upon the performance of his duties.
+
+In a very short time Manning had made his preparations, and at eight
+o'clock that evening he was at the depot awaiting the departure of the
+train that was to bear him to his new field of operation.
+
+After a journey of several hours, in which the detective endeavored to
+snatch as much comfort as possible, the train drew up at the neat little
+station at Geneva, and Manning was upon the ground.
+
+It was two o'clock in the morning when he arrived, consequently there
+were but few people stirring, and the station was almost entirely
+deserted. Two or three passengers who were awaiting the train, the
+persons connected with the railroad, and the runners of the two hotels
+(Geneva boasted of two of these very necessary establishments), were
+the only persons who greeted him upon his arrival.
+
+Having never been to Geneva before, and being entirely ignorant of the
+accommodations afforded by either of these houses of entertainment,
+Manning, at a hazard, selected the "Geneva Hotel" as his place of abode.
+Consigning his valise to the care of the waiting porter, he was soon on
+his way to that hostelrie, and serenely journeyed along through the
+darkness, all unconscious of the reception that awaited him. On arriving
+at their destination, he perceived through the glimmering light that
+hung over the doorway, that the "Geneva Hotel" was an old, rambling
+frame structure, which stood in the midst of an overgrowth of bushes and
+shrubbery. So dense was the foliage that the detective imagined the air
+of the place was damp and unwholesome in consequence. Certain it was, as
+he discovered afterward, the air and sunshine had a desperate struggle
+almost daily to obtain an entrance into the building, and after a few
+hours engaged in the vain attempt, old Sol would vent his baffled rage
+upon the worm-eaten old roof, to the decided discomfort of the lodgers
+in the attic story.
+
+Ceremony was an unheard-of quality at the "Geneva House," and the
+railway porter performed the multifarious duties of night clerk, porter,
+hall boy and hostler. As they entered the hotel, the porter lighted a
+small lamp with the aid of a stable lantern, and without further parley
+led the detective up two flights of stairs which cracked and groaned
+under their feet, as if complaining of their weight, and threatening to
+precipitate them to the regions below. Opening the door of a little box
+of a room, out of which the hot air came rushing like a blast from a
+furnace fire, the porter placed the lamp upon a dilapidated wash-stand
+and the valise upon the floor, and without uttering a word, took himself
+off.
+
+With all its progressiveness, it was evident that Geneva was far behind
+the age in regard to her hotel accommodations; at least so thought
+Manning as he gazed disconsolately around upon his surroundings. The
+room was small, close and hot, while the furniture exceeded his powers
+of description. The unpainted wash-stand seemed to poise itself uneasily
+upon its three remaining legs--the mirror had evidently been the resort
+of an army of self-admiring flies, who had left their marks upon its
+leaden surface until reflection was impossible--two hard and
+uncomfortable-looking chairs--and a bed, every feature of which was a
+sonorous protest against being slept upon--completed the provisions
+which had been made for his entertainment and comfort. Casting a dismal
+look upon his uninviting quarters, but being thoroughly tired, the
+detective threw himself upon the couch, which rattled and creaked under
+him like old bones, and in a few moments was sound asleep.
+
+How long he might have remained in this somnolent condition if left to
+himself, it is impossible to state, for a vigorous alarm upon his door
+cut short his slumbers, and startled him from his dreams.
+
+Imagining that the hotel had taken fire, or that the porter had eloped
+with the silver ware, he jumped hastily out of bed and opened the door.
+
+"It's late and breakfast is waitin'," was the laconic message delivered
+to him by the porter of the night before, as he started away.
+
+With a muttered malediction upon this ruthless destroyer of his rest,
+the detective donned his clothing, and, feeling as tired and unrefreshed
+as though he had not slept at all, descended to the dining-room. If his
+experiences of the previous evening had been distressing, the breakfast
+which was set before him was positively heart-rending. A muddy-looking
+liquid which they called coffee--strong, soggy biscuits, a beefsteak
+that would rival in toughness a piece of baked gutta percha, and
+evidently swimming in lard, and potatoes which gave decided tokens of
+having been served on more than one previous occasion. With a smothered
+groan he attacked the unsavory viands, and by dint of great effort
+managed to appease his hunger, to the serious derangement of his
+digestive organs. After he had finished his repast he lighted a cigar,
+and as the hour was still too early for a conference with the bank
+officials, he resolved to stroll about the town and ascertain the
+locality of the Geneva bank, before entering upon the duties of the
+investigation.
+
+His stroll, however, was not a very extended one, for as he started from
+the hotel he noticed upon the opposite side of the street the sign of
+the bank. The building in which it was located was a large, square brick
+structure, occupied in part by the bank, and in part as a store for the
+sale of hardware and agricultural implements. The upper floor was used
+as an amusement hall, and was called the "Geneva Opera House." Here the
+various entertainments of a musical and dramatic nature were given, to
+the intense delight of the people of the village.
+
+There was no notice of the bank having suspended operations on account
+of the loss they had sustained, and the operative inferred from this,
+that business was being transacted as usual.
+
+When the doors were at length opened the operative entered the banking
+room, and requesting to see Mr. Silby, was ushered into the private
+office of the president. As he passed through the room he took a passing
+inventory of the young assistant cashier, Mr. Pearson, who was busily
+engaged upon his books. He appeared to be a young man of about
+twenty-four years of age; of a delicate and refined cast of countenance
+and about medium height. His hair and a small curly mustache were of a
+light brown shade, and his complexion was as fair as a woman's. The
+young lady who had been the other victim of the assault was not present,
+and the detective concluded that she was as yet unable to attend to her
+duties.
+
+These thoughts and impressions passed through his mind as he walked
+through the banking room into the office of the president. As he entered
+this apartment, he found several gentlemen evidently awaiting his
+appearance, all of whom wore a thoughtful, troubled look, as though they
+keenly felt the losses they had sustained and were resolved to bear up
+manfully under their misfortune.
+
+Mr. Silby, the president, a tall, fine-looking gentleman in the prime of
+life, arose as the detective entered. Mr. Silby was one of those persons
+who instinctively impress the beholder, with a confidence closely
+approaching to veneration. Of a commanding presence, a broad noble face
+surmounted with a wealth of hair in which the silvery touch of time has
+left many traces, while his deep blue eyes were as bright as those of a
+youth of twenty. There was such an air of rugged and uncompromising
+honesty, of kindly feeling and warm-heartedness about the man, that even
+before he had spoken the detective experienced a strong impulse of
+regard for him, and a corresponding determination to perform his full
+duty in this investigation and to devote all the energy of his being to
+the task before him.
+
+Presenting his letter of introduction, Mr. Silby hastily ran his eyes
+over the contents, and then extending his hand he gave the detective a
+most cordial greeting, and introduced him to the other gentlemen
+present, all of whom received him warmly.
+
+"Take a seat, Mr. Manning," said Mr. Silby, drawing up a chair. "You
+find us anxiously awaiting your arrival, and prepared to give you any
+information you desire."
+
+"Thanks," responded the operative, taking the proffered chair. "As I
+have come here for the purpose of making an examination into this case,
+I shall require all the information that is possible to obtain."
+
+"Very well," said Mr. Silby. "Now, what do you desire first?"
+
+"A full statement as to how the robbery was committed," answered the
+detective, promptly.
+
+"Mr. Welton," said Mr. Silby, turning to a gentleman at his right, who
+had been introduced to the detective as the cashier of the bank,
+"perhaps you can relate the particulars better than I can."
+
+"Excuse me," interrupted the detective, "but were you present at the
+time the robbery occurred?"
+
+"No, sir, I was not present," replied Mr. Welton. "Mr. Pearson, our
+assistant cashier, and Miss Patton, were the only persons in the bank at
+that time."
+
+"Then," said the detective, "suppose we have Mr. Pearson in at once, and
+hear the story from him. We always prefer," he added, with a smile, "to
+receive the particulars of these affairs from eye-witnesses."
+
+The other gentlemen nodded a cordial assent to this proposition, and Mr.
+Welton arose, and going to the door, requested Mr. Pearson to enter the
+consulting room.
+
+The young man entered the office, and upon being introduced, greeted the
+detective with an air of frank earnestness, and signified his readiness
+to relate all that he knew about the robbery.
+
+He remained standing, and from his statement the facts were elicited
+which I have given in the preceding chapter. As he finished, he pointed
+to a scar upon his forehead, which he stated was the result of the blow
+he received at the time from the robber who attacked him. The wound did
+not appear to be a very serious one, although the skin had been broken
+and blood had evidently flowed freely.
+
+"Mr. Pearson," inquired the detective, after the young man had
+concluded, "do you remember having seen either of those men before?"
+
+The assistant cashier darted a quick glance at the detective, and then
+answered:
+
+"Yes, sir; about three o'clock yesterday afternoon, a well-dressed
+gentleman came into the bank, carrying a small valise in his hand, which
+he requested permission to leave here until the next morning. I asked
+him if it was of any value, and he replied no. Informing him that I
+would then place it in the office, the man thanked me, and went away.
+When the two men entered the bank at six o'clock in the evening, I
+instantly recognized one of them as the man who had called in the
+afternoon. He was, however, dressed very roughly on the occasion of this
+last visit, and had evidently changed his clothes for the purpose of
+escaping detection or recognition."
+
+"Which one of the men attacked you?" now asked the detective.
+
+"The one who left the valise in the afternoon. While the tallest of the
+two was struggling with Miss Patton, who was screaming loudly, the other
+one came behind the counter and struck me upon the head with the butt
+end of his revolver. I became insensible after this, and knew nothing
+until I found myself in the vault."
+
+"How did you extricate yourself from this dilemma?" inquired Manning.
+
+"Well, sir," began Pearson; and the detective imagined that he noticed a
+hesitancy in his manner, which was not apparent before, "when I
+recovered consciousness, I found myself locked up in the vault, with
+Miss Patton lying beside me. When she recovered, we both shouted loudly
+for help, and beat with our hands upon the iron doors, in the hope of
+attracting attention. This failed, and we were nearly desperate. Just
+then, however, my foot came in contact with some loose silver upon the
+floor, and on stooping to pick them up, I found that they were ten-cent
+pieces. Instantly, the idea occurred to me, to attempt to remove the
+screws which fastened the lock to the inside of the door, and of using
+one of these coins for the purpose. To my intense joy the screws yielded
+to my efforts, and in a short time the heavy door swung open, and we
+were free. I have told you already what followed."
+
+As John Manning jotted these recitals down in his note-book, he could
+not repress nor account for, a feeling of doubtfulness which crept over
+him at this point. He looked up into the young man's face, but there he
+saw only the evidence of serious truthfulness, and honest frankness; but
+still that lingering doubt was upon him and he could not shake it off.
+
+At his request, young Pearson then furnished him with a description of
+the two men, as nearly as his memory would serve him, and these the
+detective noted down for future use.
+
+At length, finding that he had obtained all the information which could
+be afforded him here, he thanked the gentlemen for their assistance, and
+promised to call again in the course of the day.
+
+"Remember, Mr. Manning," said Mr. Silby, "we rely entirely upon the
+resources of Mr. Pinkerton's agency, and that we are confident that you
+will succeed."
+
+"I cannot promise that," returned Manning, "but you may be assured that
+if success is possible, we will accomplish it."
+
+So saying, he shook hands with the gentlemen, and left the bank. He
+betook himself at once to the hotel to prepare himself for further
+action in this investigation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+An Interview with Miss Patton--Important Revelations--Doubts
+Strengthened--Mr. Bartman's Story--William Resolves to Seek Newton
+Edwards.
+
+
+As the morning was not yet very far advanced, John Manning concluded to
+pay a visit to Miss Patton, the other eye-witness to, and active
+participant in the robbery.
+
+Ascertaining the locality of her residence, he walked along the pleasant
+shaded street, revolving in his mind the various points upon which he
+had been enlightened during the interview just concluded. Arriving at
+his destination, he found a neat, cosy little cottage, set in the midst
+of a bright garden of blooming flowers, the perfume of which filled the
+morning air. There was an appearance of neatness and beauty and comfort
+about the place, which at once gave evidence of the refinement of those
+who dwelt within, and as the detective walked along the graveled path
+that led to the front door, he found himself involuntarily arranging his
+shirt-collar, and calling up his best manner for the occasion.
+
+His knock was responded to by a kindly-faced, matronly looking lady,
+whom he instinctively felt was the mother of the young lady. Making his
+business known, and requesting an interview with Miss Patton, he was
+ushered into a cool, well-furnished parlor, to await the conveyance of
+his message and to learn the disposition of the invalid.
+
+In a few minutes the lady reappeared, and stated that although her
+daughter was still very weak and nervous from the shock she had
+sustained, she would see him, and requested him to step into her room.
+
+Entering a neatly furnished little chamber, he beheld the young lady
+reclining upon a couch, looking very pale, but with a pleasant smile of
+welcome upon her face that at once gave him the courage to proceed with
+the unpleasant business he had in hand.
+
+Bidding her a polite good morning, he took the seat, which had been
+placed for him near the bed, and as delicately as possible, stated his
+business and the reason for his calling upon her. At this point Mrs.
+Patton excused herself, and retired, with the evident intention of
+leaving them alone.
+
+Manning quietly and delicately made his inquiries, and the girl answered
+them in a plain, straightforward manner. Her story corroborated all that
+had previously been related by young Pearson, and left no doubt in the
+mind of the detective that the occurrences of the eventful afternoon had
+been correctly detailed. He could not, however, control the doubtfulness
+that was impressing him with regard to Eugene Pearson.
+
+"I cannot forbear the thought," said he, when Miss Patton had concluded
+her story, "that if Mr. Pearson had displayed a reasonable amount of
+manly bravery, this robbery could not have taken place."
+
+"There is something very strange to me," said the girl, musingly, "about
+the manner in which Eugene acted; and--there are some things that I
+cannot understand."
+
+"Would you object to telling me what they are?" said the detective.
+"Perhaps I can enlighten you."
+
+"Well," responded the girl reluctantly, "I fear that Eugene has not told
+the entire truth in this matter."
+
+"In what respect?" inquired the detective.
+
+"I would not do anything to injure Mr. Pearson for the world, Mr.
+Manning, and he may have forgotten the circumstance altogether, but I am
+sure that I saw one of those robbers on two occasions before this
+occurred, in the bank and talking to Mr. Pearson."
+
+"Why should he seek to conceal this?" asked the operative.
+
+"That is just what I cannot understand," answered the lady.
+
+"Tell me just what you know, and perhaps I can help you in coming to a
+correct conclusion."
+
+"I don't like to say anything about this, but still I think it is my
+duty to do so, and I will tell you all that I know. More than two weeks
+ago, I returned from my dinner to the bank one day, and I saw this man
+in the private office with Mr. Pearson; I noticed then that their manner
+toward each other showed them to be old acquaintances rather than mere
+strangers. This man left the bank in a few minutes after I came in. He
+had the manner and appearance of a gentleman, and I did not think
+anything of it at the time."
+
+"Did Mr. Pearson tell you who he was, or explain his presence there at
+that time?"
+
+"No, I did not ask anything about him, and he did not mention the matter
+to me."
+
+"When did you see them together again?"
+
+"That same evening about dusk. I had been making a call upon a friend,
+and was returning home when I met them walking and conversing
+together."
+
+"Did Mr. Pearson recognize you on that occasion?" inquired the
+detective.
+
+"No, sir, he did not seem to notice me at all, and I passed them without
+speaking."
+
+"You are quite sure about this?"
+
+"Oh, yes, quite sure. I recognized him immediately when he came
+yesterday afternoon to leave the valise in the bank, and also when he
+came with the other man when the robbery was committed."
+
+"Do you feel confident that you would be able to identify him, if you
+were to see him again?"
+
+"I am quite sure that I would," returned the girl confidently, "his
+features are too indelibly fixed in my mind for me to make any mistake
+about it."
+
+"Have you said anything to Mr. Pearson about this?"
+
+"Yes; as soon as we were out of the vault, I said to him--'One of those
+men was the man who left the valise and the same one I saw in the
+office the other day.'"
+
+"What reply did he make."
+
+"He appeared to be doubtful, and simply said, 'Is that so?'"
+
+"Very well, Miss Patton," said the detective at length, "we will look
+fully into this matter; but in the meantime, I particularly desire that
+you will say nothing to any one about what you have told me to-day. It
+is very necessary that a strict silence should be preserved upon this
+point."
+
+The young lady cheerfully promised compliance with this request, and in
+a few moments the detective, after thanking her for her kindness in
+seeing him, arose and took his departure.
+
+As he strolled back to the hotel, he revolved the information he had
+received carefully in his mind. He had also obtained from Miss Patton a
+description of the two men, and found that they agreed very nearly with
+what he had learned from Mr. Pearson. He went to his room immediately,
+and prepared a report of all that had transpired during the morning,
+carefully detailing all that he had heard relating to Mr. Pearson's
+alleged intimacy with one of the robbers, and of the successful attempt
+he made to extricate himself from the vault, by means of the ten-cent
+piece. After concluding his relations, he requested the assistance of
+another operative, in order that they might scour the country round
+about, in the hope of finding some clues of the escaping robbers.
+
+On the next morning, operative Howard Jackson, a young, active and
+extremely intelligent member of my force, arrived at Geneva, and placed
+himself in communication with John Manning, for the continuance of this
+investigation.
+
+When Manning's reports were duly received by my son, William A.
+Pinkerton, the superintendent of my Chicago agency, he gave the matter
+his most careful and earnest attention, and as he finished their
+perusal, he formed the opinion that young Pearson was not entirely
+guiltless of some collusion in this robbery. The more he weighed the
+various circumstances connected with this case, the more firm did this
+conclusion become, until at last he experienced a firm conviction that
+this young man knew more about the matter than he had yet related.
+
+It seemed strange to him that a young, strong and active man like
+Pearson should not have manifested even ordinary courage in a crisis
+like this. He was behind the desk when the attack was made upon Miss
+Patton at the door, and saw what was transpiring before the second
+assailant had time to reach him. Even if powerless to defend her, it
+seemed reasonable that he could have raised an alarm, which would have
+attracted the attention of the passers by; or, failing in that, he
+could, at least, have hastily closed the vault doors, and thus have
+saved the money of the bank. He knew that these doors were open, and
+that within the vault were nearly thirty thousand dollars, for which he
+was indirectly responsible. But a moment's time would have sufficed to
+close these doors and adjust the combination, and yet he made no effort
+to prevent a robbery which he knew was intended.
+
+The ordinary promptings of manhood would, it was thought, have induced
+him to make some show of resistance, or to have gone to the rescue of a
+young and delicate girl; but none of these things did he do, and, if the
+story related was true, the young man had acted like a base coward at
+the best, and submitted without a murmur to the outrages that were
+perpetrated in his presence. Instead of acting like a man, he stood
+tamely by and allowed a woman to be cruelly beaten, the bank robbed, and
+the robbers to walk off unmolested and unharmed.
+
+There was another matter which seemed impossible of accomplishment.
+Pearson had stated that while in the vault he had removed the screws
+from the lock upon the door with the aid of a ten-cent piece. This idea
+seemed to be utterly incredible, and prompted by his doubts, William
+attempted the same feat upon the lock on his office door. After several
+efforts, in which he exerted his strength to the utmost, he was obliged
+to desist. The screws utterly defied the efforts to move them, while the
+coin was bent and twisted out of all shape, by the pressure that it was
+subjected to.
+
+While he was thus engaged with his thoughts upon this perplexing
+problem, he was informed that two gentlemen from Geneva desired to speak
+with him. Signifying his readiness to receive them, two well-dressed
+gentlemen entered and announced their business.
+
+One of these men was a Mr. Perry, a director of the Geneva bank, and his
+companion was a Mr. Bartman, a merchant in Newtonsville, a little town
+situated but a few miles distant from Geneva.
+
+"Mr. Bartman," said Mr. Perry, addressing my son, "has some information
+to communicate, which I think is important enough to deserve serious
+consideration, and I have brought him to you."
+
+Mr. Bartman's information proved to be of very decided importance. He
+stated that he was a merchant, doing business in Newtonsville, and that
+he was in the habit of purchasing his goods from various traveling
+salesmen who represented Chicago houses. Among this number was a young
+man named Newton Edwards, who was in the employ of a large commission
+house, located on South Water Street, in the city of Chicago. He had
+known Edwards for some years, and had frequently dealt with him during
+that period. During the forenoon of the day on which the robbery
+occurred, he saw Newton Edwards in Newtonsville, but that instead of
+attempting to sell his goods, that gentleman was apparently seeking to
+avoid observation. He met him upon the street and familiarly accosted
+him, but Edwards received his salutations coldly, and did not engage in
+any conversation. Mr. Bartman thought nothing of this at the time, but
+in the afternoon, having business in Geneva, he drove over to that
+place, and, to his surprise, he found Edwards, in company with a
+strange young man, lingering around the public house in Geneva,
+apparently having nothing whatever to do. He noticed also, that Edwards
+was somewhat under the influence of liquor, and that he had effected a
+complete change in his apparel. A few hours after this he heard of the
+robbery, and instantly his mind reverted to the strange appearance and
+actions of Newton Edwards. He endeavored to find him, but, as if in
+confirmation of his suspicions, both Edwards and his companion had
+disappeared.
+
+Mr. Bartman gave a full description of Edwards as he appeared that day;
+and in substantiation of his suspicions, it was found to agree perfectly
+with that given by both Eugene Pearson and Miss Grace Patton.
+
+Mr. Perry stated that within two hours after the robbery had been
+discovered, men had been sent out in all directions, in search of the
+fleeing robbers, but without success. They had only been enabled to
+learn that two men, carrying a valise between them, had been seen
+walking along the railroad track in a north-westerly direction from
+Geneva, but that was all. In the darkness of the night, they had
+succeeded in eluding their pursuers, and on the following day all traces
+of them were obscured.
+
+Two things were now to be done at once; to ascertain the antecedents of
+Eugene Pearson, and to seek the whereabouts of Newton Edwards. To these
+tasks William applied himself immediately, and with what result will be
+shown hereafter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+The work progresses--Eugene Pearson's early life--On the trail of
+Newton Edwards.
+
+
+In the meantime operatives Manning and Jackson had been untiring in
+their efforts to obtain some traces of the robbers. They had found a
+number of people who recollected seeing two men, answering the
+description of the suspected thieves, who carried a valise between them,
+but beyond a certain point all traces of them stopped. It seemed that
+the ground had opened and swallowed them up, so effectual had been their
+disappearance.
+
+While thus engaged, operative Manning received instructions to keep a
+watchful eye upon young Pearson, and also to make quiet and judicious
+inquiries as to his habits and associates in Geneva.
+
+The result of these inquiries was most favorable to the young man, and
+under ordinary circumstances would have disarmed suspicion at once.
+During the progress of this search after truth, operative Manning had
+preserved the utmost good feeling and cordiality in his dealings with
+Eugene Pearson, and had succeeded in establishing a friendly intimacy
+with him, that would have allayed any fears which the young man might
+have had, as to the opinions entertained by the detectives with regard
+to himself. Mr. Pearson was very positive that one of the robbers was
+the same man who had left the valise at the bank during the afternoon,
+and, after learning that Manning had paid a visit to Miss Patton, he
+stated his belief that this same person had called at the bank a few
+weeks before. He could not remember the name he had given at that time,
+but thought he had inquired as to the financial standing of several of
+the business men of Geneva. During all these interviews Mr. Pearson
+displayed the utmost willingness to assist the detectives in their
+investigation, and with a frankness that was refreshing, answered every
+question that was put to him as if with the earnest desire of
+facilitating their labors and contributing to the accomplishment of
+their success.
+
+Eugene Pearson was a young man, it was learned, who had first seen the
+light in the little town of Geneva, then a straggling little village
+with none of the pretensions it now presented. His parents were most
+exemplary people, and his father at one time had been a wealthy grain
+merchant, but during one of the financial panics that swept over the
+country, he was unfortunate enough to suffer embarrassments which
+stripped him of his fortune and left him penniless in his old age to
+begin again the battle of life. At the present time, he was a
+benevolent-looking, intelligent old gentleman, who occupied the
+honorable and not very lucrative position of postmaster of Geneva, from
+the receipts of which, and a few other interests he was enabled to
+maintain his family in comparative comfort.
+
+Young Pearson had grown to manhood surrounded by the refining influences
+of his family, and, save for a few months spent at a business college
+in a neighboring city, had always dwelt in his native town. Among the
+residents of Geneva he was universally respected and admired. Possessed,
+as he was, of more than ordinary intelligence, and evincing good
+business qualifications, he had occupied his present position in the
+bank for several years, and at the time of the robbery, arrangements
+were being made for his promotion to the position of cashier, owing to
+the contemplated retirement of Mr. Welton, the present incumbent. His
+personal habits were unexceptionable, so far as known, and every one
+with whom John Manning conversed upon the subject, were loud in his
+praises. In the social circles of the town, he was an acknowledged
+favorite; he was a fair musician, was a member of the choir in the
+leading church of Geneva, and a teacher in the Sunday-school. His
+handsome face and pleasing manners gained for him a host of friends, and
+his companionship was eagerly sought by the young people with whom he
+associated. The young ladies were particularly partial to his society,
+and it was stated that he was engaged to be married to a beautiful young
+lady of the town, whose father was one of the wealthiest men in the
+country round about. At the bank, he was held in high esteem by both the
+officers and directors, and Mr. Silby's affection for him amounted
+almost to the love of a father for a favorite child. From infancy to
+manhood his name had never been associated with aught that was injurious
+or degrading, and among all the young men of Geneva, Eugene Pearson
+stood highest in public esteem and general favor.
+
+The result of these inquiries were not calculated to strengthen the
+doubts which had been formed of young Pearson's participation in this
+robbery, and yet the suspicion remained unchanged, and we determined to
+await developments before yielding our opinions to what seemed to be a
+pressure of circumstances.
+
+In the meantime, William had not been idle in the city. Ascertaining the
+name of the firm for which Newton Edwards was traveling, and determined
+to satisfy his mind upon this point, he dispatched an operative to the
+business house to which he had been referred. The result of this inquiry
+was that Mowbray, Morton & Co., the firm with which Edwards had at one
+time been engaged, stated that he had severed his connection with them a
+short time before, and since then had done nothing for them, but had
+been traveling for another house on the same street, and they believed
+he was the junior partner of the firm. Inquiry at this house elicited
+the information that Edwards had retired from this firm, and had
+connected himself with a large eastern house, which dealt extensively in
+fruits and a general line of groceries. At this place, however, several
+items of information were gleaned which were of importance. The
+gentlemen connected with this establishment were very well acquainted
+with Newton Edwards, of whom they spoke in the highest terms. He had
+been in Chicago during all of the week previous to the robbery, but had
+left the city on Saturday, stating that he intended to travel through
+Wisconsin and Minnesota in the interest of the new firm which he
+represented. He had not been seen since, nor had they heard from him.
+
+Finding that the gentleman who furnished this information was an
+intimate acquaintance of Edwards, the operative next inquired as to his
+family connections and his place of residence. On these points he was
+fully informed, and he cheerfully imparted the desired information.
+Edwards, it appeared, had been married recently to a lovely and
+accomplished young lady from one of the outlying towns, and since his
+marriage had been residing with the husband of his sister, a gentleman
+named Samuel Andrews, who resided at 29 Logan Place, in Chicago. Edwards
+also had a brother who was married, and who lived in the city, and the
+location of this gentleman's residence was also cheerfully furnished by
+the merchant.
+
+Upon returning with this information, the operative at once reported to
+my son William, who decided upon an immediate course of action.
+Directing the operative to inquire for tidings of Edwards at both of the
+places named, he indited a telegraphic message to the chief of police at
+Milwaukee and Minneapolis, for the purpose of ascertaining if Edwards
+had been at either place since leaving the city. He described the man
+fully, stated the name of the house which he represented, gave the
+fullest particulars as to his identity, and then requested to be
+informed if he had made his appearance in either of these cities.
+
+To all these messages the answer was received that Edwards had not, as
+yet, arrived, although the chief at Milwaukee stated that he had met a
+friend of Edwards, who informed him that he had received a letter from
+the young man dated four days prior to the robbery, stating that he
+would be in Milwaukee in a few days, and that he would be accompanied by
+his wife. As yet, however, he had not arrived, and nothing further had
+been heard of him.
+
+This was a corroboration of the first suspicion regarding Newton
+Edwards, and was convincing of the fact that he had not done as he had
+informed his friends that he would do. William was convinced, therefore,
+that he was upon the right track, and impatiently awaited the return of
+the operative who had been sent to the residences of Edwards' relatives.
+
+The detective delegated for that purpose proceeded to the locality to
+which he had been directed, where he found a comfortable-looking,
+well-kept brick dwelling-house, and upon a metal plate upon the door, he
+noticed the name he was in search of. Ascending the steps, he rang the
+bell, and shortly afterward was ushered into a handsomely furnished
+parlor, where he was greeted by a pleasant-faced lady, who announced
+herself as the sister of Mr. Newton Edwards.
+
+"Is Mr. Edwards residing with you?" inquired the detective.
+
+"Not now," answered the lady, "he was here until Saturday last, when he
+left, saying that he was going to Milwaukee upon business. I have heard
+however, that he was in town on Sunday last, but that I am not sure of."
+
+"Did his wife go with him?" now asked the operative, hoping to obtain an
+interview with her, if possible.
+
+"No, sir," replied Mrs. Andrews, with an air of sudden coldness and
+reserve, which was not lost upon the watchful man before her. "Mrs.
+Edwards left on the same day, in company with her brother, who has taken
+her to his home; I do not wish to allude to this matter, but I am afraid
+my brother and his wife do not live happily together."
+
+"Have they separated?" asked the detective, in a tone of solicitude.
+
+After a momentary hesitation, the woman replied: "I am inclined to think
+they have. Newton has not been himself lately, and has, I am sorry to
+say, been drinking a great deal. This naturally led to harsh treatment
+of his wife, and I presume she wrote to her brother, and on last
+Saturday he came and took her away."
+
+Finding the lady indisposed to furnish further information, the
+detective took his leave.
+
+At the second place he received much the same information, and
+concluding that he had exhausted this matter, he started to return to
+the agency. At this latter place, however, he had casually inquired for
+the name and residence of Mrs. Edwards' brother, and on learning that,
+had concluded his visit.
+
+Everything thus far had favored a belief that Edwards was concerned in
+this robbery. His leaving home a day or two before the act was
+committed, his quarrel with his wife, his statement made to friends that
+he was going upon a business trip, which it was evident he had not done,
+his strange appearance at Newtonsville and Geneva on the day the robbery
+took place, the fact that his personal appearance agreed perfectly with
+that given of the robber, by eye-witnesses to that event, and his
+mysterious disappearance since, all went to prove beyond question that
+Newton Edwards was the thief, and that decided steps should be taken to
+discover his whereabouts.
+
+Leaving William to devise a plan to accomplish this much-desired result,
+we will return to Geneva, and watch the movements of John Manning and
+Howard Jackson.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+New developments--Tidings of Newton Edwards--Suspicions strengthening
+against Eugene Pearson--Mr. Silby's confidence.
+
+
+In extending their investigations in and around Geneva, operatives
+Manning and Jackson had discovered numerous items of intelligence
+corroborative of their previous suspicions. A salesman, connected with a
+large mercantile house from one of the large cities, furnished the
+information that on Monday, the day on which the robbery occurred, he
+had traveled with Edwards as far as Newtonsville, and as he did not see
+him after leaving that place, he concluded that he must have stopped
+there. He also stated that Edwards appeared to be unusually cold and
+reserved, and that he was accompanied by a companion whom he did not
+introduce to his friends. At Newtonsville it was learned that a man,
+fully answering the description of Edwards' companion, had visited both
+of the livery stables in that town, and had attempted to hire a team of
+horses and a carriage. He had been refused in both instances, for the
+reasons that he was a stranger, and appeared to be under the influence
+of liquor. Several people both in Geneva and Newtonsville were found who
+remembered seeing Edwards, whom they knew--and a companion who was a
+stranger to them--about these towns on the day of the robbery, and they
+described their actions as being very peculiar. They had disappeared
+immediately after that and had not been seen since. If further proofs of
+the complicity of Edwards were required they could have been procured by
+the score, and as all traces of their route from Geneva had been lost,
+William resolved to commence a thorough and systematic process of
+espionage, which he believed would eventually lead to the discovery of
+his hiding-place. He thoroughly canvassed the situation and his
+conclusions were soon found. Newton Edwards had a father and mother--he
+had brothers and sisters; and in addition to these he had a lovely young
+wife, from whom he had parted in anger. It was not possible that he
+could shake himself loose from all these ties of kindred and affection
+at one blow, and it was reasonably sure that sooner or later he would
+attempt to correspond with them in some manner. Again, it might be the
+case that some of his relatives were already aware of his crime, and of
+the fact that he was hiding from the officers of the law, and it could
+not be expected that they would voluntarily give information that would
+lead to his discovery. However grieved and disappointed they might be,
+however angry they must naturally feel, they could not be expected at
+such a time as this to turn his accusers, and aid in his capture.
+
+I have known cases in the course of my professional practice, however,
+when fathers, actuated by what they considered the highest motives, have
+delivered up their sons to the law, and, though the ordeal was an
+exceedingly trying and distressing one, they never faltered for a
+moment in what they considered the performance of their duty. I need not
+say that such evidences of self-sacrifice were painful to me, and that
+my feelings were always deeply touched by the mental sufferings of the
+poor criminals, who in the hour of their sorest need, found themselves
+deserted by the only friends upon whom they believed they could rely in
+an emergency which threatened disgrace and servitude.
+
+While this is true, it is equally certain that I have yet to record a
+single case in which a female relative ever assisted, in any manner,
+toward the apprehension of a criminal. No power seemed able to force
+from her a word that would tend to work him injury, and though her heart
+was breaking, and her love for the lost one had passed away, yet, with a
+persistence worthy of all admiration, she refused to do aught that would
+add to the misery of the fallen one; and, if occasion offered,
+invariably rendered her assistance to secure his escape.
+
+Taking these ideas into consideration, therefore, it would not do to
+rely at all upon any assistance from the relatives of Edwards, and to
+advise them of our suspicions and search, would naturally only tend to
+place both him and them upon their guard.
+
+A slower and more laborious operation was therefore necessary. Fully in
+earnest in his determination to capture these men, and firmly supported
+by the officials of the bank, who were as resolute as he in their
+resolve to apprehend the robbers, William at once put this plan into
+execution.
+
+Operatives were posted to watch the residences of the relatives of
+Edwards in the city, and instructed to carefully note their actions,
+particularly in the matter of receiving or posting of any letters.
+Another operative was despatched to Woodford to note the movements of
+Mrs. Edwards, the wife of the suspected thief, and to endeavor to obtain
+some information that would assist us in the chase. It might be possible
+that this reported quarrel was a mere ruse, to blind the detectives, and
+to throw them off the scent; and it was important that the truthfulness
+of this story should be substantiated. At the same time, William decided
+on no account to lose sight of young Pearson, and directed the
+operatives at Geneva to maintain a strict watch over his movements, and
+by no means to permit him to leave town unaccompanied by some one who
+could note his every action. The young bank clerk, however, gave no
+cause for any new suspicion. He performed his duties at the bank with
+unflagging industry and evinced the greatest desire that the thieves
+might soon be captured. His solicitude for Miss Patton was apparently
+sincere and unceasing, and he frequently reproached himself for not
+having acted in a more manly manner at the time the assault was made. So
+humiliated did he appear at the loss the bank had sustained, and so
+earnest was he in everything that approached a vigorous and determined
+chase after the robbers, that he soon became an object of profound
+sympathy and higher regard to the bank officers and his numerous
+friends in Geneva. After fully considering this matter of young
+Pearson, William deemed it his duty to acquaint Mr. Silby with his
+suspicions. It was due to that gentleman, he argued, that he should be
+thus informed, and then if results should justify the suspicion he would
+be prepared for what would follow, while if the contrary should prove
+true he would have all the more reason for his high estimation of his
+young assistant cashier.
+
+He did not have long to wait before making this revelation, for in a few
+days after he had put his plans into operation and posted his men,
+William received a call from Mr. Silby, who desired to be informed of
+the progress that was being made. After fully detailing to the honest
+old banker all that we had thus far learned, and the steps which had
+been taken to ascertain the whereabouts of Newton Edwards, all of which
+met with his hearty approval, William delicately broached the unpleasant
+subject.
+
+"Mr. Silby," said he, "there is another matter which I desire to speak
+of, and one which I fear may occasion you some pain, or may meet with
+your opposition."
+
+"Let me know what it is, by all means," responded Mr. Silby, with a
+smile. "I am satisfied that what you have to say is for the best
+interests of the bank, and it would be absurd in me to offer opposition
+to that."
+
+"Well," said William, "there have been certain developments made in this
+case which, I regret to say, lead me to believe that Eugene Pearson is
+not entirely blameless in this robbery."
+
+"What do you mean?" exclaimed Mr. Silby, starting to his feet, and with
+a tremor in his voice, which told of inward agitation; "you do not mean
+that you suspect Eugene?"
+
+"I must confess that I do," said William solemnly, "and I regret it
+sincerely, both on your account and his own."
+
+"But this will not do," suddenly interrupted the old gentleman, "this
+cannot be. Why, I have known that boy ever since his childhood, and I
+have loved him as my own son. No, no, Mr. Pinkerton, you must be
+mistaken about this."
+
+"Mr. Silby," said my son, "let us look at this matter calmly and
+dispassionately. You have employed us to ferret out the thieves, and to
+recover, if possible, the money of which you have been robbed. We have
+therefore but one duty to perform, and that is to find the men. I have
+looked into this case carefully; I have noted every point thus far
+attained; I have weighed every item philosophically, and I tell you now,
+that I am convinced that Eugene Pearson knows more about this robbery
+than has yet been revealed."
+
+[Illustration: "I tell you, Mr. Silby, I am convinced that Eugene
+Pearson knows more about this robbery than has yet been revealed."]
+
+William then slowly and concisely detailed the various points upon which
+he founded his suspicions. The fact that Eugene Pearson had been seen in
+intimate conversation with the suspected man, his presence at the bank
+on the afternoon of the robbery, his actions, cowardly at best, when the
+assault was made upon the helpless girl, his peculiar statements since,
+and then the manner of his release by the aid of the ten-cent silver
+piece. Taking a coin from his pocket, he requested Mr. Silby to attempt
+the feat upon the slight lock upon the office door, which he tried, and
+though he labored strenuously, he was unable to move it. He also
+informed him that Manning had attempted the same thing upon the lock of
+the vault door, and that he could not budge a screw. All these facts he
+pointed out to the old gentleman as strong proofs of the young man's
+guilt.
+
+Mr. Silby sat during this recital with a dazed and stricken look upon
+his face, and when William had finished, he sat for a time in speechless
+amazement. Recovering himself at length, he said:
+
+"Mr. Pinkerton, this may all prove to be true; but at present, you must
+excuse me, I cannot believe it--it is too terrible."
+
+True and trustful old man! he could not be brought to believe that one
+so dearly loved and highly trusted could prove so base and undeserving.
+
+"Now, Mr. Silby," said William, "I have only this to ask--I may be
+wrong, or I may be right; but until definite results are achieved, I
+must request you to keep this matter a profound secret, and to keep a
+close watch upon young Pearson without exciting his suspicion; will you
+do this?"
+
+"I will do what you request," responded Mr. Silby; "but believe me, you
+will find that you are mistaken."
+
+"Another thing," continued William. "If at any time I should telegraph
+to you these words--'_Look out for that package_!' please remember that
+'that package' means Pearson, and he must not be allowed to go away."
+
+"All this I will do, because I know you are doing what you think best;
+but I am confident all will be made right for the boy in good time."
+
+"For your sake, Mr. Silby, I hope so, too, but I am not so sanguine of
+that: and we cannot afford to take any risks."
+
+Mr. Silby arose to his feet, and grasping my son's hand, withdrew
+without a word. As he passed out, William looked after him with a
+feeling of compassion he rarely experienced.
+
+"It is a great pity," he murmured to himself, "that so much strong,
+manly faith should be so sadly misplaced, and I fear very much that
+before we are through with this case, Mr. Silby's trust in human nature
+will be badly shattered. But we must do our duty, and the right must
+triumph at last--we must await the result."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+The Detective at Woodford.--An Interview with the Discarded Wife of
+Newton Edwards.
+
+
+It was on a hot sultry morning in August, about ten days after the
+robbery at Geneva, that William Everman arrived at the picturesque
+little city of Woodford. Woodford was the home of the brother of Mrs.
+Newton Edwards, with whom that lady was supposed to have taken refuge
+after her quarrel with her husband. Everman proceeded directly to the
+hotel upon his arrival, and quickly announced himself as a traveling
+salesman from a neighboring city. In a casual conversation with the
+clerk, he ascertained that Edwards and his wife were quite well known in
+the place, and that the clerk was an intimate acquaintance of the lady's
+husband.
+
+"Is Edwards stopping here now?" inquired the detective, in a careless
+manner.
+
+"No!" answered the clerk, as he fondly curled the ends of a very
+delicate and scarcely perceptible mustache. "He hasn't stopped here
+since his marriage; he usually goes to the home of his wife's family
+now."
+
+"Do you know whether he is in town now?"
+
+"I think not, unless he arrived last night," answered the young man.
+"There are several letters here for him, and he would have called for
+them before this. He has his mail always directed here."
+
+"I am sorry for that," said Everman. "I have some instructions for him
+from the house he travels for, and he ought to get them as soon as
+possible."
+
+"Perhaps Mr. Black could tell you where he is. I believe Edwards' wife
+is staying with him, and she certainly could tell you where you could
+address him, or whether he is expected here very soon."
+
+After thanking the clerk for his information and ascertaining the
+business place of Mr. Black, the detective left the hotel, and sauntered
+about the city.
+
+Walking leisurely down the main street, he soon came in sight of the
+place to which he had been directed. It was a small frame building,
+somewhat old and dilapidated, and was sadly in need of the painter's
+brush and a new covering of paint. Over the doorway swung a dingy,
+time-worn and weather-beaten sign, upon which he could barely decipher
+the words: "HENRY BLACK, Locksmith," and over which were
+suspended a pair of massive crossed keys which at one time had been
+bright golden, but which now were old and rusty looking. In the low
+window in front there was a rare and curious collection of articles that
+would have delighted the eyes of an antiquarian. Locks there were, that
+were relics of a by-gone age, and seemed as if they might have done
+service on dungeon doors in some ancient keep in feudal times--strange
+and grotesque locks that had evidently pleased the fancy of some old
+connoisseur, whose treasures were guarded by these strange looking
+protectors, which had now outgrown their usefulness, and were exhibited
+as curiosities in the practical age of to-day. Locks of latest finish
+and design, and locks red and rusty and worn out, were mingled together
+with a confusion and carelessness that bespoke a thriving business,
+which left no time for order or arrangement.
+
+Entering the shop without hesitation and with a careless air of
+assurance, Everman found himself in the presence of the locksmith, who
+was busily employed at his work. Mr. Black was a stout, good-looking,
+middle-aged man, who wore bushy whiskers and a pair of iron-rimmed
+spectacles. On the entrance of the detective he came forward with a
+pleasant smile on his face, as though expecting a profitable customer,
+and greeted the operative.
+
+"Well, sir, what can I do for you to-day?"
+
+"Nothing in the way of business," replied the detective; "I am seeking
+some information which perhaps you can give me."
+
+"Take a seat," said the locksmith, pushing a stool toward the detective,
+and at the same time seating himself upon the counter. "I don't know a
+great deal, but if I can tell you what you want to know I shall be happy
+to do so."
+
+"Thank you," replied Everman, as he produced a couple of fragrant
+cigars, and handed one to Mr. Black. "My name is Everman; I am a
+salesman for a city house, and am a neighbor of your brother-in-law,
+Newton Edwards. I have a message for him from his employer, and want to
+find out where to address him. I understood he had come to Woodford, and
+was informed at the hotel that I would be apt to learn from you whether
+he was in town."
+
+While he was speaking, he watched the countenance of the locksmith
+carefully, and as he mentioned the name of Edwards he noticed that the
+cheerful smile disappeared from his face and was replaced with a heavy
+frown; this remained but a moment, and when Everman finished speaking,
+he promptly and pleasantly replied:
+
+"I cannot tell you, I am sorry to say, where Mr. Edwards is at present,
+for I do not know myself. I only know that he was in Chicago on
+Saturday, a week ago, and at that time he stated that he was going to
+Milwaukee and St. Paul; whether he did so or not I cannot tell you."
+
+"I understood from his employer that he and Mrs. Edwards contemplated
+stopping in Woodford for a few days before he started upon his business
+trip."
+
+In response to this, Mr. Black stated to the detective, after much
+hesitation, but believing he was speaking to a friend, that on the
+Saturday mentioned, he had received a telegram from his sister, who was
+the wife of Newton Edwards, requesting him to come to her at once. He
+immediately responded to this summons, and on going to the house where
+she was stopping, he found her in great distress, and weeping violently.
+From her he then learned that Edwards had come to the house that
+morning in a state of intoxication, and had shamefully abused her. That
+he had ordered her to return to her family, and declared that he would
+never live with her again. Mr. Black had therefore brought his sister
+home with him, and threatened to inflict personal chastisement upon
+Edwards if he ever crossed his path again.
+
+Finding that the story of the separation was a truthful one, at least so
+far as the relatives of Mrs. Edwards were concerned, Everman decided to
+obtain an interview, if possible, with the forsaken wife. Inviting Mr.
+Black to accompany him to the hotel, which was but a short distance from
+the shop, the locksmith took off his leather apron and paper cap, and
+the two strolled away together.
+
+Over their cigars and a cooling draught of very good beer, the
+brother-in-law of the suspected criminal became quite friendly and
+communicative, relating many trifling particulars of Edwards' earlier
+life, which need not be repeated here. Preferring his request, at
+length, Mr. Black cordially invited him to his residence, and giving him
+explicit directions, suggested that he should call that afternoon. To
+this proposition Everman readily assented, and after a short time spent
+in friendly conversation, Mr. Black returned to his shop, and the
+detective wended his way to the locksmith's house.
+
+Arriving at the place designated, he found a pretty little cottage,
+overgrown with climbing vines, while a garden of bright blooming flowers
+rendered the front of the house an attractive spot. Ascending the stoop,
+he rang the bell, and in a few moments a pleasant-faced lady appeared at
+the door. Inquiring if Mrs. Edwards was within, and being informed in
+the affirmative, he was invited to enter the cool and cosy parlor and
+await her appearance.
+
+After a short delay Mrs. Edwards entered the room, and the heart of the
+detective was at once touched at the sad and sorrowful expression which
+she wore. She was young, scarcely more than twenty, and a handsome
+brunette. Her dark hair was brushed in wavy ringlets back from a broad,
+intellectual brow, and the dark eyes were dewy, as if with recent tears.
+Her cheeks were pale, and there were heavy shadows under the eyes, which
+told of sorrow and a heart ill at ease. Another thing the detective
+noticed, with a feeling of compassion, for he was himself a man of
+family, the lady was about to become a mother. How strange and
+unreasonable it seemed, that a young man of Edwards' position in
+society, with a lovely and loving wife, with business prospects of the
+most excellent character, could sacrifice all upon the altar of a base
+and ignoble ambition to be suddenly rich. That he could at one fell blow
+cast away the ties of kindred, the love of a devoted wife, the blissful
+anticipation of becoming a happy and proud father, and in an evil hour
+yield to a temptation which eventually would place the brand of the
+felon upon his brow, would cause him to be shunned and despised by his
+former friends and associates, clothe him in the garb of the convict,
+and, if justice were meted out to him, would make him an inmate of a
+prison. These thoughts flitted through the mind of the detective as he
+gazed upon the pale sad features of the suffering wife, and for a moment
+he regretted the profession which he had adopted. It is a common error,
+I fear, to imagine that a detective is devoid of those finer feelings
+which animate humanity, and to credit him with only the hard, stern and
+uncompromising ideas of duty which only appear upon the surface. This is
+a grave mistake, and does gross injustice to many noble men and women,
+who, in my own experience, have developed some of the most delicate and
+noble traits of which human nature is capable. It is true, their duty is
+hard and unyielding, its imperative requirements must be rigidly
+observed; but many a criminal to-day has urgent reasons to be thankful
+to the man who was instrumental in bringing him to account for the
+crimes he had committed. Many a convict's wife and children are the
+recipients of kindly actions from the very men whose duty it was to
+deprive them, by a legal process, of a husband and father. This may seem
+strange and incredible, but from my own experience I can testify to its
+absolute truthfulness. With the capture of the criminal the detective's
+duty ceases, and all the sympathetic promptings of his nature have full
+play. He has performed his duty to the state, to the law and to society,
+and that done, his knowledge of the sufferings which crime have caused
+leads him to acts of kindness and of practical assistance. To-day, I
+have some of the warmest and most grateful friends among the families of
+the men whom I was compelled to bring to justice, and in many cases the
+criminals themselves have acknowledged my actions, and have been better
+men in consequence. But this is a digression, and we will return to our
+narrative.
+
+Rising to his feet, the detective politely acknowledged the salutation
+of Mrs. Edwards, and in as few words as possible he stated his errand.
+With painful embarrassment of manner, Mrs. Edwards informed him that
+she could not tell him anything about her husband's movements, as,
+contrary to his usual custom, he had not informed her of the route he
+intended to take when he left home. Not a word or a hint was given of
+the trouble that was preying upon her heart, of the harsh, unfeeling
+treatment to which she had been subjected, or of the brutal order,
+expulsion and separation. The dignity of the noble little woman
+sustained her grandly, and no confession of her wrongs escaped her lips.
+She then informed the detective that she expected to hear from him every
+day, and that she believed he was now traveling through Wisconsin.
+
+That she was entirely unaware, at present at least, of her husband's
+whereabouts, the operative was firmly convinced; and she appeared to be
+equally uninformed of the suspicions that were entertained regarding
+him.
+
+After a few moments spent in friendly converse, the detective arose to
+take his leave; and after being invited to renew his visit, he departed
+from the house.
+
+"By George!" murmured Everman to himself, as he made his way back to the
+hotel; "that little woman is a wife to be proud of. That she knows
+nothing at present I am fully convinced, but I am also certain that if
+she learns of the crime her husband has committed, she would sacrifice
+her life rather than aid us in his discovery. What a strange, unequal
+world this is!--bad men linked with angelic wives; and vicious and
+unprincipled women yoked with men who are the very soul of honor. Well,
+well, I cannot set things right. I have only my duty to perform, and
+moralizing is very unprofitable."
+
+So pondering he returned to the hotel and resolving to call upon the
+chief of police in the afternoon, he went into the spacious dining-room
+and ordered his dinner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+A Fire and a Talkative Fireman--Mrs. Edwards Receives a Letter.
+
+
+After dinner operative Everman called upon the chief of police, and
+acquainting him fully with the nature of his business in the city, he
+enlisted his services in our behalf. Men were detailed to watch the
+arriving and departing trains, in order to discover if Edwards either
+paid a visit to Woodford or attempted to leave the place. This step was
+taken as a mere precaution, for the detective as yet felt confident that
+Mrs. Edwards was entirely ignorant of the movements of her husband or of
+the crime which he was suspected of committing. This was continued
+without result for three days, but on the afternoon of the fourth, the
+chief sought Everman at the hotel and informed him that he had
+important news to communicate.
+
+"What is it?" inquired Everman, when they were alone.
+
+"Well," said the chief, "it is just this. Last night, one of my men
+informs me, Mrs. Edwards received a letter from her husband, and to-day
+she appears to be in great trouble and distress of mind. There can be no
+doubt that she has been informed of his crime, and also that she now
+knows his present whereabouts."
+
+"She will never tell any one where that is, unless I am very much
+mistaken in her," interrupted Everman, "and we must look elsewhere for
+the information we desire."
+
+"Just my opinion exactly," replied the chief; "and I have thought of a
+way in which we might get what we want."
+
+"Let me hear what it is," said Everman.
+
+"It is just this--Mrs. Black has an intimate friend and confidante, to
+whom she tells everything she knows, and there is no doubt that she
+will soon, if she has not already done so, inform this lady of the
+letter received yesterday. Well, so far, so good. Now, this lady has a
+husband to whom she tells all she hears, and so he is apt to be as well
+informed in a short time. This man is Tom Nelson by name, a carpenter by
+trade, and a jovial, easy, good-natured fellow by nature. This man you
+must work up, and if you touch him correctly, you will find out all he
+knows."
+
+"Very good," replied Everman confidently; "now point out Tom Nelson to
+me and leave me to work the rest."
+
+At this moment an alarm of fire was sounded, and in a few minutes the
+street in front of the hotel was alive with people hurrying to the scene
+of the conflagration. Men and boys were running at the top of their
+speed, and shouting at the top of their voices; women were gazing from
+doors and windows, and the merry jingle of the bells of the fire-engines
+were soon heard, as the brave fire laddies were rushing to the rescue of
+the burning building.
+
+"The very thing!" ejaculated the chief. "I must go to the fire, and do
+you come along with me. Tom Nelson is one of the most active firemen of
+the city, and I will point him out to you. After that you must work your
+own way, for if I was to approach him upon the subject, he would become
+suspicious at once."
+
+So saying the chief hurried out of the hotel, closely followed by the
+detective. Turning a corner they saw, not a great distance off, the
+flames leaping from the windows and roof of a large frame structure,
+which was blazing and crackling like a huge pile of kindling prepared
+for the torch. Already the department was upon the ground, and when the
+chief and the detective reached the scene, several streams of water,
+shimmering like ropes of silver, were pouring into the burning building.
+With a noble self-sacrifice and a disregard for their own safety which
+was truly admirable, the brave fire laddies battled with the flames, and
+exerted themselves to the utmost to prevent the fire from reaching the
+adjoining buildings. At last, yielding to the almost superhuman efforts
+of the firemen, the fire was extinguished, leaving only the bare and
+blackened walls standing as monuments of the destruction that had been
+wrought. Foremost among the brave fellows who were performing their
+self-appointed and herculean duty was a man about thirty-five years of
+age, stout and muscular in form, and with a good-humored, honest face,
+that would attract your friendly regard at a glance. He was the most
+active and energetic man upon the ground, and it could be seen at once,
+that his whole heart was in the work in which he was then so earnestly
+engaged.
+
+"That's your man," said the chief, pointing toward him, "and now you can
+commence upon him as soon as you please."
+
+"All right," answered Everman; "I will see what I can do."
+
+The firemen had by this time, gathered up their hose and were preparing
+to return to their various houses, and Thomas Nelson, after assisting in
+this labor until it was completed, left his companions, and proceeded
+along the sidewalk in the direction of the hotel. Everman walked on
+slowly behind him, and seeing him enter the building, he followed
+closely after him. Nelson proceeded to the bar-room and had just tossed
+off a cooling glass of beer, when the operative made his appearance.
+
+"You seem to be thirsty after your hard work this morning," said the
+detective, in a laughing tone.
+
+"It was pretty hot work, and no mistake," replied Nelson; "and we were
+mighty lucky in saving the adjoining houses. I was afraid once they
+would certainly go."
+
+"Fill up your glass again," said Everman; and Nelson graciously
+acquiesced. "Yes," continued the operative, "you boys did excellent
+work, and you deserve great credit for it. I suppose your fire
+department here is composed entirely of volunteers?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Nelson, quite pleased with the encomiums which his
+pet hobby received; "and a better organized fire department is not to
+be found anywhere."
+
+"Well," said the detective, as he raised his glass, "here's to the
+health of your fire laddies; may you never miss a run, and always have
+as good luck as you did to-day."
+
+"Good," said the delighted fireman; "I don't know your name, but you're
+a good fellow, and I am glad to hear you speak so favorably of us."
+
+"My name is Everman," answered the detective frankly. "I only arrived in
+Woodford yesterday, and expected to meet a friend whose family resides
+here; but I regret to say I have been disappointed."
+
+"May I ask who you were waiting to meet?"
+
+This was the very question the detective most desired to be asked, and
+he answered at once.
+
+"Yes. I expected to meet Newton Edwards here, and I have some letters
+for him from his employer, which he ought to receive."
+
+At the mention of the name, Nelson started in astonishment, and then
+gave vent to a long, low whistle.
+
+"I am afraid you won't find him here," he said at last.
+
+"Afraid, Mr. Nelson! Why, what's the matter?" quickly inquired the
+detective.
+
+"Well, sir, I am afraid your friend has turned rascal, and has run
+away."
+
+"What do you mean?" sharply asked Everman. "Surely, you have no
+reference to my friend, Newton Edwards?"
+
+"Yes, I mean him exactly. He is a damned thief, that's what he is; and
+he has broken his wife's heart!"
+
+This was enough for Everman; and in a short time he had learned all that
+the honest carpenter could tell him. On the evening before, it appeared,
+Mrs. Edwards had received a letter from her husband, the contents of
+which had made her frantic with grief, and to-day she was unable to
+leave her bed. In this letter he had informed her that he had been
+connected with the robbery of the bank at Geneva, and that he had
+succeeded in eluding all pursuit, and was now hiding in some obscure
+place in the state of New York.
+
+"This is all I know about it," added Nelson, "and I suppose I ought not
+to tell this; but when a man turns out a damned rogue like that, honest
+people cannot afford to shield or uphold him in his rascality."
+
+"That's my opinion, exactly," rejoined the detective, "and I am sorry,
+indeed, for Edwards' wife, although I am free to confess that I have no
+further sympathy for him."
+
+"I ought not to have told you this," said Nelson, with some compunctions
+of conscience at his garrulity. "And if my wife was to hear that I had
+done so, she would take my head off."
+
+"Well, she won't hear of it from me, I can assure you, and I am too much
+disappointed in my friend to speak of it unnecessarily to any one."
+
+Their conversation was continued a few minutes longer, and then Nelson,
+promising to see my operative again, took his leave.
+
+Here was a revelation, which amounted to a direct confirmation of our
+suspicion regarding Edwards, and was convincing testimony of the fact
+that he was hiding from the officers of the law. The information about
+his location, while indefinite, was a surety of the fact that he had not
+gone west, according to his previous arrangement, and that he must be
+looked for in the state of New York.
+
+One thing, however, was necessary to be done at once, and that was to
+keep a sharp lookout for any letter which might be mailed by Mrs.
+Edwards or any member of her family. There was no doubt that this lady
+would sooner or later attempt to write to her husband, and that too
+within a few days. It was therefore of the utmost importance that a
+close watch should be kept upon all the movements of the members of Mr.
+Black's household, and then to endeavor to get at the address of any
+letters which they might attempt to mail.
+
+Everman immediately sent his report of what he had learned to me, and
+then sought the chief of police in order to enlist his further aid in
+such efforts as were now necessary to be taken.
+
+When the chief had listened somewhat incredulously to what Everman had
+been enabled to learn in the few minutes' conversation which he enjoyed
+with Tom Nelson, he was overwhelmed with surprise at the rapid success
+he had met with, and he readily proffered all the assistance in his
+power.
+
+Everman resolved to see Nelson again, and endeavor to induce him to
+ascertain the exact locality in which Edwards was hiding. The carpenter
+could not recollect it at the first interview, and was not sure that he
+had heard it, but Everman concluded to try to jog his memory upon that
+point still further. He did not have to seek an opportunity for meeting
+his man, for that evening he received another call from Nelson, who had
+evidently taken a great fancy to my affable operative. During the
+conversation that followed, Everman was informed by his new-found
+friend, that as well as he could recollect the name of the place from
+which Edwards' letter was posted began with a "_Mac_," and that was all
+that could be elicited from him.
+
+Everman gave as his reasons for desiring to learn this fact, that he
+wanted to write to him himself, and convey the letters which had been
+intrusted to him.
+
+After spending some time in the vain endeavor to refresh the carpenter's
+memory, they at length parted for the night.
+
+"Remember, Mr. Everman," said Nelson, as he left the hotel, "if I can
+find out for you what you want, I will surely do so; but for heaven's
+sake don't let my wife know it, or I will be scalped alive."
+
+The detective laughingly promised to beware of the sanguinary Mrs.
+Nelson, and the carpenter went his way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A Plan to Intercept Correspondence--Edwards Fully Identified--A pretty
+Servant Girl and a Visit to Church.
+
+
+While these events were transpiring at Woodford, William had not been
+idle in the city. A constant watch had been maintained upon the several
+premises occupied by the relatives of Newton Edwards, in the hope of
+detecting some attempt upon their part to communicate with the suspected
+thief. This at all times is rather a difficult object to achieve, but we
+have frequently been obliged to resort to this mode of acquiring
+information from lack of definite knowledge on which to base intelligent
+action. In order that one of the many of these expedients may be fully
+understood, a few words in detail may not be out of place. As is well
+known, the mail of an individual is so sacredly guarded by the laws of
+the country which govern the postal service, that an attempt to
+interfere with the letters of another is regarded as a felony and
+punished with severity. Of course, therefore, no efforts of ours would
+be directed to the obtaining or opening of any letters which might be
+mailed to the suspected individual. Our object was simply to obtain the
+addresses upon the envelopes, if possible, and then to search out the
+parties to whom they had been consigned. In this instance our manner of
+proceeding was quite simple, but it required that it should be managed
+with great care and without exciting the suspicion of any one. For this
+purpose each of the operatives, detailed for this duty, was provided
+with a number of envelopes of a peculiar size and color, and all
+addressed to fictitious persons. Our plan was, that if any one of
+Edward's relatives deposited a letter in any of the street boxes, the
+operative should be on hand and be prepared to drop his letter into the
+box immediately on the top of it. Another operative was then to await
+the visit of the postman on his round for collection, when he would
+step up to him and making a pretense of a mistake in the address of a
+letter which he had mailed, would from its position be enabled to obtain
+a glimpse of the suspected letters below, and their addresses.
+
+This watch was maintained unceasingly for several days without result,
+and it appeared either that the family were unaware of Edwards'
+hiding-place, or else that they were fearful of being watched, and
+avoided communicating with him on that account.
+
+In the meantime, William received another visit from Mr. Silby, the
+president of the despoiled bank, who stated very reluctantly, that he
+and Mr. Welton, the cashier, during the absence of Eugene Pearson from
+the bank, had attempted the feat of loosening the screws upon the lock
+of the vault, and had been unable to do so. They had exerted their
+strength to the utmost, and the screws had sturdily resisted their
+efforts. He was therefore compelled to admit that thus far the
+suspicions against young Pearson appeared to be well founded, and that
+the screws had evidently been loosened before the prisoners were
+confined in the vault, in order to allow them to escape, should the
+atmosphere prove too oppressive for their safety. Mr. Silby also stated,
+that he had obtained an interview with a Mr. Crampton, the president of
+the bank at Independence, where it was learned that the parents of
+Newton Edwards resided, and that without divulging any of our plans
+regarding that young man, he had acquired considerable information
+concerning him. It was learned that Edwards had for some time been
+regarded as a very fast young man, and several episodes were related of
+him, in which he had figured in no very enviable light.
+
+His parents were elderly people of eminent respectability, and were much
+distressed at the actions of their son, from whom they had expected so
+much. He had begun life with bright prospects, had entered into business
+with his own capital, but had failed after a short career, owing to his
+extravagant habits and his inattention to business. After this he had
+traveled for several firms, and while it was believed he received a
+large salary, there were many who shook their heads at the stories of
+his dissipation which reached their ears from time to time.
+
+This was information which was of some value, and opened up the way to
+accomplish an object which William had long desired. He therefore
+requested Mr. Silby to introduce John Manning to Mr. Crampton, and
+directed Manning to accompany that gentleman to Independence, and by
+their joint efforts endeavor to obtain a photograph of Edwards. This was
+attended to at once, and in a few days, through the assistance of the
+sheriff at Independence, we were enabled to secure an admirable likeness
+of the absconding burglar, although the same had been taken nearly two
+years prior to this. A number of copies of this photograph were at once
+printed, and they were furnished to the various operatives who were at
+work upon the case. Hitherto we had been compelled to rely upon the
+rather unsatisfactory method of identifying him by description only, and
+in many cases, except where persons are trained to the work of
+accurately describing individuals whom they meet, there is danger of not
+being able to identify any one who has no very prominent distinguishing
+marks about him.
+
+The first use to which this photograph was put was to exhibit it to Miss
+Patton, the young lady who had been assaulted in the bank, and she
+instantly recognized it as the picture of one of the men who had
+committed the robbery, and the one who had attacked Eugene Pearson,
+while the other intruder was engaged in the attempt to gag and bind her.
+This was very important, and no further efforts were now needed to
+establish the identity of Newton Edwards, or to connect him with the
+robbery as an active participant.
+
+After several days of unproductive watchfulness at the city residences
+of Edwards' relatives, it became apparent that something more decisive
+would have to be attempted. From the reports of the operatives who had
+been detailed upon this part of the investigation, it seemed evident
+that the inmates had become suspicious of the fact that their movements
+were being made the subject of espionage, and it was resolved to adapt
+another system of operation, and endeavor to have one of my men enter
+the family, and by some means establish a friendly footing with its
+members. By this means he would be enabled, while unsuspected, to learn
+of the movements of the people whom he was watching.
+
+I did not have far to seek for a man who would fully answer the purpose
+I had in view, and one who would succeed if success were possible. I had
+tried him in several operations where this kind of work was necessary,
+and he had invariably accomplished what had been delegated to him to
+perform. I therefore called Harry Vinton into my office, and stated to
+him the nature of the mission upon which he was to be sent. He was a
+handsome, jolly, quick-witted and intelligent young fellow, who had been
+with me for a long time. Entering my employment as an office boy, and
+evincing a decided task and talent for the profession of a detective, he
+had continued in my service, until at this time he was quite an adept in
+his particular line, and many a successful operation had been largely
+due to his intelligent efforts, while far removed from the directing eye
+of myself or my superintending assistants. His manners were frank and
+easy, and among the ladies he was a general favorite, therefore, I
+concluded to intrust him with the task of obtaining admission into the
+residence of the sister of Edwards, on Logan Place.
+
+Our operatives had reported that at this house there was employed, in
+the capacity of domestic, a young and handsome girl, whose conduct as
+far as could be judged was exemplary in the highest degree, and
+informing Vinton of this fact, William inquired if he thought he could
+manage it successfully.
+
+A merry twinkle shone in Vinton's eyes for a moment and then he
+answered:
+
+"I think I can, sir; and I am willing to make the attempt."
+
+"Very well," replied William, laughing. "Only look out for yourself. I
+hear she is a very charming young girl, and you may find yourself in
+earnest before you are aware of it."
+
+"Perhaps I may," said Vinton, "and perhaps I might not do better than
+that if I tried."
+
+"All right," said William; "I will not burden you with instructions at
+present, and you will proceed according to your own judgment, only
+remember what we want to discover, and succeed if you can."
+
+With these words Vinton took his departure.
+
+A few days passed uneventfully by and no report came from Vinton. He was
+evidently looking over the ground, and as undue haste would avail
+nothing in a matter of this kind William forbore to push him.
+
+Vinton, however, had not been idle, and his inquiries had developed the
+fact that the young servant of Mrs. Andrews was a regular attendant at
+church on Sunday afternoon, when she was allowed her liberty from her
+domestic duties.
+
+The following Sunday, therefore, found him wending his way toward the
+church. The day was bright and balmy, and the streets were thronged with
+pedestrians all bedecked in their Sunday attire, and apparently enjoying
+to the full their day of rest.
+
+Vinton reached the church, a magnificent structure, with its many spires
+glistening in the rays of the sun, and its chime of bells which were
+ringing out their harmonious cadences upon the air. He had been
+fortunate to find among his acquaintances a young man who also attended
+this church, and in his company he repaired to the sacred edifice, and
+joined in the services of the hour. When the last hymn had been sung and
+the congregation had been dismissed, Vinton and his companion hurried
+out to the sidewalk, where they could observe all who came out.
+
+Soon the doors were filled with little groups of men and women, all
+exchanging friendly greetings, and indulging in pleasant gossip before
+seeking their homes, and to the intense delight of Vinton, he noticed
+among a company of young ladies, the face and form of Mary Crilly, the
+pretty servant of the sister of Newton Edwards.
+
+Finding his gaze riveted upon this group, his companion lightly pulled
+him by the arm, exclaiming:
+
+"What's the matter, Vinton. Has Mary Crilly captivated your senses?"
+
+"I don't know who you allude to, but there is one of the prettiest girls
+I have seen for a long time."
+
+"I know who _you_ mean, though," said his companion laughingly, "and she
+is one of the nicest girls I know. Although she is simply a servant, she
+is both pretty, intelligent and industrious."
+
+"Do you know her?" asked Vinton, both delighted and surprised.
+
+"Certainly I do," answered his companion; "her name is Mary Crilly, and
+she is living with a family on Logan Place."
+
+"Can't you introduce me?" inquired Vinton anxiously.
+
+"Yes, if you want me to; that's my sister she is talking to now, they
+are fast friends, and Mary will probably spend the evening at our house.
+Come along, and perhaps you will lose your heart."
+
+The apples had certainly fallen right into his lap, and fortune had
+favored him this time, if never before.
+
+Stepping up with his friend, Vinton was soon made acquainted with the
+pretty young domestic, and in a short time afterward was walking by her
+side in the direction of his friend's house, where Mary was to spend the
+afternoon and evening.
+
+Strange as it may appear, young Vinton, when not on duty, associated
+freely with his companions, not one of whom suspected the business in
+which he was engaged. They only knew that he was employed in an office
+"down town," and that frequently he was required to be absent from the
+city for weeks. In a large city, however, there is not the same
+inclination to inquire about the private affairs of one's neighbors, and
+hence he had been able, for prudential reasons, to avoid announcing his
+real occupation, and was not compelled to make a social hermit of
+himself because of his profession.
+
+Being pressed to remain at the house of his friend, Vinton cordially
+accepted the situation, and devoted himself to the fair Miss Crilly so
+assiduously that he soon was in high favor with that young lady. After
+an enjoyable afternoon, he had the pleasure of escorting Miss Crilly to
+her home, and when he left her at her door, he was gratified to receive
+an invitation to call again, which he joyfully accepted, and resolved to
+take advantage of at an early date.
+
+Thus far we had been successful; we had obtained a photograph of
+Edwards, which had been promptly recognized. We had learned from his
+wife that he was hiding in the state of New York; and we had reliable
+men carefully posted in such a manner that in a very short time definite
+information must assuredly be obtained.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Waiting and Watching--Two Letters--Newton Edwards' Hiding-Place
+Discovered.
+
+
+Harry Vinton continued his attentions to the fair young domestic, and in
+a few days he invited her to accompany him to the theater. Edwards'
+sister, Mrs. Andrews, was present when this invitation was extended, and
+having formed a very favorable opinion of my good-looking operative, she
+at once consented, and Mary blushingly signified her inclination to
+accept his escort. His deportment toward Mrs. Andrews was most
+deferential and polite, and in a very short time he had quite won her
+kindly regard. This, of course, was precisely what he was most desirous
+of accomplishing, and he improved every opportunity that offered to
+ingratiate himself into the good opinion of Mary's mistress. So
+agreeably and gentlemanly did he conduct himself that ere a week had
+elapsed he was quite graciously received, not only by the pretty young
+servant girl, but by the members of the family as well. Mrs. Andrews,
+who appeared to be a kind-hearted lady, although seemingly oppressed
+with some trouble, which was not made apparent, was deeply interested in
+Mary's welfare, and had taken especial pains to cultivate Vinton's
+acquaintance. This was done evidently with the view of satisfying
+herself as to the sincerity of his intentions toward the girl, and to
+advise with her in the event of her discovering that he was an unworthy
+suitor for her hand.
+
+Vinton lost no opportunity to advance his friendly footing in the
+family, and frequently offered his services to Mrs. Andrews in the way
+of performing trifling commissions for her, which he could execute while
+on his way to and from his daily labor.
+
+From Mary, Vinton learned that the family were in much distress
+regarding a brother of Mrs. Andrews, but what it was she could not tell.
+
+He also learned that this brother (who was none other than Newton
+Edwards), and his wife had resided with the family for some time, but
+that Mrs. Andrews was very unfriendly to the young woman, and scarcely
+treated her with the respect which was due to her brother's wife. The
+young lady was very unhappy, Mary said, and several times she had seen
+her weeping bitterly in her room. Thus matters continued until on one
+Saturday morning, but a short time previous to this, the brother came
+home intoxicated, and abused his wife in a dreadful manner, and after
+ordering her to return to her family, had left the house, and had not
+been seen since.
+
+"What has become of the young lady?" inquired Vinton, after he had
+expressed his sympathy for her unfortunate condition.
+
+"Oh, her brother came for her that very afternoon, and after expressing
+his mind pretty freely to Mrs. Andrews, he took her to his home,
+somewhere away from the city."
+
+"Did her husband go away, too?" asked Vinton.
+
+"Yes, he went about the same time, and has not been here since."
+
+"Do the people in the house know where he is?" inquired Vinton.
+
+"I don't think they do," answered the girl, "and they are very much
+worried about him. There was a letter came from some one the other day,
+and ever since that time Mrs. Andrews has been in great trouble. She
+does not tell me anything about it, but I think it is about her
+brother."
+
+"That's very strange, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, and what is more so," answered the girl, "for several days past
+there have been several men about the neighborhood who are strangers,
+and Mrs. Andrews is very much frightened about it. She is afraid to go
+out of the house, and seems almost afraid to move."
+
+"Does she think they have anything to do with her?" asked Vinton,
+surprisedly.
+
+"Oh, I don't know about that; but it is a very unusual thing to have
+strange men loitering about our neighborhood, and she feels very nervous
+about it."
+
+Vinton expressed his profound sympathy for the unfortunate family, and
+without hinting any suspicion that anything of a criminal nature had
+occurred, he parted from the young lady and returned to his home.
+
+A few evenings after this, Vinton again called upon Mary Crilly, and
+while he was conversing with her, Mrs. Andrews came into the room.
+
+"Mr. Vinton," said she, "before you go, I want to give you a couple of
+letters to post for me, if it is not too much trouble."
+
+"Certainly not," he replied, "anything I can do for you, Mrs. Andrews,
+will be cheerfully done by me, I assure you."
+
+"Thanks," said the lady, "I will have them ready before you leave, and
+would like to have them posted this evening."
+
+"I will attend to it, madam," said Vinton respectfully.
+
+After passing a pleasant hour with Mary, Mrs. Andrews returned, and
+handed Vinton two letters which he placed in his pocket without looking
+at the addresses, a proceeding which he noticed gave Mrs. Andrews some
+degree of pleasure. After a few moments' further talk he took his leave,
+and hastened to the agency. Here he was fortunate enough to find my son
+William, and he immediately produced the two letters and laid them upon
+the desk.
+
+"I don't know whether there is anything in these or not," said he, "but
+I thought I had better let you see them."
+
+William took up the two envelopes, and looked at their addresses. With a
+start of surprise, he read the superscriptions. One of them was
+addressed to "William Amos, McDonald, New York," and the other to
+"Newton Edwards, Denver, Colorado, care Windsor Hotel."
+
+Here was a dilemma! Could it be possible that Newton Edwards, knowing
+that the detectives were upon his track, would continue to use his own
+proper name, and have letters addressed to him in that open manner? This
+was certainly a most foolhardy thing for a sensible man to do, who was
+seeking to evade the officers of justice. Was it not more reasonable to
+think that Mrs. Andrews, taking alarm at the possibility of the actions
+of herself and family being watched, and being fully aware of the crime
+her brother had committed, would be advised to direct her letter to him
+under an assumed name?
+
+A glance at the inside of these neat little envelopes would have
+satisfied all doubts upon the question, but with a delicate regard for
+the privacy of individual correspondence, William would not have opened
+them for any consideration.
+
+"This is very clever," said he; "but I am afraid Mrs. Andrews is not
+quite sharp enough for us this time. However, we will sleep upon the
+matter, and see what will turn up by to-morrow."
+
+The next morning all doubts were set at rest. Mr. Warner, my son William
+and myself, were seated in my office discussing this question. We were
+unanimous in our opinion that the letter addressed to Newton Edwards was
+a decoy; and with Everman's information before us, that Edwards was
+hiding somewhere in New York state, which began with a "Mac," all of us
+were convinced that the second letter alone was deserving of serious
+attention.
+
+While we were thus debating the question, the mail brought us a report
+from William Everman at Woodford, that settled all doubts. Mrs. Edwards,
+he stated, had been seen to mail a letter that evening, and after a
+serious effort, Everman had obtained a glance at the address. It was as
+follows:
+
+     William Amos,
+         McDonald,
+             New York.
+
+"That settles it!" said I; "send at once to McDonald, and my word for
+it, Edwards will be found."
+
+Whether I prophesied true or not, will soon be seen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+The Burglar Tracked to His Lair--The Old Stage Driver--A Fishing
+Party--A Long Wait--A Sorrowful Surprise--The Arrest of Newton Edwards.
+
+
+Our plans were soon completed for a visit to the place indicated by the
+address upon the two letters. In the meantime, however, I had telegraphed
+to the police officials at Denver, and learned from them that no such
+person as Newton Edwards had been about that place, or was known there at
+all. They also promised that if any one called for a letter addressed to
+that name they would arrest him at once and inform us immediately.
+
+McDonald, I soon learned, was a little village in the central part of
+New York, remotely situated, and with no railroad or telegraph
+facilities of any kind. An excellent hiding-place for a fugitive
+certainly, particularly, as I suspected, if he had relatives residing
+there. Far away from the swift and powerful messengers of steam and
+electricity, he might safely repose in quiet seclusion until the
+excitement had died away and pursuit was abandoned. Such places as these
+afford a secure harbor for the stranded wrecks of humanity, and many a
+fleeing criminal has passed years of his life in quiet localities, where
+he was removed from the toil and bustle, and the prying eyes of the
+officers of the law in the more populous cities and towns.
+
+Two men were selected for this journey, and their preparations were soon
+made. That evening they were flying over the ground in the direction of
+the little hamlet, where they were hopeful of finding the man they were
+seeking.
+
+As an additional precaution, and fearing that Edwards might not remain
+in McDonald for any length of time, I telegraphed to my son, Robert A.
+Pinkerton, at New York city, to also repair, as soon as possible, to
+that place, and if Edwards was there to arrest him at once, and await
+the arrival of my operatives from Chicago.
+
+Immediately upon the receipt of this message, Robert left New York city
+by the earliest train, and without event, arrived at the station nearest
+to the village of McDonald, which he learned was about twelve miles
+distant. Here he was obliged to take a stage coach, and after a long,
+hot and fatiguing journey of several hours, he arrived about nightfall
+at the sleepy little village, which was his point of destination. By
+making inquiries of the stage-driver in a careless manner, and without
+exciting any suspicion, he learned that there was a constable at that
+place, and on arriving, he immediately sought out this important
+official. From him Robert learned that there was a strange young man
+stopping with an old farmer about two miles out of the village, who had
+been there several days, and who was represented as a nephew to the old
+gentleman. Upon showing him the photograph of Edwards, he recognized it
+at once, and signified his readiness to render any service in the
+matter which might be required of him. After disclosing as much as he
+deemed advisable to the constable, whose name was Daniel Bascom, Robert
+gladly accepted his hospitality for the night, and feeling very tired
+and weary after his hard journey, he retired to rest, and slept the
+sleep of the just, until he was awakened in the morning by his
+hospitable entertainer. Springing from his bed, and looking out at his
+window, he saw that the sun was just peeping over the hills in the east,
+and throwing its first faint rays over the beautiful landscape that was
+spread before him, lighting up hill and dale with the roseate but
+subdued splendor of its morning beams.
+
+After partaking of a hearty breakfast, Robert and the village constable
+matured their plans of operation. As a well-dressed city young gentleman
+might occasion some curiosity in the village, and as young Edwards might
+take alarm at the unexpected appearance of a stranger in that retired
+locality, it was decided to make some change in Robert's apparel. The
+constable therefore very kindly offered him a suit of his clothing,
+which as the two men were nearly of the same size, and the articles
+slightly worn, answered the purpose admirably, and in a few moments
+Robert was transformed into a good-looking countryman, who was enjoying
+a short holiday after the labors of harvesting, which were now over.
+
+In company with Mr. Bascom, the constable, Robert sauntered into the
+village. It was a beautiful morning; the air was delightfully fresh and
+cool, and the rays of the sun danced and glistened upon the dew-drops
+which sparkled upon every tree and flower. The feathered songsters
+filled the air with their sweet melodies, and nature with all its
+gladsome beauty was spread before him. Such a feeling of rest and
+thorough enjoyment came over him, that it was with an effort, he was
+able to shake off the pleasures of the hour, and bring himself to the
+disagreeable business in hand. After a short walk they approached the
+general store of the little village, which was the lounging-place of
+all the farmers for miles around. When they arrived they found a motley
+gathering assembled to witness the great event of the day in this town,
+the departure of the stage-coach, and Robert was speedily introduced as
+a relative of Mr. Bascom, who had came to McDonald to spend a few days.
+
+The mail coach was an important institution in McDonald, and was
+regarded as the great medium of communication between that place and the
+great world outside. Every morning at precisely the same hour the coach
+departed, and every evening with the same regard for punctuality the old
+time-worn vehicle rolled up before the platform in front of the store,
+to the intense delight and admiration of the assembled crowd.
+
+For nearly forty years had this identical old coach performed this
+journey, and the same old driver had drawn the reins and cracked his
+whip over the flanks--I was about to say, of the same old horses. This,
+however, could not have been so, although the sleepy-looking, antiquated
+animals that were now attached to the lumbering old yellow coach,
+looked as if they might have done duty for fully that length of time.
+
+Two young men were already seated in the stage, and their luggage was
+securely stowed away in the boot. The postmaster--the village
+storekeeper filled that responsible position--was busily engaged in
+making up the mail, and old Jerry, the fat good-natured old driver, was
+laughing and joking with the by-standers, as he awaited the hour for
+departure. As Robert stepped upon the platform he bestowed a hasty,
+though searching glance at the two men in the coach, and to his relief
+found that neither of them was the man he wanted, and he quietly stepped
+back and watched the proceedings that were going on around him.
+
+The postmaster appeared at last, mail-sack in hand, which he consigned
+to Jerry's care, and that burly individual clambered up to his place as
+gracefully as his big body and exceedingly short legs would permit.
+Seating himself upon his box, he gathered up his reins and shouted a
+good-natured farewell to the crowd. A quick and vigorous application of
+the whip awakened the dozing horses so suddenly that they started up
+with a spasmodic jerk which nearly threw the old fellow from his perch.
+By a desperate effort, however, he maintained his seat, but his
+broad-brimmed hat went flying from his bald head and rolled to the
+ground, scattering in its fall his snuff-box, spectacles and a monstrous
+red bandanna handkerchief. This little episode called forth a peal of
+laughter from the by-standers, in which the old man heartily joined.
+
+"Stick to 'em, Jerry!" cried one, "too much oats makes them animals
+frisky," while another hastened to pick up the several articles and
+restore them to their owner.
+
+Jerry wiped the great drops of perspiration from his bald, shining pate,
+as he replied:
+
+"Them hosses are a leetle too high fed, I'll admit, but I'll take some
+of the vinegar out of 'em afore night, or my name ain't Jerry Hobson."
+
+Everything being now in readiness, he again spoke to his steeds, and
+this time without mishap, the lumbering old vehicle rattled away on its
+journey. The little crowd gradually dispersed and soon left Robert and
+the constable alone with the store-keeper.
+
+"I didn't see old Ben Ratcliffe around this morning," said Mr. Bascom to
+John Todd, the store-keeper.
+
+"No," answered that individual; "he was here last evening, and said if
+the weather was fine he was going with his nephew over to the lake,
+fishing."
+
+"That accounts for it, then," said the constable; "I don't think he has
+ever missed a day for ten years before."
+
+"No, I don't think he has; but that young Mr. Amos, who is stopping here
+with him, is very fond of fishing, and the old man promised to take him
+over to Pine Lake this morning, so 'Uncle Ben' missed the mail for
+once."
+
+After a short conversation with the store-keeper upon general matters,
+the two men took their leave. It seemed very evident that as yet there
+was no suspicion on the part of Edwards, as to the discovery of his
+hiding-place, and here in fancied safety, surrounded by nature in all
+its beauty, with affectionate relatives, the young burglar was enjoying
+himself as heartily as though no cares were oppressing him, and no
+thought of detection ever troubled his mind.
+
+The uncle of young Edwards, it was learned, was a general favorite about
+the country. A good-natured, honest old farmer, who had lived there from
+boyhood, and was known to all the farmers and their families for miles
+around. Even in his old age, for he was long past sixty now, he
+cherished his old love for gunning and fishing, and held his own right
+manfully among those who were many years his junior.
+
+It was decided, as a matter of precaution, that they should call at the
+house of Uncle Ben, in order to ascertain whether he and his nephew had
+really gone fishing, and to that end the constable harnessed up his
+horses, and in a few minutes they were on their way to the old
+farm-house, which stood at the end of a long shady lane leading off from
+the main road.
+
+[Illustration: The Robbery of the Geneva Bank.]
+
+Driving up to the gate, the constable alighted and approached the house,
+while Robert remained seated in the buggy. In a few moments he returned,
+and stated that Mrs. Ratcliffe, the good farmer's wife, had informed him
+that her husband and nephew had gone off before daylight to a lake about
+five miles distant, and they would not return until late in the evening.
+
+It was deemed advisable not to attempt to follow them, as their
+appearance at the lake might give the young man alarm, and as they were
+not sure of any particular place to find them, they concluded to quietly
+await their return. They accordingly drove back to the village, and
+Robert returned to the constable's house to dinner. In the afternoon the
+two operatives whom I had sent from Chicago arrived, having been driven
+over by private conveyance. Without publicly acknowledging them, Robert
+gave them to understand that he would meet them at the house of the
+constable, and upon repairing thither they were duly informed of what
+had taken place, and instructed as to the plans proposed for that
+evening.
+
+Nothing of any note transpired during the afternoon, and after sundown
+the party started out upon their errand. Night soon came on, throwing
+its sable mantle over the earth, the sounds of the busy day were hushed,
+and all the world seemed wrapped in the tranquil stillness of a summer
+night. The stars, in countless numbers, were twinkling and sparkling in
+the blue heavens above, while the new moon, like a silver crescent, shed
+its soft light upon a scene of rare beauty and quiet loveliness.
+
+Arriving within a short distance of the old farmer's house, the horses
+and buggy were secreted in a little grove of trees that skirted the main
+road, and the men stationed themselves in convenient hiding-places along
+the lane, to await the return of the farmer and his nephew. From the
+appearance of the farm-house, it was evident that the fishing-party had
+not yet returned, and they settled themselves down to a patient, silent
+waiting, which, as the hours wore on, grew painfully tedious and
+tiresome. At last, long past midnight, and after they had begun to
+despair of accomplishing the object of their visit, they heard a faint
+noise, as though footsteps were approaching.
+
+"Hist!" cried Robert, "some one is coming."
+
+They listened intently, and gradually the noises grew louder and more
+distinct. As they came nearer the constable distinctly recognized the
+voice of the old farmer, who was evidently relating some humorous story
+to his companion, who was laughing heartily. The merry tones of this
+young man's laugh were as clear and ringing as though he had not a care
+in the world, and had not committed a crime against the laws of the
+state. No one, to have heard that hearty, melodious burst of merriment,
+would have supposed for an instant that it came from the lips of a
+fugitive from justice.
+
+They were now nearly opposite to the crouching figures by the roadside.
+The old farmer had evidently reached the climax of his story, for both
+of them broke out again into a fresh burst of violent laughter that
+awoke the echoes round about them.
+
+The laugh suddenly died away, the merriment ceased abruptly, as a dark
+form emerged from the roadside, and the muzzle of a revolver was placed
+close to the cheek of the young man, while Robert called out menacingly:
+
+"Newton Edwards, I want you!"
+
+With an exclamation of pain, the young man dropped his fishing-pole and
+the bucket of fish he was carrying, while a chill ran through his frame,
+and he shivered like an aspen in the grasp of the determined detective.
+
+The others had now come forward, and as soon as he could recover from
+his astonishment, the old farmer cried out:
+
+"What does this mean?"
+
+"It means," said Robert coolly, "that we have arrested your nephew for
+burglary, and that he must go with us."
+
+[Illustration: "Newton Edwards, I want you!"]
+
+The moon just then came peeping from behind a cloud, and fell upon the
+haggard face and wild eyes of the hapless prisoner, who until then had
+not uttered a word.
+
+"It is all a mistake, Uncle Ben," faltered he; "but there is no use of
+making a denial here; if the blow has fallen, I must meet it like a
+man."
+
+The old man, with tears in his honest old eyes, gazed for a moment at
+his miserable relative, and then, putting his sturdy old arms around
+him, he turned to the officers:
+
+"Gentlemen, I suppose it is your duty. I have no fault to find. If the
+boy has done wrong, he must suffer; but bring him to the house now, and
+in the morning you can go your way."
+
+His offer was accepted, and directing the constable to return to his own
+home with his carriage, the others walked slowly up the lane toward the
+house.
+
+But few words were spoken during the night. The old farmer and his wife
+retired to their room, and during the few hours that remained, their
+voices could be heard as they sorrowfully discussed the painful
+situation.
+
+Securing Edwards' effects, which consisted of a small portmanteau, they
+learned from the honest old farmer, whose word was as true as gold, that
+nothing else belonging to the young man was in the house. All attempts
+to induce the young man to speak were unavailing, and they finally let
+him alone, and during the long hours he maintained a dogged silence. The
+detectives patiently awaited the dawning of the morn. At last the
+eastern sky was tinged with red, and the faint beams of a new day came
+streaming in through the windows of the old-farm house; and then
+Edwards, after bidding a tearful adieu to his aged and stricken
+relatives, and accompanied by the officers, left the house and proceeded
+on his way to McDonald, to commence his journey to Chicago.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Newton Edwards brought back to Chicago--Attempt to Induce a
+Confession--A Visit to his Relatives--The Burglar Broken Down.
+
+
+It was in the gray dawn of the morning when the party arrived at the
+house of the constable, Daniel Bascom. Here breakfast was prepared, and
+after full justice had been done to a bountiful repast, an examination
+of the effects of Newton Edwards was commenced. Ever since his arrest
+the young man had maintained a rigid silence, not deigning to notice the
+detectives in any manner whatever. He partook of his breakfast in a
+dazed, dreamy fashion, scarcely eating anything, and pushing back his
+plate as though unable to force himself to partake of food. In his
+satchel was discovered a roll of bank-bills, which on being counted was
+found to contain a trifle over three thousand five hundred dollars.
+
+Edwards gazed at this money with a greedy, frightened look, like a wild
+beast at bay, but did not utter a word, as Robert placed it in a large
+envelope and secured it about his person.
+
+"Will you be kind enough to inform me," said Robert, when this was
+completed, "how you come to have so much money about you?"
+
+After a moment's hesitation, Edwards replied, doggedly:
+
+"Yes, sir, I will. It is the proceeds of the sale of some property that
+I owned in the west."
+
+"Very well," replied Robert, finding it useless, at present, to attempt
+to induce him to tell the truth. "You will have ample opportunity to
+satisfy a court and jury upon that point in a very short time."
+
+Nothing farther was said to him until the time arrived for departing,
+and then the party, with their prisoner, walked into the village in
+order to take the stage for the railroad station at Birmingham.
+
+Before leaving Mr. Bascom's, however, Robert handsomely remunerated the
+energetic constable for his valuable assistance, and after thanking him
+warmly for his active and cordial aid in our behalf, requested his
+company to the village.
+
+As they approached the store, where the stage-coach was in waiting, they
+found an unusual crowd awaiting their appearance. The news of the
+robbery and arrest had by some means become known, and the eager faces
+of nearly three score of curiosity-seekers greeted them upon their
+arrival.
+
+Old Jerry himself seemed to be impressed with an idea of additional
+importance, as though he was about to be called upon to perform a noble
+service of great responsibility to his country, in assisting to convey
+such a distinguished company in his old coach. The farmers gathered in
+little groups about the platform, and conversed in low tones, as they
+furtively regarded with sentiments almost approaching a respectful awe,
+the unwonted presence of the detectives and their charge. There was an
+utter absence of the boisterous hilarity which had been manifested on
+the preceding morning, and one might have thought that they had
+assembled for the purpose of officiating at a funeral, so thoroughly
+subdued and solemn did they all appear.
+
+The journey to the railway station was made in due time, and without
+accident, and the party were speeding on their way to Chicago. Robert
+forbore to press the young man any further, and let him severely alone
+during the entire day. During the night they all retired to their
+sleeping berths, Edwards being securely handcuffed to one of my men, and
+occupying the same berth with him.
+
+In the morning, Robert noticed a slight change in the demeanor of
+Edwards, and thought he detected a disposition to converse. He did not
+encourage him, however, preferring by all means that the advances should
+be made by the young man himself. Nor did he have long to wait. They
+procured their breakfast in the dining car, and after the meal was
+concluded, Robert, without uttering a word, handed Edwards a cigar,
+which he very gratefully accepted. After sitting quietly smoking for a
+few moments, he turned to Robert and asked: "Mr. Pinkerton, how did you
+discover that I was in McDonald?"
+
+"In the same manner in which we have discovered many other things in
+connection with this robbery," replied Robert. "I may say, however, that
+the man we came for was William R. Amos; do you know anything about such
+a person?"
+
+As Robert spoke he gazed scrutinizingly at the face before him, and
+Edwards winced perceptibly under his glance.
+
+"I can explain that all right," he at length replied, with considerable
+embarrassment. "I got into some trouble at home with a young lady, and
+thought it best to leave town for a short time."
+
+"Edwards," said Robert sternly, "falsehood and impudence will not help
+you in this case, and I wish to hear no more. I have only to say that we
+have evidence enough against you to insure a conviction, and your only
+hope lies in making your sentence as light as possible."
+
+"How so?" he asked.
+
+"By telling all you know about this matter. One of your accomplices, we
+have got dead to rights, and if you won't tell perhaps he will."
+
+"Who have you got?" inquired Edwards, anxiously.
+
+"That I cannot tell you now; our business is with you for the present. I
+want you to consider this matter carefully. You are a young man yet, and
+though you have thrown away golden opportunities in the past, you have
+yet an opportunity to reform your ways, and by assisting the officers of
+justice in recovering the money which you and your companions have
+stolen, and in arresting the rest of your associates, you may receive
+the clemency of the court, and perhaps benefit yourself materially."
+
+Edwards was silent for a long time after this, and it was evident that
+he was seriously considering the matter. The words of the detective had
+made an impression upon him, but with the craftiness of an old offender,
+he was debating a plan by which he might turn his admissions into
+account for himself. At length he turned to Robert and asked:
+
+"Will I be able to escape if I tell what I know?"
+
+"I cannot promise that. But you are aware that the giving of information
+which leads to the capture of your associates and the recovery of the
+balance of this money, will work to your advantage very decidedly in the
+mind of the judge."
+
+"Very well," said Edwards, with a dogged sullenness, "your advice is
+very good, but I have no confession to make."
+
+"Take your own course," said Robert, carelessly. "My advice was for your
+own good, and as you don't seem willing to accept it, I have nothing
+more to say."
+
+Although he had not accomplished very much as yet, Robert was still
+hopeful of inducing Edwards to unburden himself; but he resolved to
+attempt nothing further with him until they arrived in Chicago, where he
+could be managed more successfully by those who were more fully
+conversant with the facts in the case. He well knew that we already
+possessed testimony amply sufficient to convict Edwards of participating
+in the robbery, but what we most desired was to obtain information
+concerning his partners in the deed. However, he decided to allow him
+ample time for reflection and said no more to him upon the subject until
+they reached Chicago, when he was at once conducted to the agency.
+
+A consultation was immediately held in order to devise the best means to
+be pursued to induce Edwards to reveal who his partners really were.
+William at once resolved upon a plan which he was hopeful would lead to
+good and immediate results. Calling a carriage, he directed the driver
+to take him to the residence of Edwards' sister, Mrs. Andrews, on Logan
+Place. On arriving at the house, he found that lady and her daughter at
+home, and he was immediately ushered into the parlor by the pretty
+servant, Mary Crilly. Without unnecessary preliminary, William informed
+the lady that we had succeeded in arresting Edwards for the robbery of
+the Geneva Bank, and that he was now in custody. He also stated that
+from information which he had obtained, he was led to believe that his
+family were perfectly aware of his actions in this matter, if indeed
+they had not aided him in accomplishing it.
+
+At this point both mother and daughter burst into tears and sobbingly
+denied any knowledge of Edwards' crime until after he had committed it,
+and then they could not act as his accusers. Mrs. Andrews finally urged
+him to visit Edwards' brother, who resided on Freeman street, and hinted
+that he could tell something about the matter, although she asserted he
+took no part in it, and knew nothing about it until it had been
+completed.
+
+Taking it for granted that they had told him all they knew about the
+robbery, William next hurried to the place of business of Edwards'
+brother, whom he was fortunate enough to find in his office, and
+disengaged. He at once stated who he was, and what he wanted to know.
+Mr. Edwards was at first disposed to deny all knowledge of the matter,
+but on William's informing him of his brother's arrest, and hinting that
+he had made a partial confession, he changed his mind and became quite
+communicative.
+
+The brother then stated that for years he had been troubled with
+Newton's bad habits and extravagances, although he had never known him
+to commit a crime until the robbery of the bank at Geneva. He remembered
+hearing his brother boast once when he was intoxicated, that he could
+get plenty of money without work; but as Newton gambled a great deal, he
+imagined that he had alluded to that means of obtaining his money.
+
+"Well," said William abruptly, "I want to know what you know about this
+robbery."
+
+"I will tell you all I know," answered Mr. Edwards. "Some three or four
+weeks before I heard of this robbery, Newton was at my house, and was
+intoxicated. He boasted in his maudlin way that he had an opportunity to
+rob a bank, and that the cashier was a party to the affair; but I
+attributed all this to the wild utterances of a drunken man, and paid no
+further attention to it. On the Saturday night before the robbery took
+place, however, he came to my house during my absence, and had a
+companion with him, for whom he made a bed upon my parlor floor. In the
+morning they went away, and I have not seen him since. My wife informed
+me afterward that Newton, who was drunk at the time, had told her that
+the man with him was the one that was to help him to rob the bank, and
+that she had then ordered both of them out of the house. I did not at
+any time know where the bank was located, nor did I ever seriously
+entertain the idea of his attempting anything of the kind; but when I
+heard of the robbery of the Geneva bank, I at once suspected my brother,
+and although humiliated deeply at the thought, I could not take any step
+that would tend to bring disgrace and ruin upon my own family."
+
+Without entering into the question of family honor, William inquired:
+
+"Do you know the man who was with him at your house, and who was to
+assist in this robbery?"
+
+"No," answered Mr. Edwards. "I never heard his name, and all that I ever
+knew of him was that he came from Denver, Colorado."
+
+"Can you describe him?" asked William.
+
+"Yes, I think I can," said Mr. Edwards, and he then gave a description
+of the man, which agreed perfectly with that of Edwards' companion on
+the day of the robbery.
+
+Having now obtained all the information that was possible to be gained
+from this source, William returned to the agency, and entered the room
+where Edwards was confined. He found the young man sitting with his
+face buried in his hands and evidently in sore distress.
+
+"Mr. Edwards," said William in his quick, imperious manner, "I have just
+had an interview with your brother and sister, who have told me all they
+know about this matter. You will readily see what little hope there is
+left for you if you persist in keeping from us the information which we
+desire. Whether you confess or not will make but little difference to us
+now, as sooner or later your associates will be caught, and your refusal
+to help us will only make it the harder for you. If you don't confess,
+Eugene Pearson will."
+
+As William uttered this last sentence Edwards started to his feet, and
+exclaimed:
+
+"My God, you know more than I thought! I will tell what I know."
+
+At last we had succeeded in breaking him down, and there was a gleam of
+satisfaction in William's eyes as he requested the presence of Mr.
+Warner and my son Robert, while the story was being told.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+The Confession of Newton Edwards--The foul Plot fully Explained--Eugene
+Pearson's Guilt clearly Proven--A Story of Temptation and Crime.
+
+
+The confession of Newton Edwards revealed a history of undiscovered
+crime that had been carried on for years. Beginning at first in wild and
+extravagant conduct, which consumed the liberal salary which he
+received, and then led to the incurring of debts which became pressing
+and impossible of payment by legitimate means; then followed a thirst
+for gambling, in which large returns were promised for small
+investments, and failing in this, came the temptation to crime and his
+consequent ruin.
+
+How certain it is, that once the downward step is taken, the rest
+follows swiftly and inevitably, and ruin and disgrace tread swiftly and
+surely upon the heels of folly and crime. Newton Edwards began life
+under the brightest aspects. Of respectable parentage, he had enjoyed
+the benefits of a liberal education, and his first essay in business had
+been both fortunate and profitable. Beloved by his family, and admired
+by a numerous circle of friends, he deliberately gave himself up to a
+life of excess and dissipation, and the end was soon to be a dark and
+gloomy prison.
+
+I will, however, leave him to tell his own story, and the moral of it is
+so plain that he who runs may read. We were all seated around the fallen
+young man awaiting his recital, and after a few moments of hesitation
+and embarrassment he began:
+
+"I will tell you all there is to relate, and in order that you may fully
+understand my present situation, I will commence with the first
+temptations, which finally led to the commission of this crime."
+
+"Yes," said William, encouragingly, "tell us all."
+
+"The robbery of the Geneva bank was planned more than six months ago,"
+continued Edwards, "but its real origin dates back more than a year. At
+that time I was traveling for a large house in the city, and was
+receiving a liberal salary. I had a large trade, and my employers were
+very generous with me. I cannot tell you how I drifted into habits of
+dissipation, but it was not very long before I found it a very easy
+matter to dispose of my salary almost as soon as received, and was
+forced to borrow money of my friends to enable me to maintain myself at
+all. From that I was tempted to gamble, and being fortunate at the
+outset, I soon found, as I imagined, an easy way to make money without
+serious labor; but I speedily discovered that my first success was
+doomed to be of short life, and I began to lose more money than I had
+ever won. It was after one of my losing experiences at the gaming-table,
+and when I was hard pressed for money to meet my immediate wants, that I
+visited Geneva, for the purpose of selling goods to some of my
+customers in that place. At that time I made the acquaintance of a young
+man by the name of Horace Johnson, who was a practicing dentist of that
+town. Like myself, he was a wild and reckless fellow, given to
+dissipation and drink, and who, like myself, had been able to conceal
+the fact from his family and their friends. Johnson's prevailing vice
+was an uncontrollable passion for gambling, and he had been addicted to
+this practice for a long time. I afterward understood that he had
+acquired this habit while attending a dental college in St. Louis, where
+he had become quite an expert in the handling of cards, and was well
+posted in the tricks so frequently resorted to by gamblers to fleece
+their unsuspecting victims. When he returned from college and
+established his business in his native town, he became the leader of a
+set of fast young men, and his office was the nightly resort of his
+associates, where they played and gambled frequently, until the morning
+hours drove them to their homes.
+
+"As I have said, I met Johnson at this time, and on my succeeding visit
+I was introduced by him to Eugene Pearson, the assistant cashier of the
+bank. That evening we spent together at Johnson's office in drinking and
+card-playing. Johnson stated that there was an excellent opportunity to
+make money offered, if we were disposed to accept it. I asked him what
+it was, and he stated that there were quite a number of well-to-do
+merchants in the town who were in the habit of meeting in a room which
+they had furnished for the purpose, and where they played cards for
+small amounts and for amusement.
+
+"Johnson stated that we could readily make their acquaintance, and once
+introduced into their games, it would be an easy matter to induce them
+to play heavily, and then, from his knowledge of gamblers' tricks, we
+could win their money in spite of them. We all agreed to this, although
+Pearson declined to become an active player, because of his position in
+the bank.
+
+"On the next visit I made to Geneva, I remained over Sunday, and being
+taken to the club, we managed to win several hundred dollars before
+morning. This continued for some time, and always with the same success,
+and as a consequence I became more reckless in my expenditure of money
+than ever before, because I knew of a sure plan to replenish my pockets,
+when they were empty. Shortly after this, I received a letter from
+Johnson requesting me to come to Geneva as soon as possible, as he and
+Pearson had devised another scheme to raise money and wanted my
+assistance. Being hard pressed at that time, I responded as soon as I
+could, and in a few days found myself in Geneva, where I was heartily
+welcomed by both Johnson and Pearson. After supper we met in Johnson's
+office as usual, and then the plan was made known to me. At first I was
+startled by the daring proposition, which was nothing more or less than
+to rob Pearson's bank by means of forged checks. The checks, which had
+been already prepared by Pearson, were exhibited to me, and I was
+surprised at the cleverness of the forgery. It looked easy and safe, and
+I consented. The person selected as the victim was a rich farmer by the
+name of Henery Sharpless, whose accounts were only settled about twice a
+year, and consequently detection was not likely to follow very soon.
+After carefully comparing the forged checks with an old one that was
+genuine, I no longer hesitated and signified my readiness to try the
+experiment.
+
+"On the following day, therefore, I went to Johnson's office, and there
+put on a hickory shirt, a pair of coarse boots and pantaloons, and in a
+few minutes I was transformed into a veritable countryman. Johnson
+colored my face and hands with some preparation which made me appear
+like a tanned and sunburnt farmer, and thus equipped, I started for the
+bank. I was provided with two checks for three hundred dollars each, one
+of which was to be presented to the Geneva bank, when, if I experienced
+no trouble, I was to present the other at the Union National Bank, where
+also Mr. Sharpless kept an account. I had no difficulty whatever in
+obtaining the money, and after dividing it among the other two, I left
+town on the first train. I received two hundred dollars for my share,
+and the forgeries were not discovered until a long time had elapsed, and
+when it was almost impossible to obtain any information concerning them.
+To this day I don't believe that any of the officers of the two banks
+have the slightest idea as to how the thing was done. Soon after this
+forgery, Johnson left Geneva and located at St. Louis, where he still
+resides. Emboldened by the success of this first venture, Eugene
+Pearson, who was really the master-spirit in these later efforts, boldly
+proposed to rob the bank in which he was engaged, but this was something
+too audacious to be considered for a moment. At length, by dint of
+repeated suggestions, Johnson and myself began to give some
+consideration to the matter, and upon Pearson's assuring us of the
+perfect ease with which the robbery might be accomplished, we at last
+began to discuss various plans by which the bank might be robbed.
+Several ideas and propositions were discussed, but either through fear
+or some other consideration, they all fell through.
+
+"At last we decided upon the plan which was finally carried out. Johnson
+and myself were to come to Geneva disguised as much as possible, and
+after the business of the day was over, and the other officers had gone
+home, Pearson was to give us the signal that the coast was clear. We
+were then to enter the bank, the doors of which would be left open, and
+after securing the young lady and Pearson, we were to rob the vault and
+place them within it. In order that they might not suffer from their
+confinement, Pearson was to start the screws in the lock, so that there
+would be no difficulty in opening the vault, after giving us time to
+make good our escape. It was understood that there was about twenty
+thousand dollars in the vault, in gold, silver and notes, and Pearson
+was to take his share out in advance and hide it, so that no danger
+should be incurred in the attempt to divide it afterward. As the time
+approached for carrying this plan into effect, Johnson began to show
+signs of weakening, and finally declined to have anything to do with it,
+although he promised to make no disclosures regarding our movements, and
+to keep our secret inviolate. After Johnson's backing out we did not
+know what to do, and were just about abandoning the whole thing, when I
+came across an old traveling friend of mine in Chicago, who had been on
+a protracted spree, and who was without money and friends, in a strange
+city, and who came to me to borrow enough to get him home to Denver. The
+idea at once occurred to me to induce him to join us and in this I was
+successful, for he was in a desperate state, and anything that promised
+to furnish him with money would have been greedily accepted at that
+time. Even after this, however, I don't believe that either of us would
+have had the courage to carry out the scheme, if we had not continued
+our drinking, and I don't believe I was sober a single moment until
+after we had accomplished our object and the robbery was committed. How
+it was done, you all know, and it is not necessary for me to detail the
+particulars of an event which will overcast my whole life."
+
+As he ceased speaking, Edwards buried his face in his hands, and wept
+aloud.
+
+"Who was this man whom you procured to help you?" inquired William.
+
+Edwards hesitated for some time, as though he was loth to divulge the
+name of his companion, but finally he said:
+
+"His name is Thomas Duncan, and he was in the clothing business, in
+Denver, Colorado."
+
+"Now tell us how much money you took from the bank, and how it was
+divided?" asked Mr. Warner.
+
+"There is something about that that I cannot understand," replied
+Edwards. "From what Pearson told me, there must have been more than
+twenty thousand dollars in the vault, twelve thousand of which was in
+gold. The agreement was that Duncan, Pearson and myself were to have six
+thousand dollars apiece, and the balance was to be paid to Johnson for
+his silence. Pearson took his share out on the Saturday before the
+robbery, and when Duncan and I came to divide the money, we found that
+we were five thousand dollars short. There is only one solution I have
+to give for this, and that is that Pearson did not act fair with us, and
+took five thousand dollars in gold more than he was to have done."
+
+"Where did you and Duncan separate after the robbery?" asked William.
+
+"At Clinton, Iowa," was the reply. "Duncan went on toward Des Moines,
+while I made my way east, where I remained until you found me."
+
+Upon being questioned further, Edwards stated that when he met Duncan,
+he had a room in the lower part of the city, with a very respectable
+lady, who rented furnished apartments, and that when he left the city,
+having no money, he left his trunk and baggage in his room until he
+could settle for his rent.
+
+This was all that could be gained from Edwards at this time, and it
+must be confessed was most important. Pearson's guilt was fully proven,
+and we had a strong clew as to the identity of the third man in the
+robbery. It is true that he had more than a month the start of us, but
+we did not despair of finding him at last. In the meantime, much was to
+be speedily done. Edwards must be conveyed to Geneva at once, Johnson
+must be arrested at St. Louis, and we must pay our respects to Eugene
+Pearson as soon as possible. We must also start immediately upon the
+track of Thomas Duncan, and endeavor to trace him to his hiding-place.
+Everything was therefore made ready for the departure of Edwards, who
+was consigned to the care of two trusty operatives until evening, when
+they would take him to Geneva; and William forwarded a telegraphic
+message to Mr. Silby, at Geneva, to this effect:
+
+     "WATCH THAT PACKAGE."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Edwards Taken to Geneva--The Arrest of Eugene Pearson--His
+Confession--More Money Recovered--Dr. Johnson Arrested.
+
+
+As may be imagined, our detective labors were now but fairly commenced.
+We had, it is true, succeeded in capturing one of the active
+participants in the robbery, and in securing nearly four thousand
+dollars of the money that had been taken. We had also obtained
+information which would enable us to arrest two more of the parties who
+were connected with the affair, and perhaps secure an additional sum of
+money. The information which Edwards had given, however, was of vast
+importance to us, and enabled us to pursue our further search with a
+more intelligent knowledge of the parties interested, and with a more
+reasonable hope of eventual success.
+
+Our suspicions regarding Eugene Pearson had been fully sustained, and
+while it was a source of regret to us that we would thus prove beyond
+question the deep guilt of a trusted and respected employe of the bank,
+and would be compelled to shatter the false foundations of an honorable
+name, our duty in the premises was clear. Indeed, I have no hesitation
+in asserting that of all the parties connected with this burglary I had
+far less regard or sympathy with this deceitful and base-minded young
+scamp than for any of the others. If Edwards' story was reliable, Eugene
+Pearson was the arch conspirator of the entire affair, and no possible
+excuse could be offered for his dastardly conduct. His position in the
+bank was a lucrative one, and his standing in society of the highest.
+His family connections were of the most honorable character, while the
+affection of his employers for him, would certainly have appealed to his
+sense of honor, if he possessed any, so strongly that guilt ought to
+have been impossible. For Eugene Pearson there was no consideration of
+regard in my mind. He had deliberately, and without the slightest cause,
+violated the most sacred pledges of affection and duty, and had proven
+recreant to trusts, the very nature of which should have prevented a
+thought of wrong-doing. He was not dissipated. He did not drink to
+excess, and his part in the gambling operations of his friends had
+always resulted profitably to himself. He was a regular attendant at
+church, conducted himself in the face of all men as one incapable of
+wrong, and against whom no taint of suspicion could possibly attach. A
+veritable "wolf in sheep's clothing" was this dishonest man, and as such
+I felt that he richly deserved the fate that was so soon to overtake
+him. The day of his hypocrisy and dishonesty was soon to set, to be
+followed by a long night of ignominy and disgrace which is the
+inevitable result of such a course of crime as he had been guilty of. I
+cannot find words to express the detestation in which I regarded this
+smooth-faced liar and thief, who had outraged all the finer attributes
+of manhood, and, like the ungrateful dog, had bitten the hand that fed
+him.
+
+Before taking Edwards to Geneva, it was necessary to make some
+investigations with regard to Thomas Duncan, who as yet had completely
+eluded our search, and whose correct identity had until this time, been
+entirely unknown to us. William resolved, therefore, to improve the time
+remaining until evening, in making an investigation of the premises
+previously occupied by Duncan while he was in the city.
+
+Having obtained the exact location of this house, William and Robert
+repaired thither at once. They found it, as represented, a quiet,
+respectable house, and located in a neighborhood of unexceptionable
+reputation. Upon being admitted, they requested to see the lady of the
+house, who was a quiet, modest-looking widow lady of about fifty years
+of age. William introduced his brother as a Mr. Staunton, lately of
+Boston, who was desirous of obtaining a pleasant room in that locality,
+and who could furnish undoubted references as to respectability and
+promptness. They were shown several unoccupied rooms, and finally
+entered the one which had probably been occupied by Edwards' companion
+in the robbery, for here were two trunks packed and strapped, and
+apparently ready to be taken away.
+
+"This room," said the lady, as the two gentlemen noticed the trunks,
+"has been occupied by a gentleman who has left the city. These are his
+trunks, and he has ordered them to be sent to him."
+
+William had already approached near enough to notice that the lettering
+upon the trunks was "T. J. Duncan, Des Moines, Iowa," and he was
+convinced that thus far Edwards' revelations had been correct.
+
+"I once knew a man by that name," remarked William, carelessly. "He
+traveled in the west for a clothing firm in Philadelphia."
+
+"Oh!" said the lady, "this gentleman, I think, was in the same
+business, and perhaps he may be the one you knew?"
+
+"I would not be at all surprised," replied William. "Where is Mr. Duncan
+now, do you know?"
+
+"No," answered the lady, "nothing further than that he has ordered his
+baggage sent to Des Moines, Iowa."
+
+Finding that thus far Edwards had spoken truthfully, and that no further
+information could be elicited from this source, Robert promised to call
+again, and the two men withdrew.
+
+At the next corner they found two operatives, who had been directed to
+await their appearance, and William, after describing Duncan's trunks to
+them, ordered them to keep a sharp lookout for their removal, and to
+endeavor to follow them to their destination.
+
+This done, they returned to the agency and completed their arrangements
+for taking Edwards to Geneva that evening. Operative Everman, who had
+returned from Woodford, was directed to proceed at once to St. Louis,
+and effect the arrest of Dr. Johnson, the dentist, on a charge of
+forgery, and to convey him to Geneva as soon as possible.
+
+It may be stated in passing, that until the confession of Edwards was
+made, I had no knowledge whatever of the forged checks which he
+mentioned, and the bank had made no efforts to discover the perpetrators
+of that fraud, which had now so unexpectedly been brought to light.
+
+We had been very careful to keep the fact of Edwards' arrest a profound
+secret, and as yet, the officers of the bank and the peaceful community
+at Geneva were in entire ignorance of what had taken place. William had
+telegraphed to Mr. Silby, stating that he would be in Geneva that night,
+and requesting him to meet him at the train. About midnight, therefore,
+when they arrived with their charge, there was no excitement or bustle
+about the place, and even the wakeful and observant railroad men were
+unsuspicious of the arrival of one of the robbers. A carriage was
+procured and the party were rapidly driven to the city hall, where, to
+the surprise of the officials, Edwards was placed in confinement,
+charged with being a participant in the robbery of the Geneva bank.
+Fearing that the information would leak out before morning, and that
+Eugene Pearson would take fright and endeavor to dispose of his share of
+the proceeds, it was deemed advisable to go at once to his residence and
+arrest him.
+
+This was done as speedily and quietly as possible, and before the young
+man was aware of the danger he was in, he was our prisoner. I will not
+attempt to depict the grief and anger of the family of this unfortunate
+young man when the object of our visit was made known; but their
+resentment of our action was just what might have been expected from
+people who believed implicitly in the innocence of their child, and
+regarded any attempt to deprive him of his liberty as an unpardonable
+outrage.
+
+As respectfully, but as firmly as possible William stated his
+determination to arrest the young man, and informed them that every
+opportunity would be afforded him to defend himself, and to remove the
+stain upon his character when the proper time arrived.
+
+Eugene Pearson, the culprit, was the least disturbed of the party. His
+coolness was imperturbable. He flatly denied all knowledge of the
+robbery, and in the strongest terms, assured his weeping and
+grief-stricken relatives of his innocence.
+
+The arrest, however, was quietly accomplished, and Pearson was soon
+confined beneath the same roof which sheltered his associate in crime,
+Newton Edwards.
+
+Early the next morning the town was alive with people and the greatest
+excitement prevailed. The news of Eugene Pearson's arrest had spread far
+and wide, and a universal sentiment of indignation pervaded the whole
+community. Angry men gathered at the corners of the street, and threats
+of vengeance against the officers of my agency were loudly uttered. A
+lawless outrage had been committed by us, and the righteous indignation
+of an injured community refused to be appeased. The hotel where my men
+were stopping was besieged by the angry citizens, and our actions were
+denounced in the most belligerent manner. Eugene Pearson, in their
+opinion, was above suspicion; he was their ideal of a moral young man,
+his father was respected everywhere, and the base and unwarranted
+invasion of their home by my officers was an indignity which they were
+resolved they would not allow to pass unpunished. As the morning
+advanced the excitement increased, and several of the boldest of the
+angry citizens approached William, and in no complimentary terms
+expressed their contempt, not only for him individually, but for the
+methods which had been used to ferret out and apprehend men who were
+innocent of any wrong.
+
+Under ordinary circumstances William would have resented these insults,
+and that too in a manner that would have convinced them that he was
+fully able to defend himself; but realizing the importance of coolness
+and discretion at this critical juncture, he preserved his good humor,
+and securing their attention for a few moments, he requested them not to
+be too hasty in their actions. If Eugene Pearson was innocent, he
+stated, no serious harm had been done the young man; and if he was
+guilty, as he could prove in a short time, they would deeply regret the
+course they were now threatening to pursue.
+
+[Illustration: William requested them not to be too hasty in their
+actions.]
+
+In the meantime he had not been idle in his attempts upon the stoical
+firmness of Eugene Pearson himself, and at length the young burglar was
+broken completely down; he confessed his guilt, and promised to conduct
+the officers to the spot where he had hidden his share of the booty. In
+company therefore with two of the officers, he repaired to the barn in
+the rear of his father's house, and buried in the ground in the yard,
+they found a sack of coin amounting to the sum of six thousand dollars.
+
+[Illustration: Here they found a sack of coin amounting to the sum of
+six thousand dollars.]
+
+So far, so good. We had now captured two of the robbers, and had secured
+nearly one-half of the stolen money of the bank.
+
+It is needless to say that immediately following the confession of
+Eugene Pearson and the finding of the money he had stolen, the opinions
+of the previously enraged citizens underwent a decided change. If
+William had desired any evidence of the overwhelming triumph which he
+had achieved, the deportment of these disappointed men toward him would
+have fully satisfied him. No longer regarded as a ruthless invader of
+the privacy of honest homes, and guilty of outraging the finer feelings
+of humanity, he was everywhere received with the utmost respect and
+deference, and many apologies were offered for their inconsiderate
+conduct of a few hours before. And yet it must be recorded, that with
+this indisputable evidence of Eugene Pearson's guilty participation in
+the robbery, there yet remained many, who, unable to refute the damning
+proofs against him, were filled with a sympathetic sentiment of
+regard for their fallen idol, and their prevailing feelings were those
+of sorrow and regret.
+
+The majority of them, however, came up by scores, frankly acknowledged
+their mistake, and freely apologized for their actions, which under the
+circumstances, were shown to be so hasty and ill-timed.
+
+In a day or two after this, Dr. Johnson made his appearance, under the
+escort of William Everman; and the delectable trio were placed in
+separate cells to prevent any collusion between them prior to their
+examination.
+
+Johnson's arrest had been very easy of accomplishment. He was entirely
+unaware of what had transpired with the other two, and having had no
+active participation in the robbery, had imagined himself perfectly
+secure and had taken no means of escape.
+
+Everman, on his arrival at St. Louis, had, in accordance with my
+instructions, obtained the assistance of the chief of police of that
+city, who very cheerfully and cordially volunteered all the aid in his
+power. Two men were therefore detailed to accompany Everman in
+searching for Dr. Johnson, and it was nearly midnight before they
+succeeded in ascertaining definitely where he lived. Shortly after that
+hour, however, the detectives ascended the stoop of the doctor's
+residence and requested to see him. He appeared in a few minutes, and as
+he stood in the doorway, Everman quickly placed his hand upon his
+shoulder, and informed him that he was wanted at police headquarters.
+The doctor turned pale at this announcement, and requested an
+explanation of such an unusual proceeding; but Everman informed him that
+all explanations would be made in due time, and at the proper place.
+Trembling in every joint, the discomfited doctor obeyed, and in a few
+minutes was conveyed to the office of the chief, where he was closely
+examined, but refused to divulge anything in connection with the robbery
+of the Geneva bank, and asserted boldly his entire innocence of the
+charge. Despite his pleadings for delay he was brought to Geneva upon
+the next train, and in a short time three of the guilty parties were
+safely in custody.
+
+[Illustration: Everman quietly placed his hand upon the young man's
+shoulder, and informed him that he was wanted at police
+headquarters.]
+
+Our work had thus far been prompt and successful. We had captured the
+leaders of this gang, and had recovered nearly half of the stolen money.
+Much more, however, remained to be accomplished, and we determined that
+our efforts should not be relinquished until Duncan, the remaining
+member of this burglarious band, had been secured, and some clew to the
+remainder of the money had been obtained.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Proceedings at Geneva--Speculations as to the Missing Five Thousand
+Dollars--John Manning Starts in Search of Thomas Duncan.
+
+
+The days which followed the arrest of the three young bank robbers were
+eventful ones in the history of Geneva. The three youthful offenders,
+now downcast and humiliated, were afforded a speedy hearing, and when
+the facts already adduced by us had been received, they were remanded to
+jail for trial at the next term of court.
+
+It is needless to say that the good citizens of the little town were
+shocked beyond expression at the unexpected results of our
+investigation. Both Pearson and Johnson had grown to manhood in their
+midst, and until this time no taint of suspicion had ever been urged
+against them. No thought of wrong-doing had ever attached to them, and
+no shadow had dimmed the luster of their fair fame. Now all was changed,
+and the irreproachable reputations of days gone by were shattered.
+Debased and self-convicted, they stood before the bar of justice, to
+answer for their crimes. Instead of being the objects of admiration,
+they were now receiving the well-merited scorn of those who had been
+their friends and neighbors. Scarcely past their majorities, and just
+stepping over the threshold of life, the future bright with promises and
+fruitful of golden experiences, they had recklessly thrown all to the
+winds, and now stood before their former friends with the brand of the
+felon upon their brows. No sadder spectacle could have been presented,
+and certainly none more full of warning to the careless youths who
+thronged the court-room, than the presence of the aged parents of these
+young men on the day of the hearing. Their cup of bitterness and sorrow
+was indeed full, and as they raised their tear-stained eyes to their
+children, there was not one present whose heart did not throb in
+sympathy for their misfortunes. More especially was this the case with
+the mother of Eugene Pearson. He was her idol; and until the very moment
+of his arrest, she had never known him to be guilty of aught that would
+bring the blush of shame to his cheek. Now, however, the awful
+revelation came, and the boy on whom she had lavished all the wealth of
+her true heart's affection was proven, before all the world, to be the
+blackest of ingrates, and a designing hypocrite and thief. Mr. Silby,
+too, was much affected by the discovery of Pearson's guilt. His
+affection and regard were so sincere and trustful, that, had he been his
+own son, he could not have been more painfully disappointed at
+discovering his cupidity.
+
+Another interview had been obtained with Edwards at Geneva, and he gave
+us some further particulars about the course which he and Duncan had
+taken after having robbed the bank. Shortly after leaving the city of
+Geneva, they made their way to the railroad, along the track of which
+they journeyed for some distance. The day was exceedingly warm, and the
+valise in which they were carrying the stolen money became very heavy
+and burdensome. Finding it impossible to proceed any further with such a
+heavy load, they decided to take out all of the money but a few sacks of
+silver, amounting altogether to about three hundred dollars. This they
+did, concealing the money about their persons, and then hiding the
+valise in a corn field which skirted the railroad track. Being furnished
+with a description of the locality, William proceeded, in company with
+the officers of the bank, to the place designated, and after a short
+search, succeeded in finding the satchel which they had discarded. Upon
+opening it, they found, as Edwards had said, three small canvas sacks
+containing about three hundred dollars in silver coin. No trace,
+however, was discovered of the sack supposed to contain the five
+thousand dollars whose disappearance was still a mystery. Pearson
+indignantly denied having taken more than six thousand dollars as his
+share, and this had been found in the yard of his father's house.
+Edwards was equally positive that he had not seen this sack, and yet the
+fact remained that there were five thousand dollars in gold coin which
+could not, as yet, be accounted for.
+
+Numerous theories were now advanced to account for this mysterious
+disappearance. One was that some outside party had found the valise, and
+finding the gold, had left the silver in order to make it appear that
+the satchel had not been disturbed. This was discarded at once, as the
+position and condition of the valise when found was such that it could
+not have been tampered with, or even opened. This was a surprising thing
+to contemplate, for the ground for miles around had been thoroughly
+searched by hundreds of people, and it was evident that no one had
+discovered the hiding-place of this valise.
+
+Another theory was that it was improbable that the two robbers would
+overlook a sack containing that large amount of money. Its very weight
+would have betrayed its presence, and added nearly nineteen pounds to
+the burden which they carried, and therefore there were still some
+grounds for entertaining a belief that Pearson had taken more than his
+share of the booty. To this belief I was not inclined to give much
+weight, as I felt convinced that Pearson had made a full confession of
+what had taken place, and had made honest restitution of the money he
+had taken. Under all the circumstances, therefore, I was inclined to
+think that Edwards and his companion had taken the gold, and that the
+capture of the remaining robber would unravel the seeming mystery.
+
+I was further convinced of this by another incident which transpired in
+this connection. After the valise had been found and returned to the
+bank, Edwards was taken into the building. The silver coin which had
+been recovered was placed within the satchel, and handed to him. After
+taking it in his hand, he immediately exclaimed:
+
+"Why, that isn't nearly as heavy as it was when we left the bank!"
+
+Mr. Silby then brought out a sack containing five thousand dollars in
+gold, and placed it in the satchel. Again Edwards lifted it, and this
+time he at once said:
+
+"That is more like it!"
+
+This experience strengthened me in the belief of Eugene Pearson's
+innocence, and that Edwards and his companion had either lost the gold
+in some manner, or had disposed of it in some other way.
+
+Acting upon this theory, the ground in the vicinity of the spot where
+the valise was found was thoroughly searched by both the bank officials
+and my operatives. All in vain, however; no trace was obtained of the
+missing sack of gold, and the matter of its loss was as much a mystery
+as ever.
+
+After the preliminary hearing had been held, the prisoners were removed
+to the county town, some miles distant, where they were placed in
+confinement, awaiting the day of trial, which would not take place for
+some time to come.
+
+While these events were transpiring, we had by no means been idle. Our
+primary success in arresting the three men thus far secured, had been
+most gratifying to the officers of the bank as well as to ourselves. Of
+course I was anxious to continue the search for the missing robber, but
+no one possessed a better knowledge than myself of the expense and delay
+that would be contingent upon such an undertaking. I therefore, as was
+my duty, fully informed the officers of the bank of the difficulty to be
+encountered if our investigation was continued. More than thirty days
+had elapsed since the robbery had been committed, the news of the
+burglary had been spread far and wide, and the information of the
+capture of the three robbers would be equally disseminated. This would
+probably place the fugitive upon his guard, and we could not pretend to
+fix a limit to the time that would be necessary to effect his capture.
+All these facts were fully explained to the bank officials, and with
+the assurance that we would achieve success if it were possible to do
+so, the matter was left to their decision.
+
+They were not long, however, in coming to a determination, and without
+hesitation, I was directed to prosecute the search according to my own
+judgment, in which, they assured me, they placed the utmost reliance.
+
+Thus supported, we made immediate arrangements for a protracted and
+unceasing search for the fleeing burglar, and before the hearing had
+taken place in Geneva, operative John Manning had been despatched to
+Clinton, Iowa, at which point it was designed to commence operations.
+
+The two operatives who had been detailed to look after the trunks of
+Thomas Duncan, in Chicago, had also reported the result of their
+espionage. After waiting for more than two hours, they noticed that an
+express wagon was driven up before the door, after which the trunks were
+brought out, placed in the wagon, and rapidly driven away. The
+operatives followed as rapidly as they were able to do, and ascertained
+that they were taken to the railroad station for shipment to Des Moines.
+
+As has already been detailed, Edwards and Duncan parted company at
+Clinton, Iowa, Duncan proceeding west, while Edwards had come direct to
+Chicago, from which point he had made his way eastward to the little
+village in New York, where he remained in fancied security until he was
+so unexpectedly taken into custody.
+
+Clinton, Iowa, was therefore the place from which to trace the flight of
+the bank robber, and John Manning was dispatched to that place, with
+full authority to exercise his own judgment about his future course of
+action.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+On the Track of the Fleeing Burglar--Duncan's Home--Some Reflections.
+
+
+Within a few hours after receiving his orders, John Manning, satchel in
+hand, stepped from the train at Clinton, and proceeded to a hotel. It
+was nearly nightfall when he arrived, and after hastily partaking of his
+evening meal, he started out to make some inquiries about the man he was
+in search of. Having by some means gained a knowledge of Thomas Duncan's
+associates in Clinton, he had no difficulty in finding them, and
+dropping into a saloon which they frequented, he quietly introduced his
+name in a casual conversation with the proprietor.
+
+"Do you know Tod?" asked that gentleman, with some surprise.
+
+"Oh yes, very well," replied Manning. "I spent several days with him in
+Chicago, about a month ago, and had quite a pleasant time."
+
+"Oh, I remember; he stopped here after that, on his way to his home in
+Des Moines. You must have had quite a time, for Tod looked very much
+broken up."
+
+"Well, he was on quite a spree, I believe--and so he went to Des Moines,
+did he?"
+
+"Yes, he started for that point; but I believe he intended stopping some
+time in Ames, where he has a good many friends."
+
+"Did he say what he intended doing there, or whether he was going on out
+to Denver?" asked Manning.
+
+"No, I think he said he was going with a fishing-party from there and
+would be gone several weeks." After stating that he was about to travel
+in that direction himself, and learning the names of several of Duncan's
+friends in Ames, Manning left the saloon, and returned to his hotel.
+Ascertaining that he could leave on a train that night, he hastened to
+the depot and was soon speeding on his way.
+
+He arrived at Ames in due season, and here he was fortunate enough to
+find a friend of Duncan's, who informed him that instead of remaining in
+that city he had only lingered there one day, when he left on a freight
+train for Des Moines, stating that he was to meet a friend in the latter
+city and could not wait for the regular passenger train.
+
+Manning without delay then started for Des Moines, and upon arriving
+there, telegraphed the result of his investigation thus far. In reply he
+was informed that Duncan's baggage had been sent to Des Moines, and
+directed to inquire at the office of the American express whether it had
+been received or delivered.
+
+Immediately on the receipt of these instructions Manning repaired to the
+express office, and there to his intense delight, he discovered Duncan's
+trunks among the unclaimed baggage. Making himself known to the express
+superintendent, who was friendly to our interests, he remained around
+the office until late in the evening, when as the office was about to be
+closed, and feeling confident that the trunks would not be called for
+that night, he repaired to his hotel and sought his much-needed repose.
+
+The following morning he was up betimes, and deferring his visit to
+Duncan's friends until he had seen the trunks removed, he made his way
+again to the express office and took up his position as a watcher.
+
+Shortly before noon, a wagon was driven up before the door, and a man
+presented himself and demanded the trunks in which the detective was so
+much interested. The wagon bore the name of a grocer, John Miller, and
+was evidently used in delivering the wares dispensed by the merchant
+whose name was painted upon its sides. After the trunks had been
+transferred to the wagon, the driver mounted to the seat and slowly
+drove away. Manning followed on behind them, and after a short journey,
+the driver drew up before a handsome residence, surrounded by a
+beautiful lawn, adorned with numerous beds of bright blooming flowers.
+The building was a two-story one, with a wide porch extending around
+three sides, and was evidently the abode of a gentleman in fortunate
+circumstances. The trunks were removed from the wagon, and carried into
+the hall, after which the driver returned and drove away. After waiting
+for some time in view of the house, he saw the trunks taken in, and
+placed in a front room in the second story.
+
+Having now traced Thomas Duncan's trunks to their destination, and
+feeling the need of additional assistance, Manning repaired to the
+office of the chief of police and requested an interview with that
+functionary. Upon being conducted into the private office of the chief,
+Manning at once introduced himself, and stated the cause of his
+appearance in the city. He met with a most cordial reception, and the
+chief, without hesitation, promised him all the assistance in his power.
+He had heard of the robbery at the time of its occurrence, and had also
+read of the capture of the three men, who were suspected of being
+implicated in that affair. Upon being informed that Thomas Duncan was
+connected with the burglary, the chief evinced considerable surprise,
+for he was well acquainted with the young man, and had been for several
+years, in fact, almost since his boyhood. From the chief, Manning
+learned that Duncan's parents had lived in the city for a long time, and
+that "Tod" was rather a wild, careless fellow, who was frequently found
+in bad company. For a long time the young man and his father had been
+estranged, owing to the son's persistent course of folly and
+dissipation. Long and patiently had the old gentleman borne with his
+son, and had repeatedly opened his purse to liquidate debts which Tod
+had contracted; but finally, finding it useless to attempt to induce him
+to change his mode of life, he had forbidden him the house, and had not
+received him since.
+
+It was barely possible that Duncan might be found in the city, but the
+chief was inclined to a different belief. In any event, however, it
+would be useless to seek for him beneath his father's roof. Manning
+described the house at which the trunks were left, and was informed that
+it was occupied by a man named John Miller, a grocer, and an intimate
+friend of Duncan's. Duncan always made Mr. Miller's house his home
+during his visits to Des Moines, and if any one was acquainted with his
+movements, this John Miller ought to be the man.
+
+Instead, however, of calling upon Mr. Miller at once, Manning proposed
+to shadow the house during the day, in order to see if any one answering
+Duncan's description should enter or leave the place. This was deemed
+particularly advisable, as if Mr. Miller was approached at once, his
+suspicions might be excited, and if Duncan was in the city the alarm
+could be given, and he could readily make his escape before we could
+reach him.
+
+No one at all resembling Thomas Duncan, however, made his appearance
+during that day, and in the evening Manning repaired to the chief's
+office, as that gentleman had promised to accompany him on his visit to
+the friendly grocer.
+
+John Miller and Mr. Wallace, the chief of police, were warm friends, and
+he felt confident that Miller would not tell him an untruth; but it was
+deemed best to introduce Manning as a friend of Duncan's, from Chicago,
+who wanted to see him upon a matter of business. Of course, it had not
+yet reached the public ear that Thomas Duncan was suspected of
+complicity in the robbery, as we had kept that fact entirely secret,
+fearing that a divulgence of Edwards' confession would seriously
+interfere with our search for the missing burglar, and perhaps prevent
+us from ever apprehending him.
+
+The two men therefore repaired to the store of the grocer, and were
+fortunate enough to find him at home. He greeted the chief warmly, and
+acknowledged the introduction of Manning with good-natured heartiness
+and sincerity. Inviting them into his private office, Mr. Miller
+requested to know the nature of their call, and Mr. Wallace at once
+explained to him what had already been agreed upon. Manning further
+explained that when he left Duncan, that gentleman informed him that he
+intended coming to Des Moines, and would probably stop with Mr. Miller.
+
+"Has he been here recently?" asked Mr. Wallace.
+
+"Well, I'll tell you," replied Mr. Miller. "More than three weeks ago he
+was here. It was about midnight, and I had retired to bed. Suddenly I
+was awakened by a loud ringing at my door-bell. Hastily dressing myself,
+I went down, and there, to my surprise, stood Tod Duncan. He was so
+disguised, however, that I did not recognize him until he addressed me
+and told me who he was. He was attired in a suit of coarse brown
+ducking, heavy boots, and a slouch hat; around his neck he wore a large
+red handkerchief, and he looked more like a German tramp than like my
+old friend. I felt at once that something was wrong, or that he was in
+some trouble; so I asked him in, and we went to my room. My family were
+away at the time, and there was no one in the house but myself, and as
+he looked tired and hungry, I produced what eatables I had in the house,
+and he made a hearty meal. After he had finished, he turned to me, and
+laughingly said:
+
+"'The devil himself wouldn't know me in this rig, would he?'
+
+"I told him I thought not, and then asked him what was the cause of his
+strange disguise and his unexpected appearance in Des Moines. He told me
+that he had got into some trouble about a game of poker in Leadville,
+and that he had shot and perhaps killed a notorious gambler in that
+city. He wished me to help him, as he was hiding from the officers who
+were after him, until the affair blew over. He seemed particularly
+anxious that I should help him to get away. Upon asking him how the
+affair happened he related the following incident to me. It happened
+that he was playing a game of poker in Leadville, with a notorious and
+unscrupulous gambler, and that at one time when there was a large amount
+of money on the table, this gambler deliberately displayed four aces,
+when Duncan held an ace which had been dealt to him in the first hand.
+Upon accusing the gambler of attempting to cheat him, that worthy drew a
+pistol and attempted to intimidate him. He was too quick for his
+opponent, however, and quick as a flash, he had fired upon him, and the
+man fell. Hastily gathering up the money that was upon the table, Duncan
+succeeded in making good his escape from the house, amid a scene of
+confusion and uproar impossible to describe. He showed me," continued
+Mr. Miller, "a considerable sum of money, in proof of his assertion, and
+of course I have no reason to doubt his word. He further informed me
+that his trunks were in Chicago and that he was desirous of obtaining
+them. I provided him with pen and paper, and he wrote a letter which
+purported to be written in St. Louis and addressed to myself, stating
+that he was in that city, without a dollar, and requesting me to send
+for his trunks at Chicago, promising to repay me at an early day. I did
+not understand this proceeding, particularly as after writing this
+letter, he gave me twenty dollars, to pay for having his trunks sent to
+Des Moines, and requested me to allow them to remain in my house until
+he should send for them. That this letter was intended to mislead some
+one, I have no doubt; but I was at a loss to understand how it could
+succeed in its purpose if I retained possession of it. At his request
+then I inclosed his letter to me to the landlady at Chicago, and I know
+nothing further about it except that Duncan's trunks arrived to-day and
+are now in my house, awaiting his disposition."
+
+"How long did Duncan remain in town at that time?" asked Manning.
+
+"I think he left the next day," replied Mr. Miller. "He left my house on
+the following morning at any rate, and I learned afterward that he went
+away with an old friend of his, who is a brakeman on one of the roads
+here, on the same day that he left my house."
+
+"Do you know who the man was that he went away with?" now asked Mr.
+Wallace.
+
+"Yes; his name is Bob King, and if I am not mistaken, King obtained a
+leave of absence from the railroad company for a few days in order to go
+with Duncan. They hired a horse and carriage and started off in the
+direction of Grand Junction. King was absent several days, and then
+returned with the team, stating that Duncan had gone west. I thought
+this very strange, as, if he had ran away from Leadville, it would
+certainly be very unwise for him to return. However, I heard no more
+about him, but I have seen Bob King frequently. He comes in several
+times a week, and you can most likely find him about some of the
+boarding-houses around the Union Depot."
+
+This was all that could be gained from Mr. Miller, and after receiving
+that gentleman's promise to inform Mr. Wallace, in case he should hear
+anything of Duncan, the two men took their leave of the accommodating
+and loquacious grocer.
+
+Leaving the chief at his office, Manning resolved to pay a visit to the
+residence of Duncan's parents. Not, however, to make himself known or to
+institute any inquiries; but to quietly watch from the outside whatever
+was transpiring within. He found the house to be a large frame dwelling,
+with extensive grounds surrounding it; everything evinced the utmost
+refinement and good taste, and it was evidently the abode of
+respectability and wealth. The lights were gleaming through the windows
+of a room upon the lower floor, and Manning quietly opened the gate, and
+screened himself behind some tall bushes that were growing upon the
+lawn. Here he was effectually hidden, both from the inmates of the
+house, and the passers-by upon the street. The scene that greeted his
+vision was so peaceful and homelike, that Manning was convinced that
+Duncan's family were entirely ignorant of his movements or his crime.
+The father, a hale old gentleman with a smiling face, was reading aloud
+to the assembled members of his family, his wife and two daughters, who
+were busily engaged in some species of fancy work, so popular with
+ladies at the present time, and their evident enjoyment of the narrative
+was unmixed with any thought of wrong-doing or danger to one of their
+family.
+
+"How strange are the workings of circumstances," thought the detective.
+"Here is a happy home, a family surrounded by wealth, refinement and
+luxury, peaceful and contented, while a beloved member of it is now an
+outcast from the world, a fugitive from justice, hiding from the
+officers of the law, and vainly seeking to elude the grasp that sooner
+or later will be laid upon his shoulder."
+
+Silently maintaining his watch until the family retired, the detective
+slowly made his way to his hotel, and as he tossed upon his pillow, his
+dreams were peopled alternately with happy home-scenes of domestic
+comfort and content, and a weary, travel-stained criminal, hungry and
+foot-sore, who was lurking in the darkness, endeavoring to escape from
+the consequences of his crime.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+Bob King Meets with a Surprise--His Story of Duncan's Flight--The
+Detective Starts Westward.
+
+
+The most important object now to be accomplished was to secure an
+interview with Bob King, the brakeman, who had accompanied Duncan when
+he left Des Moines. Manning was convinced that King was fully aware by
+this time of the crime which Duncan had committed, and perhaps for a
+share of the proceeds, had assisted him in his flight from justice.
+
+Early on the following morning, therefore, he left the hotel, and
+started off in the direction of the depot, resolved to make a tour of
+the numerous boarding-houses before calling upon the chief of police. He
+had already obtained an accurate description of the man he was in
+search of, and had no doubt of recognizing him, should he be fortunate
+enough to meet him. Passing quietly along, he came to the large
+switch-yards, and here he was almost deafened by the rumble and noise of
+the trains, and the screeching and puffing of the engines. Here Manning
+paused awhile in the hope of seeing his man among the number of brakemen
+engaged about the yard; but finding no one that answered his
+description, he approached a party of men standing near, and inquired:
+
+"Can you tell me where I will find Bob King?"
+
+"Bob is not working to-day, and you will probably find him at the Union
+House, yonder," was the reply, as the man stretched his dirty finger in
+the direction indicated. Thanking the man, he passed through the yard to
+the street upon the opposite side. Here he found a long row of houses of
+various descriptions, but all of them apparently occupied as
+eating-saloons, boarding-houses and hotels. On the corner of the street,
+and directly opposite from where the detective stood, was a low,
+dingy-looking frame building, with the name of Union House painted
+across the front.
+
+"Here we are," said Manning to himself, "and we will soon ascertain if
+Mr. King is about."
+
+So saying he crossed the street and entered the office or waiting-room
+of the hostelry. An old settee, a half-dozen or more well-whittled
+wooden arm-chairs, a rusty stove set in a square box filled with
+saw-dust, were about all the movable furniture which the room contained.
+In the corner, however, was a short counter behind which, arranged on
+long rows of hooks, were suspended a number of hats, caps and coats of a
+decidedly miscellaneous character.
+
+An ancient-looking register, filled with blots and hieroglyphics, lay
+upon the counter, and as the room was empty, Manning walked toward the
+open volume and examined the names inscribed thereon. Under the date of
+the preceding evening, he found the name he was looking for, and a
+cabalistic sign on the margin designated that he had lodged there the
+night before and indicated that he might still be in the house.
+
+While he was thus standing, a frowsy-headed young man, whose face was
+still shining from the severe friction of a coarse roller-towel, which
+hung behind the door, entered the room, and saluting the detective
+familiarly, proceeded to comb his hair before a cracked mirror that hung
+behind the desk. After he had hastily finished this operation, he turned
+again to Manning, who had been smilingly observing his movements.
+
+"Have you had breakfast, sir? last table just ready."
+
+"Thank you," replied Manning, "I have already had my breakfast. I am
+looking for a man who is stopping here, by the name of King."
+
+"What's his first name--Bob?"
+
+"Yes, that's his name. He is a brakeman on the road."
+
+"Oh, yes, Bob's here. He's eating his breakfast now. Just sit down,
+he'll be here directly."
+
+After waiting a few minutes, a tall, broad-shouldered young man, of
+rather good-natured and intelligent appearance, entered the room, and
+taking a cap from one of the hooks upon the wall, placed it upon his
+head.
+
+It did not require the rather officious indication of the young clerk to
+induce the detective to recognize the new-comer as the man whom he was
+most desirous of seeing; his appearance tallied precisely with the
+description of him which he had previously obtained.
+
+Stepping quietly up to the young man, the detective said, carelessly:
+
+"Your name is Bob King, I believe?"
+
+Somewhat confused by the abrupt salutation, the young fellow replied,
+rather awkwardly:
+
+"Yes, that's my name; but you've got the brakes on me, for I don't
+remember that I ever saw you before."
+
+"Perhaps not," answered Manning, "but I want to have a little private
+conversation with you for a few minutes. Can we go somewhere where we
+will not be interrupted?"
+
+"Why, yes," responded the other, still evidently ill at ease, "come in
+here." And turning about, he led the way through a door across the hall,
+and entered a small and plainly furnished sitting-room.
+
+"Wait," said Manning, as if suddenly conceiving an idea. "The morning is
+pleasant, and I have a good cigar here; suppose we take a short walk
+together. We can talk as we stroll along."
+
+"All right," said King, as he took the proffered cigar, and lighting it,
+they went out of the hotel into the street.
+
+Mr. Robert King eyed the detective furtively ever and anon, and seemed
+to be impatient for him to begin the conversation, and inform him what
+it was all about. There was, however, such a perfect air of ease and
+unconcern about Manning, that the young brakeman felt impelled to
+accompany him whether he would or not. Manning led the way in the
+direction of the office of the chief of police, and after they had
+fairly started, he turned to his companion, and good-naturedly said:
+
+"Mr. King, I suppose you are quite anxious to know who I am, and what is
+the nature of my business with you?"
+
+"Well, yes," answered King, smilingly, for the _sang froid_ of Manning
+had quite won his heart. "I would like to know both of those things."
+
+"Well," said the detective, "my name is John Manning, and I am a native
+of Chicago. I am an intimate friend of 'Tod' Duncan's, and want to know
+where to find him."
+
+"You will have to ask somebody that can tell you, then," answered King,
+who had now fully recovered his composure, "for I don't know anything
+about him."
+
+"Why," ejaculated Manning, as though quite surprised at the information,
+"I thought that you and Tod went off on a hunting or fishing party a
+few weeks ago, and that you came home, leaving Tod to continue his
+journey alone."
+
+"That's a mistake," said King, "and whoever informed you to that effect
+was as much mistaken as you are."
+
+Mr. King was evidently trying the good-natured game of bluff, and
+Manning noticed with some satisfaction that they were now approaching
+very near to the office of Mr. Wallace.
+
+"See here," said he, suddenly turning on his companion. "Mr. King, this
+won't do. Duncan is wanted for the Geneva bank robbery. He was here
+three weeks ago, and you were with him. You got him out of town, and if
+you are not disposed to be communicative, I have simply got to place you
+under arrest."
+
+The change in King's manner was very complete. He was utterly surprised
+and nonplused, and before he could answer a word Manning placed his hand
+on his shoulder and said, peremptorily: "Come in here, Mr. King;
+perhaps Mr. Wallace can loosen your tongue."
+
+[Illustration: "Come in here, Mr. King; perhaps Mr. Wallace can loosen
+your tongue."]
+
+They were now directly in front of the office of the chief, and King
+knew that any attempt at resistance would be futile, and decidedly
+unwise, so he deemed it best to submit at once.
+
+"Don't be too hard on a fellow," said he at last. "I have a good
+position and I can't afford to lose it. If you will give me a chance, I
+will tell you all I know."
+
+"Very well, come right in here," said Manning, "and if you tell me the
+truth, I promise you no harm will come to you."
+
+In a few minutes they were closeted with the chief, who knew King very
+well, and who added his assurances to those of Manning, that if he would
+unburden himself fully, no danger need be apprehended.
+
+"I want to say first," said King, at last convinced that it would be
+better to make a clean breast of the whole matter, "that what I did, was
+done in good faith, and I only thought I was helping a friend who had
+got into trouble through acting in self-defense."
+
+"Very well," said Manning, "we will admit all that, but tell us what you
+know."
+
+"Well," answered King, after a pause in which to collect himself, "It
+was about three weeks ago, that Duncan came to the city, and knowing
+where I stopped, he came to see me. I happened to be in from my run when
+he called, and he wanted to know if I could get a leave of absence for a
+week, as he wanted to go on a fishing trip and would pay all the
+expenses. I went to the master of transportation and found no difficulty
+in obtaining my leave, and then I saw Tod and told him I was at his
+service. We then procured a team, guns, fishing-tackle and provisions,
+not forgetting a good supply of smoking and drinking articles, and the
+next day started off in the direction of Grand Junction. Before we
+started, Duncan told me about getting into a scrape over a game of cards
+at Leadville, and that he had shot two gamblers and was keeping out of
+the way until the excitement over the affair had died out."
+
+"Duncan has raised one man, I see," laughed Manning. "When I heard this
+story first, he had only killed one gambler in his fight over the
+cards."
+
+"Well, I am telling you what Duncan told me," answered King.
+
+"That's all right," said Manning quietly, "but suppose you go ahead and
+tell us what he told you about robbing the Geneva bank."
+
+The cool assurance of the detective, and the easy assumption with which
+he stated his conclusions, so disconcerted King, that he was speechless
+for a few moments. Recovering himself quickly, however, he answered
+doggedly:
+
+"Well, I intended to tell you the whole story, and I was simply telling
+it in my own way."
+
+"Go on, Mr. King," said Manning, "all I want is the truth, but the card
+story won't do."
+
+"I guess it won't do me any good to tell you anything else but the
+truth," rejoined King. "Well, Tod told me about this shooting business
+before we started, and of course I believed it. I noticed, though,
+before we were away from the city very long, that there was something
+else on his mind, that made him very uneasy, and gave him a great deal
+of trouble. He was moody and silent for hours, and it was only when he
+drank a great deal that he was at all lively, or seemed like his old
+natural self. Finally, on the morning of the third day, I put the
+question fairly to him, and he then told me what he had done. He said he
+and two others had robbed a bank, and that he was making his way
+westward. He was resolved not to be captured, and said that no two men
+should take him alive. He then told me that he wanted me to take the
+team back to Des Moines, and that he would take the train at Grand
+Junction, and try to make his way to Manitoba. We parted company at the
+Junction, where Tod took the train for Sioux City. He paid all the
+expenses of the trip and offered to give me some of the money, but I
+refused to accept any, and told him what I had done was done simply for
+friendship."
+
+"How much money did Duncan have at that time?" asked Manning.
+
+"He had nearly four thousand dollars, I should judge," answered King.
+
+"Did he say who assisted him in this robbery?"
+
+"Yes; he told me that a man by the name of Edwards was one, and that the
+assistant cashier of the bank was the prime mover in the whole affair.
+He also said that the cashier had not played fair, but had taken out
+twelve thousand dollars in gold instead of six thousand. He was very
+bitter against this man, and said he believed that he would give them
+all away to save his own neck, if it came to the pinch."
+
+After some further conversation, which convinced Manning that King was
+telling the truth and that he was entirely ignorant of Duncan's
+hiding-place, the young brakeman was allowed to go his way, with the
+understanding that they were to meet again in the evening.
+
+Manning now hastened to the telegraph office, and a cipher message,
+containing in brief all he had thus far learned, was soon upon its way
+to me.
+
+My reply was to the effect that he should again see King, and inquire if
+Duncan had mentioned anything about the valise which they had carried
+away from Geneva. Then to endeavor to obtain a photograph of Duncan, and
+finally thereafter to lose no time in starting out for Sioux City.
+
+I was considerably exercised about this missing package of gold. I could
+not believe that Pearson had taken it, although both Edwards and Duncan
+appeared to be positive of it. The young cashier now seemed to be too
+utterly crushed down and humiliated to permit me to believe that he had
+lied still further, and that he was still keeping back a portion of the
+plunder he had secured. Still, however much I was desirous of discarding
+such a belief, I was resolved to leave no stone unturned in order to
+explain the mystery. I felt positive that some explanation would yet be
+made that would account for this package, and in a manner that would not
+connect Eugene Pearson with its disappearance. Up to this time, however,
+we were as far from the truth in this connection as when we commenced,
+and I could do no more than await the arrest of Duncan, before the
+matter could be definitely settled. I came to this conclusion on the
+assumption that all the parties thus far had told the truth, and it
+seemed to me that one or the other of them must certainly be mistaken in
+their original impressions.
+
+This theory, however, yet remained. Edwards and Duncan might have
+obtained the money, and being still under the influence of the liquor
+they had drank, and excited over what had transpired, had thrown away
+the valise, and at that time it might still have contained the gold.
+
+In accordance with my instructions, Manning remained in Des Moines two
+days succeeding this, but was unable to learn from King that Duncan had
+mentioned the valise in any manner whatever.
+
+In his attempt to obtain a photograph of Duncan, however, he was more
+successful, and with the assistance of Capt. Wallace, he was fortunate
+enough to be placed in possession of a very excellent picture of young
+Duncan, which had but recently been taken. This accession to his stock
+of knowledge was destined to play an important part in his continued
+search after the fugitive burglar. Finding that nothing more could be
+learned in Des Moines, and receiving assurances from the friendly chief
+that any information would be forwarded to him at once, Manning departed
+from the home of the youthful law-breaker and started for Sioux City.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+Manning Strikes the Trail--An Accommodating Tailor--Temporary
+Disappointment and final Success--The Detective reaches Minneapolis.
+
+
+August, with its hot, sweltering days, when the very skies seemed to be
+a canopy of lurid, quivering heat; and when every breeze seemed
+freighted with a depressing warmth that almost rendered labor
+impossible, had passed away, and we were now in the enjoyment of the
+clear, cool days of September. The skies were bluer, the air was purer,
+and the beautiful, golden autumn was welcomed with a grateful sense of
+pleasure and relief. Nearly a month had now elapsed since the robbery of
+the Geneva Bank, and, although we had accomplished much, our work was
+not yet completed. Thomas Duncan was still at liberty, and our task was
+yet unfinished. I have already, as briefly as I could, related the
+various events which had transpired since the robbery, and detailed the
+efforts which we had thus far made toward accomplishing the capture of
+the perpetrators of this crime. Of Thomas Duncan, however, I had learned
+comparatively little, and of his movements still less; and yet, at
+times, I found myself indulging in feelings of sympathy for the young
+man, who had so recklessly and inconsiderately thrown away the best
+chances of his life. Of a careless disposition and inclined to folly, I
+was convinced that until this time he had never stooped to commit a
+crime. This was his first flagrant violation of the law, and when I
+thought of him a hunted fugitive, seeking to hide himself from the
+vigilant eyes of the officers of the law, and of the quiet, peaceful and
+happy home of his parents, I could not repress a feeling of regret and
+sorrow for the wayward youth in this, the hour of his humiliation and
+trial. Far different from Eugene Pearson, who had no cares and no
+temptations to commit crimes, and who had practiced a scheme of vile
+deception and ingratitude for years, Thomas Duncan had been found in a
+moment of weakness and desperation, and under the influence of wily
+tempters, had yielded himself up to their blandishments, and had done
+that which had made him a felon. As to Eugene Pearson, the trusted,
+honored and respected official of the bank, who had deliberately planned
+and assisted in this robbery of his best friends, I had no words of
+palliation for his offenses; but for "Tod" Duncan, the weak and tempted
+victim of designing men and adverse circumstances, I experienced a sense
+of sympathy which I could not easily shake off.
+
+Where was he now? Perhaps hiding in the forests of the far west, amid
+the barbaric scenes of savage life; perhaps giving himself up to a
+reckless life of dissipation, seeking in the delirium of intoxication a
+forgetfulness of the deed he had committed, and of the consequences
+which must befall him. How many long, weary nights since he fled from
+Geneva, with his ill-gotten booty, had he, even in the midst of a
+bacchanalian revel, started suddenly, as if in fear of the officer he so
+much dreaded, and then with a boastful laugh drank deeper to drown the
+agonies that oppressed him? Perhaps, on the other hand, the first step
+taken, the rest had come easy and without effort, and he had already
+become hardened and reckless. Whatever might be the case, we were as yet
+uninformed, and operative John Manning arrived in Sioux City with no
+definite clew to the missing man.
+
+Seeking, as before, the assistance of the police authorities, Manning
+proposed to make a tour of the so-called houses of pleasure, which
+infest all cities, deeming it most likely that he would obtain some
+traces of Duncan by that means. This proved successful in a comparative
+degree, for in one of these places Manning found a gay young cyprian,
+who recognized Duncan's picture immediately. A bottle of very inferior
+wine at an exorbitant price was ordered, and under its influence the
+girl informed the detective that Duncan had come there alone one
+evening about two weeks prior to this time, and that she had accompanied
+him upon a drive. They had become quite familiar during their short
+acquaintance, and Duncan drank a great deal. On the following morning he
+had left the house, and stated that he was going to leave the city that
+day. Further than this, the girl could not say, and Manning must needs
+be content with even that trifling amount of encouragement for the
+present.
+
+Manning had also been provided with a facsimile of Duncan's handwriting
+and signature, and he carefully examined the registers of the several
+hotels, in order to discover whether he had stopped at any of them under
+his own or any fictitious name which resembled in any manner the one he
+bore, but without any success whatever.
+
+On returning to the hotel, he occupied himself debating as to the best
+movement to make next. He was surprised on arriving there to find a
+telegram from Capt. Wallace awaiting him. On removing the inclosure he
+found a message informing him that Duncan had an acquaintance in Sioux
+City whose name was Griswold, and who was engaged in the tailoring
+business at that place.
+
+Aided by this important piece of intelligence, the detective was not
+long in finding the establishment presided over by Mr. Griswold. That
+gentleman was located in the business section of the city, and his
+neatly arranged store was well stocked with goods of excellent quality
+and apparently of recent style. On entering the shop, Mr. Griswold was
+found perched on a table in the rear, his legs crossed, and with nimble
+fingers was engaged in the manufacture of some of the articles of his
+trade. He was a small, sharp-featured man, about forty, with a shrewd
+though not unpleasant face, and as he came briskly forward to greet a
+prospective customer, his countenance was wreathed in a smile that was
+almost irresistible.
+
+"Can I do anything for you this morning?" was the polite salutation of
+the little tailor.
+
+"Yes," replied the detective. "I want to look at some goods that will
+make a good suit of clothes."
+
+"Certainly," replied the knight of the shears. "I have some excellent
+styles here, and I am sure I can give you your full satisfaction."
+
+"I have no doubt of that," said Manning pleasantly. "I have been
+recommended here by my friend Tod Duncan, and he speaks very highly of
+you."
+
+The face of the little tailor was again wreathed in smiles, as he
+delightedly inquired:
+
+"Do you mean Duncan, the traveling man from Des Moines?"
+
+"Yes," replied Manning, "that's the man; I am a traveling man myself,
+but in a different line, and I expected to meet him in this city, but I
+was disappointed. I guess he must have got ahead of me."
+
+"Let me see," said Mr. Griswold, with his needle-pricked finger pressed
+against his nose. "He was here about two weeks ago, I guess."
+
+"Do you know which way he was going?"
+
+"I think he said he was going to St. Paul. I made a suit of clothes for
+him in a great hurry, as he was very anxious to get away."
+
+"What kind of a suit did he get?" asked Manning, now anxious to learn
+the clothing of the man, in order that he might the more accurately
+describe him.
+
+"It was from this piece," said Mr. Griswold, throwing on the table a
+roll of dark green cassimere. "That is one of the latest importations,
+and as fine a piece of goods as I have in the house."
+
+"I like that myself," said the detective. "Would you object to giving me
+a small piece of it as a sample? I want to show it to a friend of mine
+at the hotel, who has pretty good taste in such matters."
+
+"Of course not," replied Mr. Griswold, as he clipped off a piece of the
+cloth, little dreaming of the use to which the detective would put it.
+
+Declining to make a selection until he had sought the advice of an
+imaginary friend, and stating that he would probably call again in the
+evening, Manning took his leave of the little tailor. The detective then
+repaired to the railroad ticket office, where he had a friend of long
+standing, from whom he hoped to derive some material information.
+
+At the railroad station he found his friend on duty, and after the usual
+friendly salutations, he requested a few moments' private conversation.
+Being admitted to an inner office, Manning at once displayed the
+photograph of Duncan, and asked:
+
+"Harry, have you seen that face about here, say within about two weeks?"
+
+Taking the picture, and regarding it intently for a moment, he said:
+
+"Why, yes--that's Duncan from Des Moines. I know him very well. He has
+been here often."
+
+"Well, has he been here within two weeks?"
+
+"Yes, he was here about two weeks ago on a spree, and he bought a ticket
+for St. Paul."
+
+"Are you quite sure about that?"
+
+"Perfectly sure," answered the ticket agent. "I remember it distinctly,
+and what impressed it the more forcibly upon my mind is the fact that he
+wanted to know if I could give him a ticket on the Northern Pacific road
+from here, and I told him he would have to go to St. Paul for that."
+
+"Did he mention any particular point on the railroad that he wanted a
+ticket for?" asked Manning.
+
+"No, I think not. He simply said he was making for Dakota."
+
+Ascertaining that a train would leave for St. Paul in an hour, the
+detective purchased a ticket for that city, and thanking the agent for
+his information, he returned to the hotel to make arrangements for
+continuing his journey. Before leaving, however, he telegraphed me his
+destination, and what he had been able to learn.
+
+From this information it was evident that Duncan was endeavoring to
+reach the far west, and there seek a refuge among some of the numerous
+mining camps which abound in that section of the country, hoping by that
+means to successfully elude pursuit, should any be made for him. It was
+plainly evident to me that he was entirely unaware of being followed,
+and, in fact, of anything that had taken place since the robbery, and
+that he was simply following his own blind inclinations to hide himself
+as effectually as he could.
+
+The first task performed by Manning after reaching St. Paul, was to
+examine all the hotel registers, in the hope of discovering some traces
+of an entry resembling the peculiar handwriting of Duncan. He also took
+the precaution to quietly display the photograph of the young man to all
+the clerks of the various hostelries, trusting that some one would
+recognize him as one who had been their guest on some previous occasion.
+In this, too, he was disappointed. Among the many to whom he displayed
+Duncan's picture, not one of them had any recollection of such an
+individual.
+
+Feeling somewhat disheartened at this non-success, Manning next sought
+the chief of police, and enlisted his services in our behalf. That
+evening, in company with an officer, he made a tour among the houses of
+ill repute, and here, too, disappointment awaited him. Not one among the
+number whom he approached had any knowledge of the man, and therefore
+could give him no information.
+
+Tired and puzzled and vexed, he at length was compelled to return to the
+hotel, and seek his much-needed repose.
+
+His experience in St. Paul had thus far been far from satisfactory, and
+yet the thought of abandoning his investigations in that city never
+occurred to him. He had too frequently been compelled to battle with
+unpromising circumstances in the past, to allow a temporary discomfiture
+to dishearten him now. He felt that he was upon the right track, that
+Duncan had certainly come from Sioux City to St. Paul, but whether he
+had remained here any length of time, or had pushed on without
+stopping, was the question that bothered him immensely. Resolving,
+therefore, to renew his efforts in the morning, he soon fell asleep.
+
+On the morrow, when he descended to the office of the hotel, preparatory
+to partaking of his morning repast, he noticed with some little surprise
+that a new face was behind the counter.
+
+Surmising that this might be the night clerk, yet unrelieved from his
+duties, and that Duncan might have arrived during the time he
+officiated, Manning approached him, and propounded the usual question.
+When he brought forth the photograph, to his intense delight, the clerk
+recognized it at once. Turning to the register and hastily running over
+the leaves, he pointed to a name inscribed thereon.
+
+"That's the man," said he confidently.
+
+Manning looked at the name indicated, and found scrawled in a very
+uncertain hand:
+
+     "_John Tracy, Denver, Col._"
+
+"He came in on a night train," continued the clerk. "He only remained to
+breakfast and went away shortly afterward."
+
+"Have you any idea which way he went?" inquired Manning.
+
+"No, I cannot tell you that. He left the hotel shortly after breakfast
+in a hack. He did not return after that, but sent the hackman here to
+pay his bill and to obtain his valise. He acted very strange while he
+was here, and I felt somewhat suspicious of him."
+
+"Can you tell me the name of this hackman?" now asked Manning.
+
+"I think his name is Davids," answered the clerk, "but I will ask the
+baggage-man about him; he can, no doubt, tell me who he is."
+
+The baggage-man was summoned and he distinctly remembered the
+occurrence, and that the driver's name was Billy Davids, who was
+well-known throughout the city, particularly among the sporting
+fraternity.
+
+Thanking both of these men for the information which they had given him,
+the detective, forgetting all about his breakfast, hastened to the
+office of the chief of police, and acquainting him with what he had
+heard, expressed his desire to see this hackman at once.
+
+The chief, who knew the man, at once volunteered to accompany him, and
+they left the office together in search of the important cab-driver. It
+being yet quite early in the morning, they went directly to the stable,
+and here they found Billy Davids in the act of harnessing his horses and
+preparing for his day's work.
+
+"Good morning, Billy," said the chief, good-naturedly. "You are making
+an early start, I see; are you busy?"
+
+"No, sir," answered Mr. Davids; "I can take you gentlemen wherever you
+want to go."
+
+"Not to-day, Billy; but I have a friend here who wants to talk to you,
+and you may find it to your interest to tell him what he wishes to
+know."
+
+Manning stepped forward and stated, in as few words as possible, what he
+desired, and at length displayed the inevitable photograph.
+
+Davids recognized it at once, as a "party" who had engaged him to take
+himself and a woman from the hotel, to a resort some distance from the
+city, known as the "Half-way House." He performed this duty, and later
+in the day, after waiting several hours, the man had given him ten
+dollars and sent him back to the hotel to pay his bill and to obtain his
+valise. After performing this service, he returned to the Half-way
+House, and waited there until dark, when Duncan came out alone, and was
+driven to the Northern Pacific depot. Arriving here, he paid the hackman
+quite liberally and dismissed him, saying that he was going to leave
+town on the next train westward.
+
+"Have you any idea where he was going?" asked Manning.
+
+"I think he went to Minneapolis, for he asked me if that road would take
+him there, and I saw him get aboard the train for that city;" answered
+the driver.
+
+This was all that Davids could tell; and after remunerating him for his
+trouble, Manning left him to finish his preparations for the day.
+
+Here was the very information he wanted, and he had struck the trail
+again. Anxious to pursue his journey, Manning invited the chief to
+breakfast with him; after which, finding he could leave in a very short
+time, he bade the courteous and valuable officer good-by, and was soon
+on his way to Minneapolis, there to commence again the trail of the
+fleeing burglar.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+The Detective at Bismarck--Further Traces of the Fugitive--A Protracted
+Orgie--A Jewish Friend of the Burglar in Trouble.
+
+
+On arriving in Minneapolis, Manning was able to discover without serious
+difficulty that Duncan, after remaining in that city two days, had
+purchased a ticket over the Northern Pacific railroad for Bismarck, a
+thriving town in Dakota. This information he had been able to gain by a
+resort to his old method of visiting the houses of ill-fame, and then
+carelessly exposing Duncan's photograph to the various inmates, in such
+a manner as to excite no suspicion of his real errand. His experience
+thus far had been that Duncan, either to evade pursuit, to gratify
+bestial passion, or to endeavor by such excitements to drive away the
+haunting fear that oppressed him, had invariably sought the
+companionship of the harlot and the profligate. Being possessed of
+plenty of money, it may be imagined that he experienced no difficulty in
+finding associates willing to minister to his appetites, and to assist
+him in forgetting the dangers that threatened him, by dissipation and
+debauchery. All along his path were strewn these evidences of reckless
+abandonment, which, while they temporarily enabled him to drown the
+remembrances of his crime, yet, at the same time, they served most
+powerfully to point out to his pursuer the road he was traveling.
+
+It appeared, therefore, that my first theories were correct, and that
+Thomas Duncan was making his way to the far western country, where,
+beyond the easy and expeditious mode of communication by railroad and
+telegraph, he would be safe from pursuit. He was evidently seeking to
+reach the mining district, where, among men as reckless as himself, he
+hoped to evade the officers of law.
+
+Manning lost no time in following up the clew he had obtained in
+Minneapolis, and so, purchasing a ticket for Bismarck, he was soon
+thundering on his way to the Missouri river. At Brainerd, at Fargo in
+Minnesota, and at Jamestown in Dakota, during the time when the train
+had stopped for some necessary purpose, he had made inquiries, and at
+each place was rewarded by gleaning some information, however
+fragmentary, of the fugitive. He was therefore assured that he was upon
+the trail, and that unless something unforeseen occurred, he would
+sooner or later overtake the object of his pursuit.
+
+On the following day Manning arrived at Bismarck, a thrifty and growing
+little town on the banks of the muddy Missouri. As the train left the
+more thickly populated country and emerged into the region of this as
+yet comparatively undeveloped west, the detective was surprised to
+witness the rapid advancements that had been made within a few years.
+The spirit of American energy and enterprise was reaching out into this
+vast region, and already the influences of modern civilization and
+thrift were manifesting themselves. No longer a trackless waste,
+abandoned to the roaming bands of Indians and the wild beasts of the
+forest, and plain, the western continent was fast yielding to the
+plowshare of the husbandman, and to the powerful agencies of education
+and improvement.
+
+Bismarck itself was a wonderfully active town, and during the season of
+navigation a large commercial business was transacted with the various
+towns upon the river, both above and below it. Before the advent of the
+Northern Pacific railroad, Bismarck had an existence, but simply as a
+sleepy river station, with its periodical bursts of life and animation
+during the months when the river was navigable and when trade along its
+waters was possible. When winter came, however, with its chilling
+blasts, and the river was frozen, trade almost ceased entirely, and
+Bismarck remained in sluggish inactivity until spring with its
+refreshing showers and balmy breezes awakened it to new life and being.
+Now, however, all was changed. The railroad with its facilities, had
+opened the way to emigration; the pioneers had penetrated the solitudes,
+and Bismarck had grown with that wonderful rapidity so characteristic of
+the western town. The advent of the iron horse had opened up new and
+hitherto undreamed of possibilities. Real estate, which had previously
+no fixed value whatever, was now in demand at almost fabulous prices.
+Stores and dwellings sprang into being, hotels and churches were built,
+school houses and even banking institutions flourished with a vigor that
+seemed almost miraculous.
+
+Sauntering about the town on the morning after his arrival, Manning was
+surprised at the activity and bustle, the thrift and energy which
+greeted him on every hand. His past experiences had taught him many
+things which he found of use to him in making his inquiries in Bismarck,
+and it was not long before he succeeded in learning definite particulars
+of Duncan's stay in this place. From reliable sources he ascertained
+that the young man had arrived in the town about two weeks prior to
+this, and had remained several days, enjoying himself in much the same
+manner that had marked his residence in the other cities along his
+route, except that in Bismarck he had exposed himself to a greater
+extent than at any other place. It seemed that as he got further west,
+his fears of pursuit and detection grew less, and he became more bold
+and open in his actions. Here he had not attempted concealment at all,
+except as to his name, which he gave as Tom Moore, of Chicago; his
+carousals were publicly known, and the lavish expenditure of his stolen
+money was commented upon by many.
+
+In a conversation with the proprietor of the hotel at which Duncan had
+stopped, the detective learned that his stay in the city had been marked
+by the most reckless dissipation and extravagance. So careless did he
+appear in the display of his money, of which he appeared to have a large
+amount, that the proprietor had taken it upon himself to warn him
+against the danger to which such a course would expose him. The town was
+infested with a gang of roughs and thieves, and he feared that if once
+they became aware of Duncan's wealth, his life would be of comparatively
+little value. Several of these characters had been seen about the hotel,
+and the landlord had remonstrated seriously with Duncan about his folly.
+To this Duncan had impudently replied that he could take care of
+himself, and needed no advice. Finding it of no use, therefore, to
+advise him, the landlord desisted in his efforts, and left him to follow
+his own inclinations.
+
+Manning also learned from his host that Duncan had associated quite
+intimately while in the city, with a Jew clothing merchant, who was a
+resident here, and who seemed to be an old acquaintance. The name of
+this man was Jacob Gross, and ascertaining where his place of business
+was located, Manning determined to give him a call.
+
+When he entered the store of Mr. Gross, that gentleman was
+engaged in waiting upon a customer. He was a perfect type of the
+Israelite--sharp-featured, with prominent nose, keen, glittering eyes
+and curly black hair. If any doubt of his race remained, the manner in
+which he conducted his bargain with his unsuspecting customer would have
+convinced any one of the presence of the veritable Jew.
+
+Manning watched, with amused interest, the tact with which the Hebrew
+clothier endeavored to convince his customer that a coat, much too large
+for him, was "yust a fit and no mistake," and that the price which he
+asked was not half as much as the garment was worth.
+
+After the customer had departed, the clothier advanced, bowing and
+smiling, toward the detective, as if anticipating another sale as
+profitable as the last one. Manning informed him in a few words that he
+was looking for Duncan, and was a friend of his, who was desirous of
+gaining some information of his present whereabouts, as unless he saw
+him, Duncan might be getting into more trouble.
+
+It appeared that Duncan had told the same gambling story to Mr. Gross,
+who seemed to be dreadfully shocked at the affair.
+
+"Py gracious," said he excitedly, "I hafe knowed dot boy ven I sold
+cloding in Des Moines, more as fife years ago, and so help me Moses I
+did nefer belief he vud do such a ting loike dot."
+
+After further conversation, he learned that Duncan had spent a great
+deal of his time at this store, and when he left, had stated that he
+intended to go on to Miles City, and perhaps to Butte City, Montana. It
+appeared that Duncan had an uncle who was engaged in the clothing
+business at Butte City, and that it was possible he might eventually get
+there.
+
+"If you find him," said Mr. Gross, after he had given the above
+information, "you musn't told him where you heard this, because he told
+me, I should say nothing about him to anybody."
+
+"All right," replied Manning, "if I find him, it won't make much
+difference to him who told me about him."
+
+As he uttered these words a peculiar look came into the shrewd face of
+the Jew, a look which was partly of quick suspicion and of fear, and he
+eyed the imperturbable detective for a few moments as though seriously
+in doubt about the whole affair. Manning, however, had nothing further
+to say, and bidding the clothier a pleasant farewell he left the store.
+
+On returning to the hotel, he found that he had several hours to wait,
+as no train would leave Bismarck until evening, and he therefore
+employed his time in writing up his reports and mailing them to me.
+
+After partaking of an early tea, he returned to the railroad station,
+where he discovered that he had yet some time to wait before the arrival
+of the train, which was belated. As he was standing on the rude
+platform, musing over the events which had taken place in his journey
+thus far, and speculating as to the probable result of his chase after
+an individual who had seemed, phantom-like, to have eluded his grasp at
+every point.
+
+He knew full well the desperation of the man he was following, and the
+threat that "no two men should take him alive," was, he realized, no
+idle one. He had no doubt that unless he could circumvent him in some
+way, his capture might be no easy task, and that in this undeveloped
+country he was taking his life in his hands in the journey he was now
+making. He never faltered for an instant, however; he was determined to
+capture this criminal, if possible, and he quietly murmured to himself:
+"Well, let the worst come, a quick eye and a steady hand are good things
+to have in a meeting like this may be, and I'll take care that Thomas
+Duncan does not catch me napping."
+
+His meditations were suddenly interrupted by the unexpected appearance
+of the little Jewish tailor, who, breathless and panting, now came
+scrambling up on the platform and exclaimed:
+
+"Py gracious, Mr. Manning! I vas afraid you vas gone, and I hafe
+somedings on my mindt dot bodders me like de dickens!"
+
+[Illustration: "Py cracious, Mr. Manning, I hafe somedings on my mindt
+dot bodders me loike de dickens!"]
+
+"What is it that troubles you, Mr. Gross?" inquired the detective,
+laughing in spite of himself at the little fellow's distress.
+
+"Vell, I'll told you," he answered, mopping the perspiration which was
+streaming from his face. "I was tinkin' dot may be if you git dot
+fellow, you vould be vantin' me for a vitness, and s'help me Moses I
+vould not do dot--not for dwo hundred tollar."
+
+"Oh, you need not give yourself any uneasiness on that score, Mr.
+Gross," said Manning; "you will not be wanted in any case whatever."
+
+"My gootness, I vas glad of dot. If I vas to leaf my bisness I vould be
+ruined. Dot's all right, dough. Let's go und take a glass of peer."
+
+At this juncture, the shrill whistle of the approaching train was heard,
+and this fact enabled the detective to decline the proffered
+beverage. After a hearty hand-shake from the nervous little clothier,
+Manning sprang upon the train and in a few moments later he was on his
+way to Miles City.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+From Bismarck to Bozeman--The Trail Growing Warmer--Duncan Buys a
+Pony--A Long Stage Ride.
+
+
+The distance from Bismarck to Miles City is about three hundred miles,
+and as Manning left the former place early in the evening, he secured a
+couch in the comfortable sleeping car, and shortly afterward retired to
+rest. It seemed almost incredible the giant strides which had been made
+in a few years in the process of civilization in our western country.
+But yesterday the ground which our operative was now traveling in
+comfort, was overrun by the Indian and the wild beasts of the forest,
+and to-day along his entire route were rising up substantial towns and
+villages, bringing in their wake the enlightening influences of
+education and morality. The railroad, that mighty agent of
+civilization, is rapidly forging a chain of communication between the
+two great oceans, and travel in the western wilds, formerly fraught with
+hardships and dangers unspeakable, is now performed with rapidity,
+comfort and safety. In the morning the train stopped at Little Missouri,
+where the passengers were refreshed with breakfast, then on again past
+Sentinel Butte, they left the boundaries of Dakota and entered the great
+territory of Montana. On again like the rush of the wind, until about
+five o'clock in the afternoon, they arrived at Miles City, where the
+train was to remain nearly two hours, before continuing their journey.
+
+Miles City was another striking illustration of the wonderful growth of
+American towns. Less than a year ago, a barren waste marked the spot
+where now was growing a thriving city. The railroad, as in other
+localities, had played an important part in awakening this uninhabited
+region to life and activity. The trackless, boundless prairie had been
+reclaimed, and was now a flourishing city, full of bustle and vigor.
+Making his way to a neat and comfortable hotel, which bore the rather
+euphonious title of St. Cloud, Manning partook of a substantial meal and
+then set about his investigations. He soon found news of the object of
+his inquiries. From the proprietor of the St. Cloud, he learned that
+Duncan had remained here two days, and upon the register he saw the now
+well-known signature of Tom Moore of Chicago. He had informed the
+inn-keeper of his intention of going to Bozeman, a town lying to the
+north of the Crow Reservation.
+
+Manning resolved, therefore, to press right on, and he returned to the
+railroad station, where the train was still waiting. Purchasing a ticket
+for Billings, he started again on his way, and at nearly midnight he
+arrived at his destination, where he secured quarters for the night.
+
+Billings was, at this time, the terminal point of the Northern Pacific
+railroad, and as the detective sought the open air on the following
+morning, he was amazed at the scenes that were presented to his view.
+The place was literally swarming with people. Prospectors, land-buyers,
+traders, merchants, and a miscellaneous army of railroad men were
+everywhere. No time had been afforded in which to build suitable
+structures for housing the ever-increasing population, and the town
+presented the appearance of a huge encampment; nearly one-half of the
+city being composed of canvas tents. In the hotels, on the corners of
+the streets, and in the places of business, the universal topic of
+conversation was the phenomenal growth of the city, and the grand
+prospects which the future had in store for this embryotic western
+metropolis. Along the railroad, a perfect army of workmen were
+assembled, awaiting their orders for the day. Graders, tie-men,
+track-layers and construction corps, were already on the spot, and they
+too seemed imbued with the same spirit of enthusiasm which filled their
+more wealthy and ambitious neighbors in the city. As may readily be
+imagined, crime and immorality followed hand in hand with the march of
+improvement. The gambler and the harlot plied their vocations in the
+full light of day, and as yet unrebuked by the ruling powers of a
+community, too newly located to assume the dignity of enacting laws.
+
+The detective made his way through the streets, mentally noting these
+things, while his efforts were directed to finding some trace of Thomas
+Duncan. He made a systematic tour of the hotels, or more properly
+speaking, the boarding-houses with which the town was filled, and after
+numerous disappointments, was at last successful in learning something
+definite of the movements of his man. At a hotel called the "Windsor,"
+he found the unmistakable signature he was looking for, and was
+convinced that Tom Moore of Chicago had preceded him but a few days.
+Exhibiting his talismanic photograph to the proprietor, he was informed
+that Duncan had been there some ten days before, and after remaining a
+day or two, had gone over to the military cantonments, some four or five
+miles distant, where a detachment of United States soldiers were
+quartered.
+
+Procuring a horse, Manning started for the cantonment, where he was
+kindly received by Major Bell, the officer in charge, who informed him
+that Duncan had been there some days before, and that he had remained
+about the camp for several days, playing cards with the soldiers and
+enjoying himself generally. During his stay he had purchased a pony from
+a Crow Indian, and while he was at the cantonment he rode into Billings
+and bought a Sharp's repeating rifle, after which he had mounted his
+horse and rode off in the direction of Fort Custer. He had remained away
+several days when he again returned to the cantonment, and after
+remaining there one night, he had started on horseback for Bozeman and
+Helena.
+
+This was authentic and gratifying intelligence. Manning had received not
+only reliable information as to the movements of Duncan, but the
+distance between them had been materially lessened by the fugitive's
+long detention at the cantonment. The burglar was now but a few days
+ahead of him, and if nothing transpired to delay him, he would soon
+overtake the man, who, from all indications, was entirely unsuspicious
+of the fact that a detective was upon his track who had followed his
+trail as closely and as unerringly as the Indian follows the track of
+the beast through forest and stream. As an additional means of
+identification, Manning secured a full description of the horse
+purchased by Duncan, and with this increased fund of information,
+Manning returned to Billings. On the following morning, seated beside
+the driver on the top of the stage-coach, and behind four dashing bay
+horses, Manning rattled out of the pushing little town of Billings on
+his way to Bozeman.
+
+He now indulged in high hopes of soon overhauling Duncan, and all along
+their way, whenever the stage stopped to change horses, he was gratified
+to receive the information that the man and the pony which he described
+had passed over the same route a few days in advance of him.
+
+The road from Billings to Bozeman led them part of the distance along
+the Yellowstone river, and through a country wild and picturesque in the
+extreme. Sometimes winding around the sides of a huge mountain, from
+which they obtained a magnificent view of the rugged and beautiful
+scenery below, and again descending to the valleys, they swept along
+between the mountains which towered aloft on either hand, their rugged
+sides forming a marked contrast with the emerald-hued verdure skirting
+their base. Occasional ranches presented the evidences of cultivation
+and profitable stock-raising. Broad fields and luxuriant pastures were
+spread before the view, and hundreds of sleek cattle were scattered over
+the country, either sleeping quietly in the sun or browsing upon the
+rich, tender herbage which abounds. At these ranches the horses were
+frequently changed, and the mail was delivered, much to the
+gratification of these hardy pioneers, who were otherwise shut out from
+the busy actions of the world beyond them.
+
+The country through which they passed was exceedingly rich in an
+agricultural point of view, the resources of which cannot be
+overestimated, and the atmosphere was dry and pure. Inhaling the
+invigorating air as they rode along, Manning suffered none of the
+discomforts which are naturally consequent upon a journey by stage of
+more than one hundred and fifty miles. At noon, they stopped at a ranch
+station, and here they were regaled with a repast which would have
+tickled the palate of an epicure. Broiled trout from a mountain stream
+near by, roast fowl and a variety of dishes, made up a feast well worthy
+of the lusty appetites of the travelers. Here, too, Manning received
+tidings of the fleeing burglar. His horse, which was a fine one, and
+peculiarly marked, had been noticed particularly by the ranchmen, so
+there was no doubt that he was upon the right road to overtake him.
+
+After the dinner, and a good resting spell, they resumed their journey.
+Now their road ran along the fertile valley, and again passing through a
+sharp defile in the mountains, and finally winding its way along a
+narrow ledge of rock, where the slightest turn to left or right, a
+single misstep of the sure-footed animals, or an awkward move of their
+driver, would have hurled them into an abyss hundreds of feet below,
+where instant and horrible death awaited them.
+
+No accident befell them, however, and just as the sun was going down in
+a blaze of glory, behind the towering mountains into the west, they
+arrived at a ranch for supper and rest.
+
+In the evening the moon came out, illuminating the landscape with a soft
+enchanting beauty, as its beams fell upon the tall mountain and the
+level plain, lighting up tree and flower, and flashing upon the river
+like a myriad of polished gems. As they rode along, song and story
+enlivened the journey, and a draught or two from a wicker-covered flask
+which the detective carried, soon produced an era of good feeling
+between the outside passengers and the burly, good-natured driver.
+
+"Have you ever been bothered with robbers or highwaymen along this
+route?" asked Manning of their driver during a lull in the conversation.
+
+"Well, we used to be," answered the fat fellow, with a quiet chuckle, as
+he cracked his whip unpleasantly near to the flank of the off leader,
+who was lagging a little; "but of late we haven't seen anything of the
+kind."
+
+"Ever had any adventure with them yourself?" asked Manning in a coaxing
+tone, as he fancied he could see that the old fellow had a story which
+he could be induced to relate.
+
+"Yes," he answered, puffing quietly away at a cigar which Manning had
+given him. "About a year ago I had a little experience up near
+Thompson's place, which we will reach about ten o'clock, if we have no
+bad luck."
+
+"Let us hear it, won't you?" asked one of the other passengers, now
+becoming interested.
+
+"Well," answered the driver, evidently pleased at finding himself an
+object of interest, "wait until we round this spur here, and then we'll
+have a tolerable straight road ahead. I don't suppose, though, that
+you'll find it very interesting."
+
+In a few moments they passed around the spur of the mountain, and the
+whole landscape was lighted up with a blaze of moonlight that flooded
+the scene with a radiance beautiful to behold. No living habitation was
+within sight, and the rumble of the coach was the only sound that broke
+the stillness that brooded over the scene.
+
+The driver settled himself back in his seat, and after a few preparatory
+coughs, and a swallow of brandy, to clear his throat, began his
+narration.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+The Stage Driver's Story.
+
+
+"Well," said the driver, as he set his long-lashed whip into its socket,
+and gathered up his reins in his left hand, in order to afford him an
+opportunity to declaim more freely with his right, "you must know that
+I've been drivin' on this line more than two years, and consequently I
+know every inch of the route like a book. I must own, though, that I
+didn't know quite as much at the time I speak of. The driver whose place
+I took when I came on to the road, had been pretty badly used up in a
+scrimmage with the bandits about a week before, and I didn't like the
+prospects, you may be sure; but as I was out of a job, I took this, and
+I made up my mind when I I commenced, never to put my head in the way
+of a robber's bullet, if I could help it."
+
+"That's the case with most of you, isn't it?" said Manning,
+good-naturedly.
+
+"What makes you think so?" inquired the driver, quizzically.
+
+"Why, the ease and success with which stage coaches have usually been
+robbed," was the reply.
+
+"Well, I'll tell you," he answered, good-humoredly, and not the least
+disturbed by Manning's quiet reflection on the bravery of stage drivers
+in general. "When a fellow has to manage four tolerably skittish horses
+with both hands full of leather, he haint much time to fool around
+huntin' shootin' irons, 'specially when he's got to look down into the
+muzzle of a repeater which is likely to go off and hurt somebody."
+
+"Do you think these stage robbers, as a rule, are disposed to kill
+anybody?" asked Manning.
+
+"Why, sir," answered the driver, "they would just as soon kill a stage
+driver as eat their breakfast, and they know how to handle a rifle,
+too, let me tell you."
+
+"There's something in that reasoning," replied Manning, laughingly. "But
+go on with your story."
+
+"Well," continued the driver, "I had made several trips and had met with
+no trouble or accident, so I began to think the gang had gone away from
+these parts, and that there was no danger to be feared. However, I still
+carried a brace of good revolvers in a handy place, just to make sure I
+was safe; though, Lord bless you, I knew I couldn't get at them in time
+to do any good, if the robbers did attack us.
+
+"Well, one morning--it was a cold, raw day in April--I left Billings
+with my coach full of people, most of whom were goin' through to Helena,
+although I only drove as far as Bozeman, just as I do now. I had nine
+passengers, all told, and among the number was an old ranchman named
+Kyle Barton, and his handsome daughter. I tell you, she was a stunner;
+her hair was as black as a crow, and her bright black eyes sparkled
+like diamonds. I knew 'em both pretty well, for the old man owned a
+ranch out near Bozeman, and was as fine a man as ever stood six feet in
+his boots. The young woman was a fiery little beauty, and as hard to
+manage as a three-year-old colt. The old man and his daughter had been
+on a trip to the East, and were now returning home again, after bein'
+away several months. Well, the young woman, as I have said, for all she
+was as pretty as a picture, had a devilish wicked look in her flashing
+black eyes, that made a fellow kind 'o wilt when she looked him square
+in the face.
+
+"The young woman took her seat on the inside, while the old man, who was
+hardy and tough as a pine knot, took his place on the outside, right
+where you are sittin' now. It was pretty cold, and we had to bundle up
+pretty well, but the old man didn't mind it a bit. He smoked his pipe
+and passed his bottle--thankee', yes, sir, I don't care if I do--and we
+were enjoying of ourselves amazin'.
+
+"We journeyed along all day," continued the driver, as he handed the
+bottle back, and wiped his lips with the sleeve of his coat, "and
+nothin' happened to hinder or delay us in the least. Instead of gittin'
+warmer as the day wore on, it kept gittin' a dern sight colder, until
+along about four o'clock in the afternoon, when it began to snow, and by
+early dark, it was hard at it, a regular December snow-storm, with a
+drivin' wind that cut our faces tremendous. This bothered us a good
+deal, for the snow being wet and sticky, would ball up on the horses'
+feet so that they could hardly stand, and we just poked along our way at
+a gait not a bit faster than a slow walk. We couldn't get along any
+faster, and it was no use a-beatin' the poor critters, for they was
+a-doin' all in their power, and a-strainin' every nerve to keep
+a-movin'.
+
+"The old ranchman was a good-hearted, sociable old fellow, and he didn't
+seem to mind the storm a bit. As we plodded along he talked about his
+cattle ranch, the price of cattle, and what profit he had made that
+year. It was along after dinner, and we had both been strikin' the
+bottle pretty regular, although the cold was so great we could hardly
+feel it, when he fell to talkin' about himself and his daughter. We were
+the only two outside, and he became quite confidential like, and I
+pitied the old man, for he'd had a deal of trouble with the young
+spitfire inside.
+
+"Among other things, he told me that she had almost broken his old heart
+lately by fallin' in love, or imaginin' she had, with one of his
+herdsmen, a handsome, dashing, devil-may-care sort of a fellow he had
+picked up at Bozeman and taken out to his ranch about a year before.
+When the old man found out that the gal was gone on the fellow, and that
+he was a-meetin' her after dark, he ups and discharges him instanter,
+and gives him a piece of his mind about his takin' a mean advantage of
+the confidence which had been placed in him.
+
+"His daughter, Stella, as he called her, fought against his dischargin'
+of the young man, and had been sullen and ill-tempered ever since her
+lover left. He had caught them correspondin' with each other after that,
+and on one occasion he was certain they had a clandestine meetin'. On
+findin' out that his daughter was determined not to give up this
+worthless young cuss, the old man made up his mind to take her away, and
+he had accordin'ly packed up and gone on a long journey to the East,
+where he had stayed several months, and they were now just gettin' back
+to their home again. The old man had hoped that absence from her lover
+and meetin' with other people in different scenes, would induce her to
+forget her old passion, and to realize the folly she had committed in
+seekin' to marry such a worthless fellow against her father's wishes."
+
+"I don't see what this has got to do with the bandits, though," now said
+the detective, who was getting a little anxious to find out what all
+this was leading to.
+
+"I was afraid it wouldn't interest you much," replied the driver; "but
+you'll soon see the point to my story and what this young girl had to
+do with it."
+
+"I beg your pardon," said Manning, "I am interested in it, only I was
+anxious to hear where the bandits came in. Let's take a little drop of
+brandy, and I promise you I won't interrupt you again until you have
+finished."
+
+Here he handed the flask over to the old man, who took it with the
+remark that it "looked for all the world like the one carried by the old
+ranchman," and after a hearty pull at it, passed it back again, and
+resumed his story.
+
+"As the darkness increased, the old ranchman, who it seemed had heard of
+the recent robberies, began to grow a little nervous, although he didn't
+appear to be a dern bit scared. He looked carefully to the condition of
+his pistols, and also advised me to have mine handy in case of need;
+nothin' would satisfy him but I had to get mine out of the box, and
+after he had looked them all over, they were laid on the seat between
+us. Not content with this, he warned the inside passengers that there
+was danger to be apprehended, and that there were bandits on the road.
+He urged them to have their weapons in readiness, so that in case the
+robbers did come, we could give them a red-hot reception. The people
+inside caught the old man's spirit, and they all resolved that if an
+attack did come they would meet it like men. To tell the truth, I didn't
+fear any danger, and I thought the old man was excitin' everybody
+without cause; but I didn't say anything, cause it wouldn't do any harm
+anyhow, even if we were not molested.
+
+"However, I had reckoned without my host, for just as we reached this
+place, and were a-turnin' around this bend in the road, two men sprang
+out from the bushes and grabbed the lead horses by the bits. Two more
+jumped out on one side of the coach, and two more on the other, while
+one man stepped up to me and demanded me to come down. Of course the
+coach was stopped, and just as the robber spoke to me, the old man
+reached over in front of me and fired. The robber fell at once
+without a sound. Barton then fired at the man at the horse's head
+nearest him, and brought him down. These shots were both fired as quick
+as a flash, but his aim had been unerring. 'Duck down, Davy, duck down,'
+he cried to me as he swung himself from the coach, and a volley of
+bullets passed over our heads.
+
+[Illustration: "The old man reached over in front of me and fired."]
+
+"I followed his example, and in a hurry, too, and escaped unhurt. Just
+then we heard two reports from the passengers inside, and in less time
+that it has taken me to tell it the scrimmage was over and the robbers
+who were unhurt had fled, leaving three of their number on the ground,
+two of them seriously wounded, and the other one as dead as a post, with
+a bullet hole plum through his forehead.
+
+"As soon as they could the passengers clambered out of the coach, and by
+the aid of our lanterns, we found the robbers as I have just told you.
+We all congratulated ourselves on our fortunate escape, and the old man
+was warmly commended for his forethought and for the gallant service he
+had rendered.
+
+"I saw the old man did not seem disposed to say much, but I also noticed
+a look of grim satisfaction on his face as he looked down at the dead
+bandit. He then looked anxiously toward the coach, and seemed relieved
+to find that his daughter still remained inside.
+
+"We bound up as well as we could the wounds of the other two, and lifted
+them to the top of the coach. When it came to the dead one, some of the
+passengers were in favor of lettin' him lie where he was, but others
+objected and wanted to take him along with us, as we did not have far to
+go."
+
+"While we were discussin' the question, the young woman, who had got out
+of the coach while we were talkin', and without her father observin'
+her, caught sight of the bandit's face, as he lay on his back in the
+snow, and with a wild scream of anguish, she pushed the men aside and
+flung herself upon the lifeless body. Her sobs were terrible to hear,
+and many a strong man turned away to hide the tears that came to their
+eyes in spite of them. Her father approached her and tried to draw her
+away, but all to no use, until at length her strength gave out, and she
+fainted dead away.
+
+"You see," continued the driver, "that dead man was her lover. He had
+been engaged in the business of robbin' stage coaches for a long time,
+and only hired with the old man as a cover to hide his real business,
+and to try and win the girl, whom he had frequently seen before.
+
+"The old man was all broke up about the girl, but he was glad that
+things had happened as they did, and he felt sure that after her grief
+was over, she would not fail to see the danger she had escaped, and to
+thank her father for savin' her from a life of shame and disgrace.
+
+"We lifted the girl into the coach, and put the dead man along with the
+others on the top. He had been the terror of the neighborhood, although
+no one knew, until this time, who had been the leader of this murderous
+gang. We buried him at Bozeman, and since that time we have had no
+trouble with anything like bandits or robbers along the route."
+
+"What became of the other two?" asked the detective.
+
+"They were put under arrest, but somehow they managed to escape before
+they were brought to trial, and that was the last we ever heard of
+them."
+
+"And the girl," asked Manning, "what became of her?"
+
+"Oh, she is all right now; as pert as a cricket, and prettier than
+ever," answered the driver. "She was married some time ago to a young
+fellow who is the sheriff of the county here, and is as happy as the day
+is long. You wouldn't know that she ever had an experience like this,
+and I don't believe she ever thinks of her bandit lover, while she hangs
+around her old father with all the affection of a child, and the old
+ranchman is as happy and contented a man as you will find in the whole
+county."
+
+As the driver concluded his narrative, the stage rolled into Bozeman,
+and at sharp midnight they drew up before the door of the inn. The moon
+was still shining, and lights were flashing from the windows when they
+arrived. Tired and hungry, the passengers alighted, and after a light
+lunch, Manning procured a bed and retired to rest.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+False Information which Nearly Proves Fatal--A Night Ride to
+Helena--Dangers by the Wayside.
+
+
+Traveling by coach is far from being as comfortable and pleasant as a
+journey by rail. The time occupied in going comparatively short
+distances is very great, besides the rough jolting over uneven roads
+which is a natural concomitant of stage coach travel. It is true that by
+the easy locomotion of a journey of this kind, a much better view of the
+surrounding country is afforded, and the traveler finds ample
+opportunities to admire the beauty of nature everywhere spread before
+him; but even that palls upon the eye when the journey is protracted
+from early morn until midnight, and the traveler is cramped up in an
+uncomfortable position upon the driver's box. Under such circumstances,
+after a time, there is but little compensation for the trials and
+fatigues of a journey such as Manning had just completed when he arrived
+at Bozeman on the night before. The road through which they had come led
+them through a country so varied in its grand and imposing beauty,
+towering rocks and fertile valleys, winding streams and gentle
+elevations, that for a time fatigue was forgotten in the enjoyment of
+the scenes about him, and it was not until the journey had been
+completed that he realized how utterly wearied and tired out he was. His
+limbs were sore and stiffened from his cramped position, and being
+unable to sleep at all on the journey, he was completely exhausted when
+he sought his couch at the hotel at Bozeman. Being of a strong and
+healthy physique, however, and upheld by an ambition to succeed in the
+mission he had undertaken, Manning arose in the morning, and after a
+refreshing bath and an excellent breakfast, was quite rested and fully
+prepared to continue his efforts.
+
+Bozeman, unlike the other towns which he had passed through upon his
+journey, was remotely situated as yet from railroad communication, and
+yet in spite of that fact was a busy and well-populated little town. It
+is the county seat of Gallatin county, and contained at this time
+several pretentious stores, a hotel, a national bank, and a goodly
+number of substantial dwellings. As may naturally be inferred, there was
+the usual complement of saloons, in which drinking and gambling were
+indulged in without license, and with no fear of restraint from the
+prohibitory influences of the law.
+
+Failing to find any trace of Thomas Duncan, or "Tom Moore," at the
+hotel, Manning began his usual systematic tour of these houses of public
+entertainment. House after house was visited, and the day waned without
+his making the slightest discovery that would avail him at all in his
+pursuit. At length, however, as night was falling, he encountered a
+saloon-keeper, who in answer to his inquiries gruffly informed him, that
+a person answering Duncan's description and mounted upon a pony
+resembling his, had stopped in his saloon a few days before, and had
+gone away in the direction of the Yellowstone Park.
+
+This was rather disappointing intelligence, for it required him to
+retrace his steps, and go back over ground which he had already
+traveled. However, if the information was reliable, no time was to be
+lost, and he started from the saloon to commence his preparations at
+once.
+
+While at the bar, he had noticed a sturdy, honest-looking miner, who was
+taking a drink, and who had stopped and looked intently at him while the
+proprietor had given him the information above mentioned. As Manning
+left the saloon, the man followed him a short distance, and when out of
+sight of the saloon called after him; Manning stopped and the man came
+toward him.
+
+"Mister," said he, as he approached the detective, "ef ye go to the
+park, you won't find the man yer arter, that's a dead sure thing."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Manning with some surprise.
+
+"I means as how the boss of the saloon yonder has lied to ye, that's
+all."
+
+"What makes you think so?"
+
+"Bekase I passed the man ye wor askin' about three days ago, on the road
+to Helena."
+
+"Are you sure about this?"
+
+"Well, I reckon I am. I couldn't make much of a mistake about that
+white-faced pony he wor a-ridin'."
+
+Requesting the miner to accompany him to the hotel, Manning interrogated
+him closely about the appearance of the man, and found that he was
+giving him the correct information, as his description of Duncan tallied
+precisely with what he himself had already learned. After carefully
+weighing the matter, Manning decided to act upon this latter
+information, and to start for Helena that evening. The saloon-keeper
+evidently mistrusted some danger to Duncan, from the detective's
+inquiries, and Manning was inclined to believe that the fugitive had
+stopped there during his stay in Bozeman, and that the proprietor of the
+saloon had attempted to deceive him and turn him off from the tracks of
+the unfortunate burglar.
+
+Thus far, from all that could be learned of Duncan's movements, the
+young man was traveling entirely alone. From point to point across the
+western continent Manning had traced him, and no tidings of a companion
+had been as yet received. Alone and friendless, cut off from all the old
+associations of his past life, this unfortunate man was flying from a
+fate which he felt must be impending. Through the long summer days and
+under the starry skies during the weary nights, this fleeing outcast was
+working his way to fancied freedom and security. I wonder if, during the
+long watches of the night, when he sought the needed slumber which his
+weary brain and body demanded, whether the accuser's voice was not
+sounding in his ears, whether he did not start with affright at fancied
+dangers, and find his lonely life a burden, heavy and sorrowful!
+
+It was now nearly eight o'clock, and the stage would not leave for
+Helena until midnight, and Manning, having nothing else to do, sought a
+few hours' sleep in order to be better prepared for the long journey
+before him. The distance from Bozeman to Helena was about ninety-five
+miles, and from what he had heard the roads were in a terrible
+condition. Heavy rains had fallen recently, and the mud in some places
+along his journey was said to be nearly axle deep. Undaunted by the
+gloomy prospect before him, however, Manning rested quietly, and, when
+the time for starting arrived, he was fully refreshed and eager for the
+long ride before him.
+
+Profiting by his past experience, he now secured an inside seat, as he
+would be better protected from the chilling night winds so prevalent in
+this mountainous country, and would perhaps, be able to sleep at
+intervals during the hours which would ensue before daylight.
+
+The other passengers in the coach were three men who were interested in
+mining in the neighborhood of Helena, and who, like himself, were bound
+for that place. They were all, however, rather wearied with their
+journey from Billings, and very much disposed to sleep. Manning,
+therefore, stowed himself away in one corner of the coach, as
+comfortably as he was able to do, and nodded and dozed fitfully until
+they arrived at the breakfast station at Gallatin, a little town on the
+river.
+
+After an hour's rest and a change of horses, they pushed on again. From
+this point onward they found the reports about the condition of the
+roads fully verified. The stage lumbered along through the deep, muddy
+roads, and ever and anon the passengers would be required to alight, and
+assist in lifting the wheels from a particularly soft spot, where they
+were threatened with being inextricably mired. As may be imagined, a
+journey under such circumstances was far from being a pleasant one, but
+they all submitted with good nature to a state of affairs which was
+beyond their power to remedy. As it was, they fared much better than a
+party of travelers whom they met upon the road. They were returning from
+Helena, and when crossing a narrow bridge over one of the mountain
+streams, had the misfortune to have their coach overturned, and
+themselves precipitated violently to the ground, thereby sustaining
+serious injury. Upon meeting this forlorn party of travelers, Manning
+and his companions all turned out again, and by herculean efforts
+succeeded in righting the overturned coach, and in repairing, as far as
+in their power, the damage that had been done. With such laborious
+experiences as these, the party traveled on, and by the time they had
+arrived at the supper station they were almost exhausted.
+
+After this, however, the roads gradually improved, and as darkness came
+on, they again essayed to sleep. On they went, and the night was passed
+in uncomfortable slumber, broken and disturbed by the lurching and
+uneasy jolting of the coach over the rough mountain roads, and the
+curses of the driver, administered without stint to the struggling and
+jaded horses. The night, however, brought neither danger nor mishap, and
+at four o'clock in the morning they arrived at Helena, very much
+demoralized and worn out, but with whole bodies and ravenous appetites.
+Manning went to bed immediately on his arrival, and did not awake until
+the sun was high in the heavens, when he arose, feeling considerably
+refreshed and strengthened by his repose.
+
+Helena, the capital of Montana, he found to be a pushing and energetic
+city of about ten thousand inhabitants. Here were mills and factories, a
+handsome court-house, graded schools, several newspapers, charitable
+institutions and public hospitals, in fact, all the progressive elements
+of a thriving and well-settled city of modern times. All this had been
+accomplished in less than twenty years, and without the assistance of
+the railroad or the energizing influence of river navigation. The
+railroad had not yet penetrated into this mountainous region, and the
+Missouri river was fourteen miles distant. To the adventurous spirit of
+gold-hunting Americans had Helena owed its origin and growth, and its
+resources were unknown until 1864, when a party of prospecting miners
+discovered unmistakable evidences of rich yielding gold and silver mines
+in the immediate vicinity of what is now the thriving city of Helena.
+Following this discovery, thousands of gold-hunters sought this new
+"Eldorado," and in a few months a populous community had taken
+possession of the ground. Within a year after this the territory of
+Montana was formed, and from its central location and large population,
+Helena was chosen as the capital. From this time the success of the city
+was assured, emigration continued, the mines showed no signs of
+diminution, and the town soon aspired to the dignity of a city, despite
+its remoteness from the river, the railroad and the telegraph. Exceeding
+even California in the richness of its gold mines, Montana shows a
+wonderful yield of silver, which is obtained with an ease which makes
+mining a pleasurable and sure source of incalculable profit. In addition
+to the precious metals, copper is also found in abundance, and forms an
+important feature of the mineral wealth of this territory.
+
+Montana is easily reached during the season of navigation by steamboats
+on the Missouri river from St. Louis, from which point, without
+obstruction or transshipment, the river is navigable to Fort Benton,
+situated almost in the center of the territory, a distance of more than
+twenty-five hundred miles. Here, too, there is a large and constant
+supply of water, a matter of great difficulty and scarcity in other
+mining districts. As the range of the Rocky Mountains in this vicinity
+does not present that broken and rugged character which marks the other
+ranges, the land is especially adapted for agricultural purposes, and
+timber of all kinds abounds in sufficient quantities for all the
+purposes of home consumption. Possessing these manifold and important
+advantages, it is not strange that the country is not materially
+dependent upon the railroads for its growth and present development.
+
+These facts Manning gleaned in a conversation with the proprietor of the
+hotel, while he was making his preparations to commence his search for
+the man whose crime had led him such a long chase, and whose detection
+now seemed hopefully imminent.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+In Helena--A Fruitless Quest--Jerry Taylor's Bagnio--Reliable
+Tidings--A Midnight Ride--Arrival at Butte City.
+
+
+After obtaining much valuable information with reference to the various
+localities of the city, from the landlord of the hotel, Manning sallied
+forth upon his quest. With untiring energy he prosecuted his inquiries,
+only to meet with repeated disappointments and rebuffs; all day long he
+labored assiduously, visiting a hundred brothels, saloons and hotels,
+and yet without discovering a trace of Duncan or his white-faced
+quadruped. Could it be possible that the honest-faced miner had played
+him false, and designedly thrown him off the scent? Might not the
+saloon-keeper at Bozeman have given him the proper direction of
+Duncan's flight toward the Yellowstone park? and was he not now miles
+away from all pursuit, and perhaps by this time fully aware that he was
+being followed? These thoughts flew through the brain of the detective
+as after all his efforts he found himself baffled at all points. At
+length, in despair, he sought the aid of the authorities, and was
+received with a cordiality that was unmistakable, and with a proffer of
+assistance that promised to be valuable in the extreme. An officer, well
+tried and trusted, a man of considerable experience, and who was the
+very ideal of a discreet and intelligent official, was delegated to
+accompany him during the evening. For a long time these two men devoted
+their combined energies to the task before them; but as had been the
+case with Manning during the day, no success attended their efforts.
+
+At length the officer turned to Manning and said:
+
+"There is only one more place where we can possibly hope to hear from
+your friend, and I have left that until the last, because I scarcely
+hope to learn anything even there."
+
+"Let us go at once," said the detective; "drowning men, they say, catch
+at straws. I am determined that no possible point shall be lost and we
+may only be disappointed again; but let us try."
+
+"Come along, then," replied the officer; "but keep your revolver where
+you can find it, for you may have occasion to use it."
+
+"Where are we going?" asked Manning.
+
+"To Jerry Taylor's ranche," answered the officer, "as hard a dive as you
+ever saw."
+
+"Very well," said Manning, "we will go. I have no fear for myself, and
+perhaps this is the turning-point in our search."
+
+So saying they started off, and after half an hour's walk found
+themselves in the extreme northern part of the city, and in a locality
+which presented anything but an inviting appearance.
+
+Although but a short distance from one of the main thoroughfares, the
+houses were of the most wretched character, and the people who were
+congregated about the doorways were villainous looking men and
+low-browed, brazen-faced women. Lights shone from many windows, and from
+within came the sound of loud laughter and ribald song. They were
+evidently in a quarter of the city where vice reigned supreme and where
+poverty, crime and immorality held full sway.
+
+Passing through this neighborhood without molestation, for Manning's
+companion seemed to be well known and universally feared, they reached a
+long, rambling frame building, which was gayly painted and brightly
+illuminated. Men and women of all ages were entering and leaving the
+place, and crowds of people were gathered about the entrance. Above the
+noise of the clinking of glasses and the loud orders of the waiters,
+could be heard the sounds of music, and a general confusion of voices
+that bespoke a large assembly.
+
+The detective had frequently heard of the character of a dance-house in
+the far west, and here was an opportunity to view one in full blast.
+Elbowing their way through the crowd, Manning and his companion soon
+found themselves in a large, brilliantly lighted room, almost entirely
+bereft of furniture. At one end was a raised platform, on which were
+seated the orchestra, consisting of a piano, sadly out of tune, a
+cracked violin, and a cornet which effectually drowned out the music of
+the other two instruments. Around the sides of the room were ranged rows
+of tables and wooden chairs, which were occupied by men and women, all
+busily occupied in disposing of the villainous liquids which were
+dispensed to them by so-called pretty waiter girls, who had evidently
+long since become strangers to modesty and morality. The band was
+playing a waltz, and the floor was filled with a motley gathering of
+both sexes, who were whirling about the room, with the greatest
+abandonment, dancing madly to the harsh and discordant music. The scene
+was a perfect pandemonium, while boisterous laughter and loud curses
+mingled with and intensified the general excitement and confusion. Both
+the men and women were drinking freely, and some of them were in a wild
+state of intoxication, while others had long since passed the stage of
+excitement and were now dozing stupidly in the corners of the room.
+
+Manning and his companion stood for some time gazing at the scenes
+around them. The detective's mind was busy with somber meditations upon
+the human degradation that was here presented. Here were women, many of
+them still youthful and with marks of beauty still remaining, in spite
+of their life of dissipation. Their eyes were flashing under the
+influence of intoxication, and from their pretty lips were issuing
+blasphemies which made him shudder. Old women, with a long record of
+shame and immorality behind them, and with their bold faces covered with
+cosmetics to hide the ravages of time. Rough men, with their flannel
+shirts and their trousers tucked into their high, mud-covered boots.
+Young men of the city, dressed well and apparently respectable, yet all
+yielding to their passion for strong drink and the charms of lewdness
+and indecency. A strange, wild gathering of all grades and conditions,
+mingling in a disgraceful orgie which the pen refuses to depict. How
+many stories of happy homes wrecked and broken could be related by these
+painted lizards who now were swimming in this whirlpool of licentious
+gratification! How many men, whose past careers of honor and reputation
+had been thrown away, were here gathered in this brothel, participating
+in so-called amusements, which a few years ago would have appalled them!
+Ah, humanity is a strange study, and debased humanity the strangest and
+saddest of them all.
+
+[Illustration: Manning and his companion stood for some time gazing at
+the scenes around them.]
+
+The detective was aroused from his reflections by the voice of his
+companion.
+
+"What do you think of this?"
+
+"I scarcely know," answered Manning, sadly. "I have seen much of the
+under-current of social life, but this exceeds anything I have ever
+before experienced."
+
+"Oh, this is comparatively nothing," said the other. "Pleasure is the
+ruling spirit now. You should be here some time when there is a fight,
+and then you would think that hell was a reality, and these people
+devils incarnate."
+
+While they were thus conversing, the proprietor of the establishment,
+Jerry Taylor, approached them, and respectfully saluting the officer,
+whom he knew, said smilingly:
+
+"Seein' the sights of the city, are you, lieutenant?"
+
+"Well, yes, Jerry; that's part of our business. But we are looking for a
+young man who was here a few days ago, and perhaps you can help us?"
+
+"Well, if I can do anything for you I will," answered Jerry, who was a
+tall, broad-shouldered, black-haired man, with flashing black eyes and a
+somber mustache, which trailed below his chin. "Come over into the
+wine-room, where we can talk. We can't do it here for the noise."
+
+Accepting the suggestion, the three men walked across the room, and
+entering a narrow doorway in one corner, were ushered into an apartment
+which was designated as the "wine-room." This room was occupied by the
+better dressed portion of the habitues of the place, and their
+deportment was much more circumspect than those in the larger room
+outside. Leading the way to a table in a retired corner of the room, the
+proprietor requested them to be seated, while Manning called for the
+services of one of the waiter girls in providing for their liquid
+nourishment.
+
+The officer, who had obtained possession of Duncan's photograph, now
+produced it, and handing it over to Mr. Taylor, said:
+
+"Jerry, that is the fellow we are looking for. Do you know anything
+about him?"
+
+Taylor looked at the picture a moment, and then answered:
+
+"Certainly, I know something about him. He was here two or three days
+ago, and was as flush with his money as a nobby aristocrat."
+
+Manning's heart leaped with joy as he heard these words. He was no
+longer doubtful of results, and was satisfied that he was upon the
+right track.
+
+"How long did he stay here?" asked the officer.
+
+"Let me see," said Taylor, meditatingly. "He had a white-faced pony with
+him, and I took care of the animal in my stable. He was here, I guess, a
+day and two nights."
+
+"Do you know which way he went?" now inquired Manning.
+
+"Wait a moment, gentlemen," said Taylor, rising to his feet, "I think I
+can find some one who can tell you all about it."
+
+Walking to the door, he disappeared, and after an absence of a few
+minutes he returned, accompanied by a rather handsome young woman of
+about twenty years of age, and who appeared to be far superior to the
+balance of the females whom Manning had noticed since his entrance into
+the bagnio.
+
+The young woman came smilingly forward, and seating herself at the
+table, deliberately poured out a glass of wine, and tossed it off with
+an air of good humor that proved her to be no novice in the art.
+
+Jerry Taylor introduced the gay cyprian to the officers, and the nature
+of their business was soon made known to her.
+
+Without hesitation or the faintest evidence of a blush, she informed the
+officers that Duncan had been her companion during his stay in Helena,
+and that they had enjoyed each other's company immensely. He had lots of
+money, the girl said, and she had assisted him in spending some of it.
+In reply to their questions, the girl stated that Duncan had left Helena
+two days ago, and that he intended going to Butte City, where he had
+relatives in business. Further than this she could not say, and they
+were compelled to be satisfied with what information she had been able
+to give them.
+
+This was reliable and satisfactory news to Manning, and after lingering
+in the place a few minutes longer, and compensating the girl for her
+revelations, the two men took their departure and returned to the
+hotel, well pleased with the result of the evening's experience.
+
+Upon making inquiries, Manning learned, to his intense disappointment,
+that he would be obliged to wait until noon on the following day before
+he could secure a passage in the stage for Butte City. As no time was to
+be lost, now that he was approaching so near to what he hoped would be
+the termination of his journey, Manning determined not to delay his
+departure until the starting of the coach. The nights were moonlight
+now, and requesting the further services of the officer in assisting him
+to procure a good saddle horse and a guide, Manning resolved to start at
+once for Butte City.
+
+A horse was soon secured, and a trusty man was found who was well
+acquainted with the road, and who was willing to accompany him. Bidding
+farewell to the officer, whom he amply remunerated for his trouble,
+Manning, at ten o'clock that night, leaped into his saddle and set out
+on his journey. He rode hard all that night, and at sunrise reached
+Boulder, having traveled considerably more than half the distance. Here
+they stopped for breakfast, to feed their horses and take some rest. His
+guide left him at Boulder City and returned to Helena, and about nine
+o'clock, Manning set off alone for Butte. He pushed on without delay or
+accident, and about four o'clock in the afternoon arrived at his
+destination.
+
+His first care was to provide quarters for his horse, and to make
+arrangements for his return to Helena by the stage next day, after which
+he sought the hotel for rest, and refreshment for himself.
+
+How near he was to the object of his long search he did not know, but
+tired and hungry from his long ride, he mentally breathed a prayer that
+success would speedily crown his efforts, and that the weary chase would
+soon be ended.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+The Long Trail Ended--Duncan Traced to his Lair--Caught at Last--The
+Escaping Burglar a Prisoner.
+
+
+Butte City is a rich mining village in Deer Lodge county in the
+territory of Montana, and is surrounded by high hills, which contain
+rich deposits of gold and silver which are taken from the quartz rock,
+and in the city are situated the furnaces and other appliances for
+extracting the precious metals from the rocks in which they are found.
+The population, although largely of a transient and adventurous
+character, is composed of a respectable, well-ordered community, many of
+whom have located permanently, and have labored for the advancement and
+success of the village. There are several stores, numerous hotels, many
+very handsome private dwellings, and a newspaper. Though not so large as
+Helena, by any means, it bids fair in time to rival her more successful
+neighbor, and the elements of success are found within her domain. The
+local government consists of a mayor and a city marshal, while the
+deputies of the latter official constitute the police force who maintain
+order in the city and protect the persons and property of the citizens.
+A substantial jail looks frowningly down upon one of the main
+thoroughfares, and altogether Butte City is as well-conducted and
+carefully managed a town as is to be found west of the Mississippi
+river. Within a few months a railroad, a branch of the Union Pacific
+road, had been completed, which placed the city in communication, both
+by rail and telegraph, with the larger towns and cities located in the
+South and East.
+
+After a hearty dinner and a refreshing bath, Manning left the hotel and
+sought the office of the city marshal. Here, as elsewhere, he was
+received with the utmost courtesy and kindness, and with a warm proffer
+of assistance, which the detective most gladly accepted. He detailed the
+circumstances of the robbery and his long pursuit of the escaping
+burglar, and also his strong belief that Duncan was now hiding in the
+city. The marshal fully coincided with his views, and promised to aid
+him to the utmost of his ability. He then furnished Manning with the
+address of Duncan's relative, and the detective started out to find the
+locality to which he had been directed.
+
+He soon discovered the place he was looking for, located on the second
+floor of one of the larger buildings in the city, and over the entrance
+was suspended the sign:
+
+     GEORGE DUNCAN, CLOTHIER.
+
+Mounting the stairs without hesitation, the detective entered the store,
+where he found to his intense satisfaction the merchant at home. He was
+assured of this fact from the striking resemblance which the man bore to
+his fugitive relation. On the pretense of ordering a suit of clothing,
+the detective engaged him in conversation for some time, and after
+satisfying himself that Duncan was not about the premises he took his
+leave, promising to call again and effect his purchase. Arriving on the
+outside, Manning took up a position where he could watch the entrance
+unobserved, and where anyone entering or leaving the place could be
+readily seen by him. Maintaining his watch for several hours, he was
+gratified, about nine o'clock, to see the clothier making preparations
+to close his store, and a few moments afterwards he appeared upon the
+street. As the merchant walked along the streets, the detective followed
+him closely, never losing sight of him for a moment. For a time the man
+strolled about, apparently with no definite object in view, and Manning
+began to fear that his hopes of finding Duncan were futile, and that
+this relative was entirely unaware of his relative's movements. The
+night was dark and it was with difficulty that he could keep his man in
+sight, without approaching so close as to excite suspicion. At last,
+however, the merchant came out of a saloon which he had entered a short
+time before, and this time he was accompanied by another man whom
+Manning could not obtain a fair view of. Taking a circuitous route, they
+at length gained the main street in the vicinity of the merchant's
+store. Here they entered a doorway leading from the street and ascending
+a stairway were soon lost to sight. The detective at once surmised that
+the clothier occupied sleeping apartments in the building, and that the
+two men had probably retired for the night.
+
+His first impulse was to follow them up stairs and demand admittance,
+and should Duncan prove to be one of the parties, to make the arrest
+then and there. A little reflection, however, convinced him that such a
+proceeding would be not only unwise but hazardous in the extreme. He was
+not sure that the companion of the merchant was Duncan, as he had been
+unable to get close enough to recognize him, and a precipitate entry now
+would, in case he was not the man, only serve to put them all upon
+their guard against future surprises.
+
+Manning therefore rapidly made his way to the marshal's office, and
+finding him within, at once acquainted him with what he had discovered,
+and requested his advice and assistance. The marshal selected one of his
+most trusty assistants and the three men repaired to the place where
+Manning had seen the merchant and his companion enter. The marshal, who
+was intimately acquainted with the clothing merchant, informed Manning
+that the gentleman occupied apartments in the building, and suggested
+that he would be the best man to go up, as in case their man was not
+there, he could invent some pretext for his visit which would not excite
+undue suspicion.
+
+This proposition was agreed to, and the marshal ascended the stairs. He
+found the room unoccupied by the merchant and knocked at the door. All
+was dark and silent within, and no response came to his summons. After
+again knocking and making a careful examination of the place, the
+marshal was convinced that the room was empty and that the men, whoever
+they were, had departed.
+
+Returning to the sidewalk, a hurried consultation was held, and it was
+determined to leave the deputy to watch the room, while Manning and the
+marshal went to the various livery stables in the town, in order to
+ascertain if Duncan had arrived and had quartered his horse at any of
+them. This arrangement was immediately carried into execution, and
+stationing the deputy in a position where he could safely watch the
+premises, the other two started upon their errand.
+
+To Manning's delight their inquiries were rewarded with success, and at
+one of the livery stables they found the identical white-faced pony
+which had carried Duncan on his long journey, and which was now quietly
+resting in comfortable quarters. This was indeed glad tidings to the
+indefatigable detective, and he could have caressed the graceful little
+animal from pure joy. There was now no longer any doubt that Duncan was
+in the city, and that with proper precautions he could be secured. From
+Mr. Livermore, it was learned that Duncan had arrived in Butte City on
+the morning of the day previous, and that he was believed to be making
+preparations for a trip into Mexico, in company with his cousin, the
+merchant.
+
+Believing that the best means now to be adopted to secure the young man,
+was to remain in the stable until Duncan called for his horse, Manning
+requested permission to do so, which was cheerfully granted by the
+obliging liveryman. Manning therefore took up his position as a watcher,
+while the marshal went to look after the man whom they had left on the
+lookout at the sleeping apartments of the clothing merchant. After
+watching for a long time, Manning made himself as comfortable as
+possible, and prepared to spend the night in his new quarters. He dozed
+and slept at fitful intervals in his uncomfortable position, and the
+long night wore away without the appearance of the much-desired visitor.
+
+The stable in which Manning had established himself, was arranged with a
+row of stalls on either side, with a wide passage-way extending between
+them. He therefore ensconced himself in the vacant stall immediately
+opposite to the burglar's horse, and where he could see him at all
+times. By peering through the crevices in the woodwork he also commanded
+a full view of the entrance, and was thus enabled to see all who entered
+the barn. Slowly the morning waned away and as yet no sign of the man
+for whom he was waiting. How many times he had fancied he heard the
+longed-for footstep, and peered anxiously out, only to be disappointed,
+it would be impossible to tell. At length, however, just as he was about
+to despair of success, he heard footsteps at the door, and peeping
+through the opening in the stall, he saw the figure of the man for whose
+appearance he had watched so long, and whose face had haunted him day
+and night since he had started in pursuit of him. There he stood, not a
+dozen feet away from him, and as the detective gazed at the unsuspecting
+thief, a thrill of pleasurable excitement filled his being. In a moment,
+however, he had controlled himself; and perfectly calm and collected, he
+watched the man before him. There was no doubt that Duncan was
+contemplating a renewal of his journey. He was dressed in a hunting suit
+of heavy brown ducking, with high top boots and a wide brimmed sombrero,
+while across his shoulders was slung a leather bag, which was filled
+probably with clothing and provisions. In his hand he carried a splendid
+repeating rifle, and a brace of pistols were in his belt.
+
+All this the detective was able to note in the brief moment that Duncan
+paused at the door, as if looking for some one to whom he could give
+orders for the saddling of his horse. Seeing no one about the place,
+however, he set his rifle down in a corner by the door, and walked
+slowly down the passage until he reached the stall where his pony was
+standing.
+
+He was now directly in front of the spot where the detective was
+concealed, but with his back toward the operative. As he turned to go
+into the stall, Manning stopped quickly forward, with his revolver in
+his hand, and grasping Duncan firmly by the shoulder, he said:
+
+"Thomas Duncan, I have caught you at last."
+
+Duncan started as though he had been shot, as these words rang in his
+ears, and he felt the grasp of the detective's strong arm. In an instant
+he recovered himself, and his hand quickly sought one of the revolvers
+in his belt. The detective, however, was too quick for him, and placing
+the muzzle of his pistol against the burglar's cheek, he said,
+determinedly:
+
+"If you attempt to draw your pistol, I'll blow your brains out!"
+
+[Illustration: "If you attempt to draw your pistol, I'll blow out your
+brains!"]
+
+Duncan felt that it was useless to attempt to trifle with the resolute
+man before him, and his arms dropped to his side.
+
+"It's no use, Tod," said Manning, with a quiet smile. "I've got the drop
+on you, and you might as well cave. Throw your pistols on the
+ground."
+
+Mechanically Duncan did as he was directed, and then turning to Manning,
+he inquired in a low, suppressed tone:
+
+"What do you want me for?"
+
+"For the Geneva bank robbery," answered Manning. "You have led me a
+pretty long chase, but you see I have caught you at last."
+
+"If you had been one hour later," said the other, doggedly, "you never
+would have taken me. Once on my horse, I would have defied you, and I
+would have killed you like a dog."
+
+"Well, well," answered Manning, "we won't talk about what you might have
+done. I've got you, and that's enough for me."
+
+At this juncture the marshal made his appearance, and offering his
+assistance, the crestfallen young burglar was quietly led away to the
+jail, where he was searched, and fifteen hundred dollars in money was
+found upon his person, besides an excellent and valuable gold watch.
+Without waiting for any further results, Manning rushed to the
+telegraph office, in order to apprise me of his success. He could not
+repress a pardonable feeling of pride in the victory he had
+accomplished. His search was ended, his man was a prisoner, and shortly
+afterward there came clicking over the wires to Chicago, the following
+message:
+
+     "I have him, fifteen hundred dollars in money, a gold watch,
+     horse and rifle. Will sell horse for what I can get, and leave
+     here, with prisoner, for Chicago, in the morning."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+The Burglar Returns to Chicago--Revelations by the Way--The Missing
+Five Thousand Dollars.
+
+
+As I had received no tidings of John Manning since his departure from
+Minneapolis, it may be imagined that I was considerably relieved when
+his brief but comprehensive telegram from Butte City was received. So
+long a time had elapsed since he had been able to transmit me any
+definite information about his movements, that I had begun to grow
+alarmed, not only for the successful termination of his pursuit, but for
+his personal safety. Now, however, all my fears were set at rest; the
+daring and ambitious detective was safe and well, and in addition to
+this he had succeeded in capturing the fugitive, who was now in his
+custody. The chase had been a long and fatiguing one, but victory had
+crowned our efforts, and the entire quartette of criminals were now in
+the hands of the officers of the law, and would be held to answer for
+their crimes. The pursuit of Duncan had been most admirably carried out
+by my trusted operative, and Manning was deserving of unstinted credit
+for the sagacious mind and untiring spirit he displayed. So thoroughly
+determined had he been to secure his prisoner, that no consideration of
+personal comfort, or even necessary rest, had been allowed to interfere
+with his movements. With more than a month elapsing between the
+commission of the crime and the commencement of the chase, and traveling
+over a country thinly settled and semi-barbarous, I regarded the victory
+which he had achieved as one deserving of the highest encomiums, and
+reflecting great credit upon his skill, determination and pertinacity.
+
+Mr. Silby and the bank officials were immediately notified of Duncan's
+capture, and their satisfaction was unbounded; their congratulations
+were unsparingly uttered, and their words of commendation were of the
+heartiest and warmest character. They were now fully satisfied that the
+vexing problem of the missing five thousand dollars in coin would be
+solved, and earnestly hoped that the solution would inure to their
+advantage. However, nothing could be done in the matter until the
+arrival of Duncan, and we impatiently awaited his appearance.
+
+The next morning after his arrest Duncan was placed on the train, and in
+company with John Manning started for Chicago. The detective had
+experienced no difficulty in disposing of the horse owned by the young
+prisoner, and Mr. Livermore, the stable-man, became his purchaser for a
+fair price. Having experienced quite as much of the discomforts and
+fatigues of traveling by stage coach and on horseback as he desired,
+Manning resolved to return to Chicago by rail, and he accordingly took
+passage on the Idaho division of the Union Pacific railroad, which would
+be both a more expeditious and comfortable mode of traveling, besides
+being a safe method of conducting a prisoner.
+
+Ever since his arrest Duncan had been sullen and uncommunicative. He was
+evidently crushed by the sudden and surprising turn which affairs had
+taken. In the moment of his triumph he had fallen, and when he fancied
+himself the most secure, defeat and detection had overtaken him. It was
+not long, however, after they had started upon their return journey, ere
+Manning succeeded in breaking through his reserve, and in inducing him
+to talk freely. To the young man's credit be it said, that the first
+inquiry he made was in regard to the recovery of Miss Patton, the young
+lady whom he had assaulted in the bank, and when he learned of her
+speedy and complete recovery, he seemed quite relieved. He expressed the
+most intense regret at having been compelled, as he put it, to treat her
+so roughly, and he added, "I tell you she was a plucky little woman, and
+had Eugene Pearson been an honest man and fought as well as she did, we
+never could have got that money."
+
+"She is certainly a brave girl," replied Manning.
+
+"Why, look here," exclaimed Duncan, extending his left hand toward him,
+upon two fingers of which the detective noticed several dark-looking and
+freshly-healed scars. "I was compelled to strike her. She fastened her
+teeth into my hand, and bit me to the bone. I never could have got loose
+without that; as it was, my hand bled terribly, and was a long time in
+healing, besides being excessively painful."
+
+By degrees the detective led him to speak of his connection with the
+robbery, and after a momentary hesitation he revealed the whole story,
+which in every particular coincided with that already told by Newton
+Edwards. He stated that being in Chicago without money, and without a
+friend except Edwards, he had requested a loan from him, which was
+readily granted. Then followed another drinking spree in company with
+his friend, and during its continuance Edwards proposed the robbery, and
+explained how easily and safely it might be accomplished. Lured by the
+glittering prospect and intoxicated as he was, he gave a ready consent
+to enter into the scheme, and almost before he was aware of it, and
+certainly before he became thoroughly sober, the burglary had been
+committed, and with his ill-gotten gains he was on the road, seeking to
+escape from the consequences of his crime. He professed sincere
+repentance for what he had done, and stated that this was his first
+offense, which would now have to be atoned for by a long term of
+imprisonment.
+
+As they progressed upon their way, and when about fifty miles out,
+Duncan informed the detective that he had met a noted rough in Butte
+City who was known as Texas Jack, and that this man had told his cousin
+that, if he desired it, a party could be raised, who would waylay the
+train and effect his rescue.
+
+"What would you have done if they had made the attempt?" asked Duncan,
+jocularly.
+
+"Well," answered Manning coolly, and with determination, "they might
+have taken you, but it would have been after I had put a bullet through
+your brain."
+
+The quiet and resolute tone in which this was said, caused the robber's
+cheek to turn pale, as he saw the determined spirit of the man with whom
+he had to deal. It is needless to say that no attempt was made to effect
+a rescue, nor had Manning any fears that such an effort would be made,
+but he deemed it wise to give his prisoner a quiet but firm hint as to
+what the consequences would be if a rescue was attempted.
+
+During the remainder of the journey Duncan was as cheerful and pleasant
+in his manner as though no thought of a prison entered his mind, and the
+detective experienced no trouble or annoyance with him whatever.
+
+Two days later they arrived at Council Bluffs, where they changed cars,
+and, taking the Rock Island route, they were not long in reaching
+Chicago. Manning brought his prisoner to my agency, where he was taken
+care of until arrangements could be made for his transportation to
+Geneva.
+
+I cannot express the satisfaction I experienced when I realized at last
+that our chase was over, and that a full and satisfying victory had
+attended our efforts in this matter. All of the prisoners were now
+taken, and, except for the solution of the question of the missing five
+thousand dollars, our work had been successfully accomplished.
+
+Another matter Duncan had related to Manning while upon their journey,
+which, while unfortunate for us, at the same time did not detract from
+the victory we had gained. It appeared that, while traveling from
+Bozeman to Helena, Duncan had occasion to use his pocket-handkerchief,
+and, in pulling it out of his pocket, he also drew out a small package
+of notes which he carried loosely in his pocket, and which contained
+nearly five hundred dollars. This was exceedingly unfortunate, and
+accounted in some measure for the small amount of money which was found
+upon Duncan's person at the time of his capture.
+
+However, this was of comparatively trifling importance, when the
+important features of his arrest are considered, and when even the
+amount of fifteen hundred dollars had been actually recovered.
+
+On the whole, I was very well contented with affairs as they were, and
+as far as the bank was concerned, there was every indication of
+thankfulness and rejoicing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+The Mystery of the Missing Five Thousand Dollars Solved at Last--The
+Money Recovered--Duncan at Geneva.
+
+
+On the day following the arrival of Duncan in Chicago, he was conveyed
+to Geneva, in company with my son William and a trusty operative. As may
+be imagined, the appearance of the fourth and hitherto unknown burglar
+threw the inhabitants of the quiet little town into another state of
+wild excitement, this time, however, without any indication of hostility
+to my officers or their actions. A charge of sentiment had taken place
+in the public mind, and now, instead of threatened resistance to our
+movements, my men were received with every evidence of approbation and
+indorsement.
+
+Thomas Duncan was taken at once to the bank and here he made a full
+statement of his connection with the robbery, the amount of money which
+he and Newton Edwards obtained, and detailed at length his travels from
+the time he left Geneva until he was arrested at Butte City by John
+Manning. He fully corroborated the statement of Newton Edwards about
+their disappointment in not obtaining, within five thousand dollars, as
+much money as they expected, and he expressed the belief that Eugene
+Pearson had taken this additional sum, and had thus deceived both his
+companions and the bank.
+
+He fully explained the disposition they made of the valise, which
+contained the silver, by hiding it in the corn-field by the road-side;
+after which they continued their journey unincumbered by the weight of
+the coin, which they did not consider valuable enough to burden
+themselves with.
+
+After he had finished, William inquired:
+
+"Was there no other sack or sacks than those you have mentioned as being
+in the valise when you threw it away? Did you not dispose of some
+before you parted with the satchel? Think carefully now; there is a
+mystery about that sack of gold which we want to solve, if possible."
+
+"Eugene Pearson declares," added Mr. Silby, the bank president, "that he
+has given up everything, and is positive that you took away from the
+bank nearly fifteen thousand dollars in currency and coin."
+
+Again, as in the case of Edwards, the valise was brought out, and the
+amount of money which was supposed to have been taken at the time of the
+robbery, less five thousand dollars in gold, was handed to Duncan to
+lift. Duncan raised it in his hand, and at once pronounced it lighter
+than when they carried it away from the bank. A sack containing five
+thousand dollars in gold was then added, and when he again took it in
+his hands, he exclaimed:
+
+"That's more like it; when we left the bank the valise was fully that
+heavy."
+
+"Now, Mr. Duncan," said Mr. Silby, "this test satisfies me that Eugene
+Pearson is innocent of having taken more money than he has restored to
+us, and that when you left the bank, you carried away the amount he
+states."
+
+While Mr. Silby was speaking, Duncan had been recalling all the events
+which had transpired during their flight, and endeavoring to trace, step
+by step, all that they had done.
+
+"I remember now," he said slowly, after a few moments, "that before we
+concluded to throw away the valise, we sat down by the railroad track to
+rest. We then opened the valise, to see what it contained. Among the
+contents, I noticed a small, dingy sack, which was marked
+'silver--$100,' and that being pretty heavy, and only a small amount, I
+took it and hid it in the weeds that were growing around us. I suppose
+it is there yet, provided no one has found and removed it."
+
+At this juncture, Mr. Welton, the cashier, who had been listening
+quietly, jumped to his feet and excitedly exclaimed:
+
+"That solves the mystery! I remember distinctly having placed that gold
+in a sack marked silver, as it was the only one we could find at the
+time." Then turning to Duncan, he added: "You, therefore, instead of
+throwing away one hundred dollars in silver, as you supposed, actually
+disposed of five thousand dollars in as good gold as ever came from the
+mint."
+
+This explanation appeared to be as plain as the sun at noonday, and it
+was evident that, mistaking the contents of the sack to be silver, and
+of a small amount, Duncan had thrown it away, not deeming it worth the
+trouble of taking.
+
+"Can you tell the spot where you disposed of this sack?" asked William,
+who still indulged in the hope of recovering the missing money.
+
+"I think I could find it," answered Duncan. "And if you gentlemen will
+accompany me, I think I can point it out to you."
+
+Without delay, a carriage was procured, and Mr. Silby, Mr. Welton,
+Duncan and my son William, started off. They proceeded in the
+direction which Duncan said they had traveled after leaving the bank,
+and without difficulty he found the spot where he said they had stopped
+to rest.
+
+Alighting from the carriage, Duncan pointed out the place where they had
+seated themselves, and he sat down in what he claimed was the exact
+spot. It was at the foot of a little bank, which rose abruptly from the
+roadside, and was covered thickly with heavy grass and weeds, now dry
+and withered, and closely packed together. The three men who accompanied
+Duncan grew exceedingly anxious at this point, for a few moments would
+decide the question of the recovery of a large amount of money, or its
+unquestionable loss. Silently they waited, as Duncan thrust his hand
+under this growth of dry grass and weeds, where he said he had put the
+gold, and with surprise and joy they saw him draw forth the identical
+dingy-looking canvas bag. Exultantly he held it aloft, and then placed
+it in the hands of Mr. Welton, who, on opening it, found the shining
+gold pieces, and the mystery of the missing money was solved at last.
+
+[Illustration: With surprise and joy they saw him draw forth the
+identical dingy-looking canvas bag.]
+
+During all the weeks that had elapsed since the robbery, that gold had
+lain there undisturbed. Hundreds and thousands of people had tramped
+over the ground in the hope of finding some traces of the burglars, and
+no one had discovered the snug little sum which lay so temptingly near
+them, and which might have been theirs for the simple trouble of taking
+it.
+
+As for the bank officials and ourselves, our gratification at this
+profitable discovery was only exceeded by our astonishment at the
+singular manner in which it had been at last accomplished. Then, too, it
+set at rest all doubts as to the truthfulness of young Pearson's story,
+and proved conclusively that he was honestly regretful and penitent for
+the crime he had committed, and had given up all he had taken. At the
+same time it relieved his companions from any suspicion of having made
+away with or concealed it for future use.
+
+As for Duncan, to his credit it must be added, that he seemed as much
+pleased and relieved at this restoration of the stolen money as did any
+of the others, and this action impressed the officers of the bank with a
+feeling of profound sympathy for the unfortunate young man, and
+convinced them that although he had been guilty of a serious crime, he
+was not really bad at heart, and that this was his first offense, into
+which he had been led by his thoughtless folly and reckless dissipation.
+At his request, he was allowed to see Miss Patton, and to her he frankly
+and feelingly expressed his regrets for having so roughly treated her,
+and her forgiving words were received as gratefully as could have been
+desired.
+
+Our work was nearly finished. Out of twenty thousand dollars which had
+been taken, we had succeeded in recovering nearly eighteen thousand
+dollars; the balance, having been squandered by Edwards and Duncan, was,
+of course, irretrievably gone. But this was good enough as it was, and
+the officers of the bank were satisfied and delighted at this most
+satisfactory conclusion of an operation which, at its commencement,
+promised so little, and out of which such great results had flowed.
+
+The party returned to Geneva, and the next day Duncan was formally
+arraigned. He waived an examination, and in default of bail was removed
+to the county prison, where his confederates were already confined,
+anxiously awaiting their trial.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+Conclusion--Retribution.
+
+
+A few days later, and the last act in this sad drama of crime was
+performed. The four youthful criminals were arraigned for trial before a
+conscientious judge, and by a jury composed of gentlemen, many of whom
+were intimately acquainted with two of the accused, Eugene Pearson and
+Dr. Johnson, both of whom, it will be remembered, were born and reared
+in the little town of Geneva. As may be imagined, the trial attracted
+universal attention in that section of the country, and on the day that
+the court was convened, the town was filled with people from all the
+surrounding districts, who came to witness the important proceedings.
+Long before the hour fixed for the commencement of the trial, the
+court-room was crowded to suffocation by the eager multitude, who had
+come from far and near, for the purpose of being present at this unusual
+judicial investigation. Many were actuated only by the promptings of
+idle curiosity, and regarded the trial somewhat in the light of a
+diverting exhibition, for which no admission fee was charged; others,
+from a stern sense of justice, came to view a trial in which crime was
+to be punished, and the law in all its majesty was to be invoked for the
+protection of the honor of society, and the property of the individual.
+There was yet another class, who came from the impulses of love and
+sympathy and friendship--some who were linked to the unfortunate
+criminals by the ties of family and blood, and some who had known and
+esteemed them ere their hearts had been hardened, and before the wiles
+of the tempter had lured them from the paths of honor and virtue. There
+were present also the gray-haired father and mother of Eugene Pearson,
+broken and bowed with the grief and shame which had been brought upon
+them by the crimes of their beloved son; the aged parents of Dr.
+Johnson, who had come to witness, with saddened hearts, the doom of
+their darling boy; the young wife of Newton Edwards, who in the moment
+of her husband's ruin had, with true womanly devotion, forgotten his
+past acts of cruelty and harshness, and now, with aching heart and
+tear-stained eyes, was waiting, with fear and trembling, to hear the
+dreaded judgment pronounced upon the man whom she had sworn to "love and
+cherish" through "good and evil report."
+
+Since his incarceration she had been a constant visitor to his cell, and
+by her love and sympathy had sought to uphold the fallen man in the dark
+hours of his shame and disgrace. Here also was the aged father of Thomas
+Duncan, the only friend whom the young man had in all that vast
+assembly. Though his face was stern and immovable, yet the quivering of
+the lips and the nervous trembling of the wrinkled hands told too
+plainly that he too was suffering beyond expression in the sorrow that
+had been wrought by the boy who in his early years had been his pride
+and joy.
+
+When the judge had taken his seat, and the door opened to admit the four
+youthful prisoners, all eyes were turned upon them. Slowly and with
+downcast eyes they entered the chamber of justice, and amid an awe-like
+stillness that pervaded the room, took their seats in the prisoners'
+dock. In spite of all that had transpired, and with the full conviction
+that these youthful offenders richly merited whatever judgment they were
+to receive, there was not one in that entire audience, whose heart did
+not throb with sympathy for the aged parents and relatives of the
+accused, and even for the culprits themselves in this, the dreadful hour
+of their humiliation and grief.
+
+The trial was not a protracted one. A jury was speedily empaneled, the
+low, stern tones of the judge were heard in timely admonition, and the
+prosecution was commenced. Upon the prisoners being asked to plead to
+the indictments which had been prepared against them, Mr. Kirkman, a
+prominent attorney of Geneva, who had been retained to defend the
+unfortunate young men, arose, and in impressive tones entered a plea of
+guilty. With the keen perceptions of a true lawyer, he felt that the
+proofs were too strong to be overcome, and that to attempt to set up any
+technical defense would only result in greater hardships to his clients.
+He, however, made an eloquent and touching appeal for the exercise of
+judicial clemency. He referred in feeling terms to the youth of the
+prisoners, to the groups of weeping and stricken relatives, whose
+prayerful hearts were echoing his appeals. He urged that the evidences
+of sincere repentance had been manifested by all of the prisoners, and
+that, as this had been their first offense, the exercise of gentle mercy
+would be both grand and productive of good results.
+
+His words were not lost even upon the prosecuting attorney, and when Mr.
+Kirkman had concluded, that gentleman arose, and in a few words echoed
+the sentiments of the attorney for the defense. He also expressed the
+conviction that, while justice called loudly for sentence, yet there
+were elements in this case in which the wisest judgment would be that
+which partook of the qualities of mercy.
+
+At the conclusion of this request, the judge, with a delicate regard for
+the tender feelings of the assembled relatives, ordered an adjournment
+of the court, in order that he might take the merits of the case under
+advisement, and to enable him to administer such sentence, as, in his
+best judgment, was demanded under the circumstances. Slowly the immense
+audience dispersed, and for a few moments the prisoners were allowed to
+converse with their weeping friends, after which they were again
+conducted to their cells to await the action of the court.
+
+A few days later they were brought quietly before the judge and their
+sentences were pronounced. Dr. Johnson, owing to the existence of a
+doubt as to his complicity in the robbery, was condemned to four years'
+imprisonment on the charge of forgery, while Newton Edwards, Eugene
+Pearson, and Thomas Duncan were each sentenced to an imprisonment of six
+years on the indictment for burglary.
+
+Thus ended this important case, and the action of the court received the
+almost universal approbation of the community, while the relatives and
+nearest friends of the prisoners were compelled to acknowledge its
+fairness and justice.
+
+But little remains to be told. The prisoners were soon conducted to the
+state prison, and a short time afterward, having occasion to visit that
+institution, I saw them again. They all bore evidences of the most acute
+remorse and contrition, and their life in prison had produced serious
+effects upon their robust persons. Far different was their lot now, to
+the free and happy existence which had once been theirs. Eugene Pearson,
+the dapper young gentleman, was put at hard labor in the stone-cutting
+department; Johnson, the dentist, was assigned to the machine shop,
+while Edwards and Duncan were working in the shoe-making department.
+Day after day the weary labor was performed, and night after night the
+gloom of the prison cell enshrouds them. Weeks will roll into months and
+the months will stretch into weary years, ere they will breathe the
+sweet air of liberty again. Within the frowning walls of the prison,
+they are paying the heavy penalty for their crime, and here we must
+leave them, in the earnest and sincere hope that true repentance may
+come to them, and that when their term of servitude is ended, they may
+come forth, filled with resolves to live down the stain upon their
+characters, and by upright and honorable lives to redeem and obliterate
+the dark and painful past. That "judgment overcometh crime," has been
+fully proven in the lives of these men, and trusting in the future to
+redeem the past, we leave them to the burdens and the solitude to which
+they have brought themselves.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+1883. 1883.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+NEW BOOKS
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+
+
+Miriam Coles Harris' Novels.
+
+Rutledge.                       $1 50  The Sutherlands.                $1 50
+Frank Warrington.                1 50  St. Philips.                     1 50
+Louie's Last Term, St. Mary's.   1 50  Round Hearts for Children.       1 50
+A Perfect Adonis.                1 50  Richard Vandermarck.             1 50
+Missy. (New).                    1 50  Happy-Go-Lucky.                  1 50
+
+
+A. S. Roe's Select Stories.
+
+True to the Last.               $1 50  A Long Look Ahead.              $1 50
+The Star and the Cloud.          1 50  I've Been Thinking.              1 50
+How Could He Help it?            1 50  To Love and to be Loved.         1 50
+
+
+Julie P. Smith's Novels.
+
+Widow Goldsmith's Daughter.     $1 50  The Widower.                    $1 50
+Chris and Otho.                  1 50  The Married Belle.               1 50
+Ten Old Maids.                   1 50  Courting and Farming.            1 50
+His Young Wife.                  1 50  Kiss and be Friends.             1 50
+Lucy.                            1 50  Blossom Bud. (New).              1 50
+
+
+Artemas Ward.
+
+Complete Comic Writings--With Biography, Portrait and 50
+  illustrations.                                                       $1 50
+
+
+The Game of Whist.
+
+Pole on Whist--The English standard work. With the "Portland Rules".   $  75
+
+
+Victor Hugo's Great Novel.
+
+Les Miserables--Translated from the French. The only complete edition. $1 50
+
+
+Mrs. Hill's Cook Book.
+
+Mrs. A. P. Hill's New Southern Cookery Book, and domestic receipts.    $2 00
+
+
+Carleton's Popular Quotations.
+
+Carleton's New Hand-Book--Familiar Quotations, with their authorship.  $1 50
+Carleton's Classical Dictionary--Condensed Mythology for popular use.     75
+
+
+Celia E. Gardner's Novels.
+
+Stolen Waters. (In verse).      $1 50  Tested.                         $1 50
+Broken Dreams.      do.          1 50  Rich Medway.                     1 50
+Compensation.       do.          1 50  A Woman's Wiles.                 1 50
+A Twisted Skein.    do.          1 50  Terrace Roses.                   1 50
+
+
+Captain Mayne Reid's Works.
+
+The Scalp Hunters               $1 50  The White Chief                 $1 50
+The Rifle Rangers                1 50  The Tiger Hunter                 1 50
+The War Trait                    1 50  The Hunter's Feast               1 50
+The Wood Rangers                 1 50  Wild Life                        1 50
+The Wild Huntress                1 50  Osceola, the Seminole            1 50
+
+
+Hand-Books of Society.
+
+The Habits of Good Society--The nice points of taste and good manners  $1 00
+The Art of Conversation--For those who wish to be agreeable talkers     1 00
+The Arts of Writing, Reading and Speaking--For Self-Improvement         1 00
+New Diamond Edition--The above 3 books bound in one volume--complete    1 50
+
+
+Josh Billings.
+
+His Complete Writings--With Biography, Steel Portrait, and 100
+  Illustrations                                                        $2 00
+Old Probability--Ten Comic Alminax, 1870 to 1879. Bound in one volume   1 50
+
+
+Charles Dickens.
+
+Child's History of England--With Historical Illustrations for
+  School use                                                           $  75
+Parlor Table Album of Dickens' Illustrations--With descriptive text     2 50
+Lord Bateman Ballad--Notes by Dickens;  Pictures by Cruikshank            25
+
+
+Annie Edwardes' Novels.
+
+Stephen Lawrence                $  75  Ought We to Visit Her           $  75
+Susan Fielding                     75  A New Book                         75
+
+
+Ernest Renan's French Works.
+
+The Life of Jesus. Translated   $1 75  The Life of St. Paul. Transl.   $1 75
+Lives of the Apostles Do.        1 75  The Bible in India--By
+                                          Jacolliot                     2 00
+
+G. W. Carleton.
+
+Our Artist in Cuba, Peru, Spain, and Algiers--150 Caricatures of
+  travel                                                               $1 00
+
+
+M. M. Pomeroy (Brick).
+
+Sense. A serious book           $1 50  Nonsense. (A comic book)        $1 50
+Gold Dust. Do.                   1 50  Brick-dust. Do.                  1 50
+Our Saturday Nights              1 50  Home Harmonies                   1 50
+
+
+Miscellaneous Works.
+
+Every-Day Home Advice. For Household and Domestic Affairs              $1 50
+The Comic Liar. By the Funny Man of the N. Y. Times. With
+  illustrations                                                         1 50
+The Children's Fairy Geography--With hundreds of beautiful
+  illustrations                                                         2 50
+Carleton's Popular Readings--Edited by Mrs. Anna Randall Diehl          1 50
+Laus Veneris, and other Poems--By Algernon Charles Swinburne            1 50
+Longfellow's Home Life--By Blanche Roosevelt Machetta                   1 50
+Hawk-eyes--A comic book by "The Burlington Hawkeye Man." Illustrated    1 50
+Redbirds Christmas Story--An Illustrated Juvenile. By Mary J. Holmes      50
+The Culprit Fay--Joseph Rodman Drake's Poem. With 100 illustrations     2 00
+L'Assommoir--English Translation from Zola's famous French novel        1 00
+Parlor Amusements--Games, Tricks, Home Amusements, by Frank Bellew      1 00
+Love [L'Amour]--English Translation from Michelet's famous French work  1 50
+Woman [La Femme]--The Sequel to "L'Amour" Do. Do.                       1 50
+Verdant Green--A racy English college Story. With 200 comic
+  illustrations                                                         1 50
+Why Wife and I Quarreled--Poem by the Author of "Betsey and I are Out"  1 00
+A Northern Governess at the Sunny South--By Professor J. H. Ingraham    1 50
+Birds of a Feather Flock Together--By Edward A. Sothern, the actor      1 50
+West India Pickles--A yacht Cruise in the Tropics. By W. P. Talboys     1 50
+Yachtman's Primer--Instructions for Amateur Sailors. By Warren            50
+The Fall of Man--A Darwinian Satire, by author of "New Gospel of Peace."  50
+The Cronicles of Gotham--A New York Satire. Do. Do.                       25
+Ladies and Gentlemen's Etiquette Book of the best Fashionable Society   1 00
+Love and Marriage--A book for young people. By Frederick Saunders       1 00
+Under the Rose--A Capital book, by the author of "East Lynne."          1 00
+So Dear a Dream--A novel by Miss Grant, author of "The Sun Maid."       1 00
+Give me thine Heart--A capital new domestic Love Story by Roe           1 00
+Meeting Her Fate--A charming novel by the author of "Aurora Floyd."     1 00
+Faithful to the End--A delightful domestic novel by Roe                 1 00
+Delicate Ground--A powerful new novel by Mrs. Annie Edwardes            1 00
+
+
+Miscellaneous Works.
+
+Dawn to Noon--By Violet Fane    $1 50  Don Quixote--Illustrated        $1 00
+Constance's Fate--Do.            1 50  Arabian Nights--Do.              1 00
+French Love Songs--Translated      50  Robinson Crusoe  Do              1 00
+A Bad Boy's First Reader           10  Swiss Family Robinson--Illus.    1 00
+Lion Jack--By P.T. Barnum        1 50  Debatable Land--R. Dale Owen     2 00
+Jack in the Jungle--Do.          1 50  Threading My Way. Do.            1 50
+Cats, Cooks, Etc--By Edw.T. Ely.   50  Spiritualism--By D. D. Home      2 00
+Drumming as a Fine Art             50  Fanny Fern Memorials             2 00
+How to Win in Wall Street          50  Orpheus C. Kerr--4 vol. in one   2 00
+The Life of Sarah Bernhardt        25  Northern Ballads--E.L. Anderson  1 00
+Arctic Travels--Isaac I. Hayes   1 50  Offenbach's Tour in America      1 50
+College Tramps--Fred. A. Stokes  1 50  Stories about Doctors--Jeffreson 1 50
+Gospels in Poetry--E.H. Kimball  1 50  Stories about Lawyers Do.        1 50
+Me--By Mrs. Spencer W. Coe         50  Mrs. Spriggins.--By Widow Bedott 1 50
+N. Y. to San Francisco--Leslie   1 50  How to Make Money--Davies        1 50
+
+
+Miscellaneous Novels.
+
+Doctor Antonio--By Ruffini       $1 50  Saint Leger--R.B. Kimball      $1 75
+Beatrice Cenci--From the Italian  1 50  Was He Successful?  Do.         1 75
+Madame--By Frank Lee Benedict     1 50  Undercurrents of Wall St.  Do.  1 75
+A Late Remorse  Do.               1 50  Romance of Student Life.  Do.   1 75
+Hammer and Anvil  Do.             1 50  To-day.  Do.                    1 75
+Her Friend Laurence  Do.          1 50  Life in San Domingo  Do.        1 75
+Prairie Flower--Emerson Bennett   1 50  Henry Powers, Banker  Do.       1 75
+Among the Thorns--Dickinson       1 50  Led Astray--Octave Feuillet     1 50
+Women of To-day-Mrs. W. H. White  1 50  She Loved Him Madly--Borys      1 50
+Braxton's Bar--R. M. Daggett      1 50  Thick and Thin--Mery            1 50
+Miss Beck--Tilbury Holt           1 50  So Fair yet False--Chavette     1 50
+Sub Rosa--Chas. T. Murray           50  A Fatal Passion--C. Bernard     1 50
+Hilda and I--E. Bedell Benjamin   1 50  A Woman's Case--Bessie Turner   1 50
+A College Widow--C. H. Seymour    1 50  Marguerite's Journal--For Girls 1 50
+Old M'sieur's Secret--Translation   50  Rose of Memphis--W. C. Falkner  1 50
+Petticoats and Slippers             50  Spell-Bound--Alexandre Dumas      75
+Shiftless Folks--Fannie Smith     1 50  Heart's Delight--Mrs. Alderdice 1 50
+Peace Pelican.  Do.               1 50  Another Man's Wife--Mrs. Hartt  1 50
+Price of a Life--R.Forbes Sturgis 1 50  Purple and Fine Linen--Fawcett  1 50
+Hidden Power--T.H. Tibbles        1 50  Pauline's Trial--L. D. Courtney 1 50
+Two Brides--Bernard O'Reilly      1 50  The Forgiving Kiss--M. Loth     1 75
+Sorry Her Lot--Miss Grant         1 00  Flirtation--A West Point novel  1 50
+Two of Us--Calista Halsey           75  Loyal unto Death                1 50
+Cupid on Crutches--A.B. Wood        75  That Awful Boy                    50
+Parson Thorne-E.M. Buckingham     1 50  That Bridget of Ours              50
+Marston Hall--L. Ella Byrd        1 50  Phemie Frost--Ann S. Stephens   1 50
+Ange--Florence Marryatt           1 00  Charette--An American novel     1 50
+Errors--Ruth Carter               1 50  Fairfax--John Esten Cooke       1 50
+Unmistakable Flirtation--Garner     75  Hilt to Hilt.  Do.              1 50
+Wild Oats--Florence Marryatt      1 50  Out of the Foam.  Do.           1 50
+Widow Cherry--B.L. Farjeon          25  Hammer and Rapier.  Do.         1 50
+Solomon Isaacs.  Do.                50  Warwick--By M. T. Walworth      1 75
+Edith Murray--Joanna Mathews      1 50  Lulu.  Do.                      1 75
+Doctor Mortimer--Fannie Bean      1 50  Hotspur.  Do.                   1 75
+Outwitted at Last--S.A. Gardner   1 50  Stormcliff.  Do.                1 75
+Vesta Vane--L. King, R.           1 50  Delaplaine.  Do.                1 75
+Louise and I--C.R. Dodge          1 50  Beverly.  Do.                   1 75
+My Queen--By Sandette             1 50  Kenneth--Sallie A. Brock        1 75
+Fallen among Thieves--Rayne       1 50  Heart Hungry--Westmoreland      1 50
+San Miniato--Mrs. Hamilton        1 00  Clifford Troupe.  Do.           1 50
+All For Her--A Tale of New York   1 50  Silcott Mill--Maria D. Deslonde 1 50
+All for Him--Author "All for Her" 1 50  John Maribel.  Do.              1 50
+For Each Other.  Do.              1 50  Conquered--By a New Author      1 50
+The Baroness--Joaquin Miller      1 50  Janet--An English novel         1 50
+One Fair Woman.  Do.              1 50  Tales from the Popular Operas   1 50
+
+
+ALLAN PINKERTON'S
+
+GREAT DETECTIVE BOOKS.
+
+ 1.--MOLLIE MAGUIRES AND DETECTIVES.
+ 2.--STRIKERS, COMMUNISTS, AND DETECTIVES.
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+ 4.--THE MODEL TOWN AND DETECTIVES.
+ 5.--SPIRITUALISTS AND DETECTIVES.
+ 6.--EXPRESSMAN AND DETECTIVE.
+ 7.--THE SOMNAMBULIST AND DETECTIVES.
+ 8.--CLAUDE MELNOTTE AS A DETECTIVE.
+ 9.--MISSISSIPPI OUTLAWS AND DETECTIVES.
+10.--GYPSIES AND DETECTIVES.
+11.--BUCHOLZ AND DETECTIVES.
+12.--THE RAIL ROAD FORGER AND DETECTIVES.
+13.--BANK ROBBERS AND DETECTIVES.
+14.--BURGLAR'S FATE AND DETECTIVES.
+
+These wonderful Detective Stories by Allan Pinkerton are having an
+unprecedented success. Their sale is fast approaching one hundred
+thousand copies. "The interest which the reader feels from the outset is
+intense and resistless; he is swept along by the narrative, held by it,
+whether he will or no."
+
+All beautifully illustrated, and published uniform with this volume.
+Price $1.50 each. Sold by all booksellers, and sent _free_ by mail, on
+receipt of price, by
+
+G. W. CARLETON & CO., Publishers,
+
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