ng, 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 re