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 w