t 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 lou