h 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 whi