llowed."

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,