cally; "it seems almost
impossible that he should be guilty; but, in the face of the strong
array of accusing circumstances cited by you, Mr. Pinkerton, I can only
say: 'Go on with your work in your own way.' The innocent have nothing
to fear, and the guilty deserve no mercy."

"Amen," said both the other gentlemen.

"What is your plan?" asked Mr. Gordon.

"Well, gentlemen," I replied, "I have been struck with some strong
points of resemblance between Drysdale and one of Bulwer's characters,
Eugene Aram. You are aware, that the only evidence we can bring against
Drysdale, is circumstantial, and that we could hardly obtain an
indictment on the strength of it; still less a conviction for murder.
Besides, there is a large amount of money at stake, and it is desirable
to recover that money, as well as to convict the murderer. We must
proceed, therefore, with great caution, lest we defeat our own plans by
premature action. I have arranged a scheme to obtain a direct proof of
Drysdale's guilt, and with your consent, I will put it in operation
immediately."

I then gave the details of my plan, and the gentlemen, though somewhat
nervous as to the result, finally acquiesced in it.

The next morning, I left Atkinson, for Chicago, where I duly arrived,
somewhat improved in health, by my Southern trip. I immediately sent for
Timothy Webster, one of my most expert detectives, to whom I gave full
charge of the case in Atkinson. I explained to him all the circumstances
connected with it, and instructed him in the plan I had arranged. Mrs.
Kate Warne, and a young man named Green, were assigned to assist
Webster, and all the necessary disguises and clothing, were prepared at
short notice.

Mrs. Warne was the first lady whom I had ever employed, and this was one
of the earliest operations in which she was engaged. As a detective, she
had no superior, and she was a lady of such refinement, tact, and
discretion, that I never hesitated to entrust to her some of my most
difficult undertakings.

It will be understood by the reader, that each detective made daily
reports to me, and that I constantly directed the operation by mail or
telegraph. This has always been my invariable custom, and no important
steps are ever taken without my order, unless circumstances should occur
which would not admit the delay.

_CHAPTER IV._

About a week after my departure from Atkinson, a gentleman arrived there
by the evening train, and went