cy to have terminated their existence; and it would have instilled
respect for law in the minds of other criminals.

But the immediate problem of Sheriff Carter, as it is the immediate
concern of this story, was to capture the murderers. Carter went armed
with proper legal documents, handcuffs, and a pair of derringers--for
the sheriff of Nevada County could shoot straight simultaneously with
both hands. Two faithful deputies accompanied their chief, and all three
were well supplied with the sinews of war in gold and bank-notes.

Arrived at St. Louis Carter immediately got in touch with O'Leary, and
cautioned him not to alarm Collins, for proper circumspection might lead
to the capture of both murderers. Showing his credentials to the proper
authorities, he took them into his confidence, and thus made sure that
Collins would not be discharged from jail without his knowledge. Then he
and his deputies retired to their hotel for rest, refreshment, and
poker.

In less than three days the chief of police showed him a letter written
by Collins to Thorn. The missive ran:

"dear Thorn, alias Darcy,

don't let your old pal bother you eny I suppose you are having a
revival in your church about this time and converting a great many
sinners. give my kind regards to the widow Brown, and I hope she
will marry you soon. I expect to leave this hotel in ten days, so
will need $50. send post office order, St. Louis, general delivery.

Your old partner,
J. C. P. Collins."

It was evidently a blackmailing letter. The sheriff remembered Darcy of
old, and the chances seemed good that Thorn _alias_ Darcy was the other
highwayman. So, taking O'Leary along to assist in the identification, he
set out for Union City to deliver Collins' letter in person. No doubt
this Thorn was a harder man to catch than Collins. He had had sense
enough to change his name and to join a church. So Carter approached
Union City rather cautiously, leaving O'Leary with one of his deputies
in Chicago with orders to wait for a telegram. Accompanied by the other
deputy he arrived at Union City rather late at night, to avoid
publicity.

There he learned that Thorn had been in town nearly three years. That he
was engaged in the lumber business, was prosperous, highly respected and
was prominent in the leading church of the town. He was away on business
in Chicago at the time, but was expected to return in a week or two, as
it w