journey, the driver drew up before a handsome residence, surrounded by a beautiful lawn, adorned with numerous beds of bright blooming flowers.  The building was a two-story one, with a wide porch extending around three sides, and was evidently the abode of a gentleman in fortunate circumstances.  The trunks were removed from the wagon, and carried into the hall, after which the driver returned and drove away.  After waiting for some time in view of the house, he saw the trunks taken in, and placed in a front room in the second story.

Having now traced Thomas Duncan’s trunks to their destination, and feeling the need of additional assistance, Manning repaired to the office of the chief of police and requested an interview with that functionary.  Upon being conducted into the private office of the chief, Manning at once introduced himself, and stated the cause of his appearance in the city.  He met with a most cordial reception, and the chief, without hesitation, promised him all the assistance in his power.  He had heard of the robbery at the time of its occurrence, and had also read of the capture of the three men, who were suspected of being implicated in that affair.  Upon being informed that Thomas Duncan was connected with the burglary, the chief evinced considerable surprise, for he was well acquainted with the young man, and had been for several years, in fact, almost since his boyhood.  From the chief, Manning learned that Duncan’s parents had lived in the city for a long time, and that “Tod” was rather a wild, careless fellow, who was frequently found in bad company.  For a long time the young man and his father had been estranged, owing to the son’s persistent course of folly and dissipation.  Long and patiently had the old gentleman borne with his son, and had repeatedly opened his purse to liquidate debts which Tod had contracted; but finally, finding it useless to attempt to induce him to change his mode of life, he had forbidden him the house, and had not received him since.

It was barely possible that Duncan might be found in the city, but the chief was inclined to a different 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.