e.
All these facts were fully explained to the bank officials, and with
the assurance that we would achieve success if it were possible to do
so, the matter was left to their decision.

They were not long, however, in coming to a determination, and without
hesitation, I was directed to prosecute the search according to my own
judgment, in which, they assured me, they placed the utmost reliance.

Thus supported, we made immediate arrangements for a protracted and
unceasing search for the fleeing burglar, and before the hearing had
taken place in Geneva, operative John Manning had been despatched to
Clinton, Iowa, at which point it was designed to commence operations.

The two operatives who had been detailed to look after the trunks of
Thomas Duncan, in Chicago, had also reported the result of their
espionage. After waiting for more than two hours, they noticed that an
express wagon was driven up before the door, after which the trunks were
brought out, placed in the wagon, and rapidly driven away. The
operatives followed as rapidly as they were able to do, and ascertained
that they were taken to the railroad station for shipment to Des Moines.

As has already been detailed, Edwards and Duncan parted company at
Clinton, Iowa, Duncan proceeding west, while Edwards had come direct to
Chicago, from which point he had made his way eastward to the little
village in New York, where he remained in fancied security until he was
so unexpectedly taken into custody.

Clinton, Iowa, was therefore the place from which to trace the flight of
the bank robber, and John Manning was dispatched to that place, with
full authority to exercise his own judgment about his future course of
action.

CHAPTER XV.

On the Track of the Fleeing Burglar--Duncan's Home--Some Reflections.

Within a few hours after receiving his orders, John Manning, satchel in
hand, stepped from the train at Clinton, and proceeded to a hotel. It
was nearly nightfall when he arrived, and after hastily partaking of his
evening meal, he started out to make some inquiries about the man he was
in search of. Having by some means gained a knowledge of Thomas Duncan's
associates in Clinton, he had no difficulty in finding them, and
dropping into a saloon which they frequented, he quietly introduced his
name in a casual conversation with the proprietor.

"Do you know Tod?" asked that gentleman, with some surprise.

"Oh yes, very well," replied Manning. "I spent