vilization in our western country.
But yesterday the ground which our operative was now traveling in
comfort, was overrun by the Indian and the wild beasts of the forest,
and to-day along his entire route were rising up substantial towns and
villages, bringing in their wake the enlightening influences of
education and morality. The railroad, that mighty agent of
civilization, is rapidly forging a chain of communication between the
two great oceans, and travel in the western wilds, formerly fraught with
hardships and dangers unspeakable, is now performed with rapidity,
comfort and safety. In the morning the train stopped at Little Missouri,
where the passengers were refreshed with breakfast, then on again past
Sentinel Butte, they left the boundaries of Dakota and entered the great
territory of Montana. On again like the rush of the wind, until about
five o'clock in the afternoon, they arrived at Miles City, where the
train was to remain nearly two hours, before continuing their journey.

Miles City was another striking illustration of the wonderful growth of
American towns. Less than a year ago, a barren waste marked the spot
where now was growing a thriving city. The railroad, as in other
localities, had played an important part in awakening this uninhabited
region to life and activity. The trackless, boundless prairie had been
reclaimed, and was now a flourishing city, full of bustle and vigor.
Making his way to a neat and comfortable hotel, which bore the rather
euphonious title of St. Cloud, Manning partook of a substantial meal and
then set about his investigations. He soon found news of the object of
his inquiries. From the proprietor of the St. Cloud, he learned that
Duncan had remained here two days, and upon the register he saw the now
well-known signature of Tom Moore of Chicago. He had informed the
inn-keeper of his intention of going to Bozeman, a town lying to the
north of the Crow Reservation.

Manning resolved, therefore, to press right on, and he returned to the
railroad station, where the train was still waiting. Purchasing a ticket
for Billings, he started again on his way, and at nearly midnight he
arrived at his destination, where he secured quarters for the night.

Billings was, at this time, the terminal point of the Northern Pacific
railroad, and as the detective sought the open air on the following
morning, he was amazed at the scenes that were presented to his view.
The place was literally swa