hal ascended the stairs. He
found the room unoccupied by the merchant and knocked at the door. All
was dark and silent within, and no response came to his summons. After
again knocking and making a careful examination of the place, the
marshal was convinced that the room was empty and that the men, whoever
they were, had departed.

Returning to the sidewalk, a hurried consultation was held, and it was
determined to leave the deputy to watch the room, while Manning and the
marshal went to the various livery stables in the town, in order to
ascertain if Duncan had arrived and had quartered his horse at any of
them. This arrangement was immediately carried into execution, and
stationing the deputy in a position where he could safely watch the
premises, the other two started upon their errand.

To Manning's delight their inquiries were rewarded with success, and at
one of the livery stables they found the identical white-faced pony
which had carried Duncan on his long journey, and which was now quietly
resting in comfortable quarters. This was indeed glad tidings to the
indefatigable detective, and he could have caressed the graceful little
animal from pure joy. There was now no longer any doubt that Duncan was
in the city, and that with proper precautions he could be secured. From
Mr. Livermore, it was learned that Duncan had arrived in Butte City on
the morning of the day previous, and that he was believed to be making
preparations for a trip into Mexico, in company with his cousin, the
merchant.

Believing that the best means now to be adopted to secure the young man,
was to remain in the stable until Duncan called for his horse, Manning
requested permission to do so, which was cheerfully granted by the
obliging liveryman. Manning therefore took up his position as a watcher,
while the marshal went to look after the man whom they had left on the
lookout at the sleeping apartments of the clothing merchant. After
watching for a long time, Manning made himself as comfortable as
possible, and prepared to spend the night in his new quarters. He dozed
and slept at fitful intervals in his uncomfortable position, and the
long night wore away without the appearance of the much-desired visitor.

The stable in which Manning had established himself, was arranged with a
row of stalls on either side, with a wide passage-way extending between
them. He therefore ensconced himself in the vacant stall immediately
opposite to the burgla