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 several days with him in Chicago, about a month ago, and had quite a pleasant time." "Oh, I remember; he stopped here after that, on his way to his home in Des Moines.

You must have had quite a time, for Tod looked very much broken up." "Well, he was on quite a spree, I believe--and so he went to Des Moines, did he ?" "Yes, he started for that point; but I believe he intended stopping some time in Ames, where he has a good many friends." "Did he say what he intended doing there, or whether he was going on out to Denver ?" asked Manning.
"No, I think he said he was going with a fishing-party from there and would be gone several weeks." After stating that he was about to travel in that direction himself, and learning the names of several of Duncan's friends in Ames, Manning left the saloon, and returned to his hotel.
Ascertaining that he could leave on a train that night, he hastened to the depot and was soon speeding on his way.
He arrived at Ames in due season, and here he was fortunate enough to find a friend of Duncan's, who informed him that instead of remaining in that city he had only lingered there one day, when he left on a freight train for Des Moines, stating that he was to meet a friend in the latter city and could not wait for the regular passenger train.
Manning without delay then started for Des Moines, and upon arriving there, telegraphed the result of his investigation thus far.