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.
No one at all resembling Thomas Duncan, however, made his appearance during that day, and in the evening Manning repaired to the chief's office, as that gentleman had promised to accompany him on his visit to the friendly grocer.
John Miller and Mr.Wallace, the chief of police, were warm friends, and he felt confident that Miller would not tell him an untruth; but it was deemed best to introduce Manning as a friend of Duncan's, from Chicago, who wanted to see him upon a matter of business.

Of course, it had not yet reached the public ear that Thomas Duncan was suspected of complicity in the robbery, as we had kept that fact entirely secret, fearing that a divulgence of Edwards' confession would seriously interfere with our search for the missing burglar, and perhaps prevent us from ever apprehending him.
The two men therefore repaired to the store of the grocer, and were fortunate enough to find him at home.

He greeted the chief warmly, and acknowledged the introduction of Manning with good-natured heartiness and sincerity.

Inviting them into his private office, Mr.Miller requested to know the nature of their call, and Mr.Wallace at once explained to him what had already been agreed upon.