The town was infested with a gang of roughs and thieves, and he feared that if once they became aware of Duncan's wealth, his life would be of comparatively little value.

Several of these characters had been seen about the hotel, and the landlord had remonstrated seriously with Duncan about his folly.
To this Duncan had impudently replied that he could take care of himself, and needed no advice.

Finding it of no use, therefore, to advise him, the landlord desisted in his efforts, and left him to follow his own inclinations.
Manning also learned from his host that Duncan had associated quite intimately while in the city, with a Jew clothing merchant, who was a resident here, and who seemed to be an old acquaintance.

The name of this man was Jacob Gross, and ascertaining where his place of business was located, Manning determined to give him a call.
When he entered the store of Mr.Gross, that gentleman was engaged in waiting upon a customer.

He was a perfect type of the Israelite--sharp-featured, with prominent nose, keen, glittering eyes and curly black hair.