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.