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.
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