For a long time the young man and his father had been
estranged, owing to the son's persistent course of folly and
dissipation. Long and patiently had the old gentleman borne with his
son, and had repeatedly opened his purse to liquidate debts which Tod
had contracted; but finally, finding it useless to attempt to induce him
to change his mode of life, he had forbidden him the house, and had not
received him since.
It was barely possible that Duncan might be found in the city, but the
chief was inclined to a different belief. In any event, however, it
would be useless to seek for him beneath his father's roof. Manning
described the house at which the trunks were left, and was informed that
it was occupied by a man named John Miller, a grocer, and an intimate
friend of Duncan's. 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.
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