The detective at once surmised that
the clothier occupied sleeping apartments in the building, and that the
two men had probably retired for the night.
His first impulse was to follow them up stairs and demand admittance,
and should Duncan prove to be one of the parties, to make the arrest
then and there. A little reflection, however, convinced him that such a
proceeding would be not only unwise but hazardous in the extreme. He was
not sure that the companion of the merchant was Duncan, as he had been
unable to get close enough to recognize him, and a precipitate entry now
would, in case he was not the man, only serve to put them all upon
their guard against future surprises.
Manning therefore rapidly made his way to the marshal's office, and
finding him within, at once acquainted him with what he had discovered,
and requested his advice and assistance. The marshal selected one of his
most trusty assistants and the three men repaired to the place where
Manning had seen the merchant and his companion enter. The marshal, who
was intimately acquainted with the clothing merchant, informed Manning
that the gentleman occupied apartments in the building, and suggested
that he would be the best man to go up, as in case their man was not
there, he could invent some pretext for his visit which would not excite
undue suspicion.
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