This proposition was agreed to, and the marshal ascended the stairs. He
found the room unoccupied by the merchant and knocked at the door. All
was dark and silent within, and no response came to his summons. After
again knocking and making a careful examination of the place, the
marshal was convinced that the room was empty and that the men, whoever
they were, had departed.
Returning to the sidewalk, a hurried consultation was held, and it was
determined to leave the deputy to watch the room, while Manning and the
marshal went to the various livery stables in the town, in order to
ascertain if Duncan had arrived and had quartered his horse at any of
them. This arrangement was immediately carried into execution, and
stationing the deputy in a position where he could safely watch the
premises, the other two started upon their errand.
To Manning's delight their inquiries were rewarded with success, and at
one of the livery stables they found the identical white-faced pony
which had carried Duncan on his long journey, and which was now quietly
resting in comfortable quarters. This was indeed glad tidings to the
indefatigable detective, and he could have caressed the graceful little
animal from pure joy.
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