"Is this because you fear to trust me, after what has happened, Dyke?"
"No; but I prefer to keep my own counsel!"
"And you are right."
"I am glad you admit it."
The friends then left the room.
At the last moment, Dyke Darrel decided on accompanying the remains of Captain Osborne's daughter to Burlington. He realized that it was the proper thing to do. Elliston parted with the detective, telling him that he meant to return to Woodburg for the present, and would meet him there on his return from the Iowa city.
It was a sad duty that led the railroad detective to revisit Burlington, which he had last looked upon in the fall, shortly after Captain Osborne's disappearance.
Arrived in the bustling Western city, Dyke Darrel was met at the depot by a surprise. An officer laid his hand on the detective's shoulder, and said:
"You are my prisoner, young man."
"Eh? Well, now, what is this for?" demanded Dyke Darrel angrily.