CHAPTER XVI.
NELL MISSING.
The reader can imagine the indignation of the railroad detective when he found himself arrested by the Burlington officer.
"I beg your pardon, sir," said Dyke Darrel, "but you are making a foolish mistake. I am a detective——"
"That won't go down. If you attempt to escape I will blow out your brains," returned the officer, still holding his cocked weapon to the head of Dyke Darrel.
The detective was deeply annoyed at this. On board the train were the remains of the daughter of one of Burlington's most prominent citizens, and Dyke was extremely anxious to meet the friends and explain the situation.
"You may take me at once to the chief of police," said Dyke Darrel, at length. "I can explain to him, since he knows me."
Another officer approached, and the first one requested him to handcuff his prisoner.
A hot flush of anger shot to the cheek of the detective.