Remaining a few days in St. Louis, Dyke Darrel at length left the city en route for Woodburg. He was anxious to meet Nell, from whom he had been absent now about a fortnight.
On reaching Woodburg the detective found a telegram awaiting him from Chicago:
"Come at once. I have made an important discovery.
"H."
Of course this must be from Harry. It was dated some days before, however, which annoyed Dyke. Harry Bernard might have changed his base of operations by this time.
"I will call at the house," mused Dyke Darrel. "I have an hour's time before the next Chicago train."
Aunt Jule was extremely glad to meet "Marse Dyke."
"Why didn't you bring the young missus wid yo?" questioned the negress.
"What's that? Hope you didn't think I'd committed matrimony?" and the detective laughed lightly, at the same time chucking Aunt Jule under her fat chin.
"Lor-a-massy, no, Marse Dyke. I meant Missy Nell," explained the black woman.