A troubled look touched the face of the escaped prisoner.
"Why do you call me by that name, Dyke Darrel?"
"Because that IS your name. You have five years unexpired term yet to serve in the Missouri penitentiary, and I conceive it my duty to see that you keep the contract."
"A contract necessarily requires two parties. I never agreed to serve the State."
"Well, we won't argue the point."
"But I am in the employ of the railroad company, and will lose my place—-"
"You gain another one, so it doesn't matter," retorted the detective. "No use making a fuss, Mr. Skidway; you cannot evade the punishment which awaits you. Any confession you choose to make I am willing to hear. The late tragedy, for instance?"
"You'll get nothing out of me."
"I am sorry,"
"Of course you are. Did you recognize me when we first met?"