The ticket agent went to his instrument and ticked off the desired information.

A little later came the reply:

"No such person on the train."

A malediction fell from the detective's lips. Was his enemy to thus outwit him always?

CHAPTER XXIX.

RETRIBUTION.

A tall, handsome man of middle-age stood picking his teeth with a jaunty air beside the desk of a down-town boarding-house, when his occupation, if such we may call it, was interrupted by a touch on his arm.

Looking down, the gentleman saw a small, ragged urchin standing near.

"It is yourn—10 cents, please."