Duncan started as though he had been shot, as these words rang in his ears, and he felt the grasp of the detective's strong arm. In an instant he recovered himself, and his hand quickly sought one of the revolvers in his belt. The detective, however, was too quick for him, and placing the muzzle of his pistol against the burglar's cheek, he said, determinedly:
"If you attempt to draw your pistol, I'll blow your brains out!"
Duncan felt that it was useless to attempt to trifle with the resolute man before him, and his arms dropped to his side.
"It's no use, Tod," said Manning, with a quiet smile. "I've got the drop on you, and you might as well cave. Throw your pistols on the ground."
Mechanically Duncan did as he was directed, and then turning to Manning, he inquired in a low, suppressed tone:
"What do you want me for?"
"For the Geneva bank robbery," answered Manning. "You have led me a pretty long chase, but you see I have caught you at last."
"If you had been one hour later," said the other, doggedly, "you never would have taken me. Once on my horse, I would have defied you, and I would have killed you like a dog."
"Well, well," answered Manning, "we won't talk about what you might have done. I've got you, and that's enough for me."