“‘Curse the stupid luck!’ said the detective, standing erect. ‘He would have told me, I am sure, and my case would not have been difficult. But let me see what I can find upon him by which to work, for I swear I will hunt to the death the man who killed the traveller.’
“An examination of the dead man’s pockets revealed nothing concerning his identity, and the detective looked puzzled.
“He found an empty pocket-book and a watch; but they did him no good.
“The man had probably reached his thirtieth year; his hair and well-dressed beard were light, and his lifeless eyes a beautiful blue.
“He was well dressed, but there was no show of ostentation about his garments.
“After the search the detective unlocked the front door of the coach, and with another key which he drew from his pocket unlocked the express car.
“Stepping boldly into it, he startled the messenger, whose hands flew to an inner pocket when he beheld the unsummoned intruder, but no pistol was drawn.
“‘No shooting, Tobey,’ said the detective, and the messenger, recognising the voice, came forward with extended hands.
“‘You take a fellow by surprise, Dixon. I might have shot you.’
“‘Oh! I guess not,’ laughed the detective. ‘Where’s Golden?’