Here was indeed news. This sudden and unexpected departure must portend something of importance.
"We must catch them!" I exclaimed.
"Do you know anything about the trains?" asked Mr. Harrison.
"No."
"Jump in, and we'll be off to the depot," said the sergeant.
In an instant we had started, leaving Sammy Simpson standing in the middle of the pavement too astonished to speak. It was the last I ever saw of the man.
We made the driver urge his horse at the top of his speed. I calculated that the pair would take the same line that had brought me to Chicago.
I was not mistaken; for when we reached the depot a few questions put by the sergeant revealed the fact that the two men had purchased tickets for New York but a minute before.
"And when does the train leave?" I asked.
"Her time's up now."