Just ten minutes before twelve o'clock Carnes and myself dropped noiselessly out of our chamber window, leaving a dangling rope to facilitate our return, and took our way to the depot to watch for the expected experts.
Ten minutes later the great fiery eye of the iron horse shone upon us from a distance, disappeared behind a curve, reappeared again, and came beaming down to the little platform.
The train halted for just an instant, then swept on its way.
But no passengers were left upon the platform; our errand had been fruitless; the detectives were still among the things to be looked for.
The next morning, before daybreak, I was en route for the city.
CHAPTER XIV.
MRS. BALLOU'S PISTOL PRACTICE.
Half an hour after my arrival in the city, I was seated in the private office of our Chief, with Mrs. Ballou opposite me.
I had telegraphed from a way station, so that no time might be lost. I found the Chief and the lady awaiting me; and, at the first, he had signified his wish that I should listen to her story, and then give him my version of it.