A friend of both the Jameses and Youngers in their youth, Daniels suggested that a visit to the house of the latters' uncle, Theodoric Snuffer, at Chalk Level, might not be without result.
Accordingly they decided to visit the place a week after the looting of the bank, that the outlaws might have ample time to return across the state.
With an early start, the three supposed cattle buyers arrived at Snuffers' just at noon.
John and Jim were eating dinner when the strangers stopped in front of the gate and their suspicions were instantly aroused.
In response to a hail, the old miser went to the door.
"How do we get to the Widow Sims?" asked Lull.
"Turn to your left, about two rods from where you are, and follow the path, through my field. It's about a mile and you can't miss it, for there ain't no other shanty 'round."
Thanking Mr. Snuffer for the directions, the detectives rode on.
But as they went, the two bandits watched them from the window.
"That was only a bluff, asking about Widow Sims," declared Jim as the man-hunters passed the path about which they had been told. "I'll bet they're detectives. Let's go and look 'em over."