I wish to consult with you on a matter of
importance."
The tall gentleman hesitated.
The train began to move.
"You must decide quickly," cried the detective.
Elliston walked the length of the narrow platform, with his hand on
the car rail, his satchel in the other hand. His hand fell from the
rail, and the express swept swiftly away in the darkness.
"Anything to accommodate, Dyke. I had some business of importance to
transact in Chicago, but it can wait."
"I am sorry if I put you to extra expense, Harper, but I wish to
consult with one whom I can trust. I've got a devilish mean work on
hand," said Dyke Darrel in an explanatory tone.
"You know I am always ready to assist you, Dyke. Is it a criminal
case?"
"Yes; the last on record."
"The express crime?"
"Yes."
"I mistrusted as much. You have been down the road?"
"To St. Louis!"
"Exactly."
"I took a young offender down who escaped from prison last winter. I
think the officers will look after him more closely in the future."
"Who was it?"
"Martin Skidway."
"I don't call to mind the name, now."
Lights in the distance showed that the village contained one public-
house at least. So there the two men repaired.
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