Edwards gazed at this money with a greedy, frightened look, like a wild beast at bay, but did not utter a word, as Robert placed it in a large envelope and secured it about his person.

“Will you be kind enough to inform me,” said Robert, when this was completed, “how you come to have so much money about you?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Edwards replied, doggedly: 

“Yes, sir, I will.  It is the proceeds of the sale of some property that I owned in the west.”

“Very well,” replied Robert, finding it useless, at present, to attempt to induce him to tell the truth.  “You will have ample opportunity to satisfy a court and jury upon that point in a very short time.”

Nothing farther was said to him until the time arrived for departing, and then the party, with their prisoner, walked into the village in order to take the stage for the railroad station at Birmingham.

Before leaving Mr. Bascom’s, however, Robert handsomely remunerated the energetic constable for his valuable assistance, and after thanking him warmly for his active and cordial aid in our behalf, requested his company to the village.

As they approached the store, where the stage-coach was in waiting, they found an unusual crowd awaiting their appearance.  The news of the robbery and arrest had by some means become known, and the eager faces of nearly three score of curiosity-seekers greeted them upon their arrival.

Old Jerry himself seemed to be impressed with an idea of additional importance, as though he was about to be called upon to perform a noble service of great responsibility to his country, in assisting to convey such a distinguished company in his old coach.  The farmers gathered in little groups about the platform, and conversed in low tones, as they furtively regarded with sentiments almost approaching a respectful awe, the unwonted presence of the detectives and their charge.  There was an utter absence of the boisterous hilarity which had been manifested on the preceding morning, and one might have thought that they had assembled for the purpose of officiating at a funeral, so thoroughly subdued and solemn did they all appear.

The journey to the railway station was made in due time, and without accident, and the party were speeding on their way to Chicago.  Robert forbore to press the young man any further, and let him severely alone during the entire day.  During the night they all retired to their sleeping berths, Edwards being securely handcuffed to one of my men, and occupying the same berth with him.

In the morning, Robert noticed a slight change in the demeanor of Edwards, and thought he detected a disposition to converse.  He did not encourage him, however, preferring by all means that the advances should be made by the young man himself.  Nor did he have long to wait.  They procured their breakfast in the dining car, and after the meal was concluded, Robert, without uttering a word, handed Edwards a cigar, which he very gratefully accepted.  After sitting quietly smoking for a few moments, he turned to Robert and asked:  “Mr. Pinkerton, how did you discover that I was in McDonald?”