Before taking Edwards to Geneva, it was necessary to make some investigations with regard to Thomas Duncan, who as yet had completely eluded our search, and whose correct identity had until this time, been entirely unknown to us.  William resolved, therefore, to improve the time remaining until evening, in making an investigation of the premises previously occupied by Duncan while he was in the city.

Having obtained the exact location of this house, William and Robert repaired thither at once.  They found it, as represented, a quiet, respectable house, and located in a neighborhood of unexceptionable reputation.  Upon being admitted, they requested to see the lady of the house, who was a quiet, modest-looking widow lady of about fifty years of age.  William introduced his brother as a Mr. Staunton, lately of Boston, who was desirous of obtaining a pleasant room in that locality, and who could furnish undoubted references as to respectability and promptness.  They were shown several unoccupied rooms, and finally entered the one which had probably been occupied by Edwards’ companion in the robbery, for here were two trunks packed and strapped, and apparently ready to be taken away.

“This room,” said the lady, as the two gentlemen noticed the trunks, “has been occupied by a gentleman who has left the city.  These are his trunks, and he has ordered them to be sent to him.”

William had already approached near enough to notice that the lettering upon the trunks was “T.  J. Duncan, Des Moines, Iowa,” and he was convinced that thus far Edwards’ revelations had been correct.

“I once knew a man by that name,” remarked William, carelessly.  “He traveled in the west for a clothing firm in Philadelphia.”

“Oh!” said the lady, “this gentleman, I think, was in the same business, and perhaps he may be the one you knew?”

“I would not be at all surprised,” replied William.  “Where is Mr. Duncan now, do you know?”

“No,” answered the lady, “nothing further than that he has ordered his baggage sent to Des Moines, Iowa.”

Finding that thus far Edwards had spoken truthfully, and that no further information could be elicited from this source, Robert promised to call again, and the two men withdrew.

At the next corner they found two operatives, who had been directed to await their appearance, and William, after describing Duncan’s trunks to them, ordered them to keep a sharp lookout for their removal, and to endeavor to follow them to their destination.

This done, they returned to the agency and completed their arrangements for taking Edwards to Geneva that evening.  Operative Everman, who had returned from Woodford, was directed to proceed at once to St. Louis, and effect the arrest of Dr. Johnson, the dentist, on a charge of forgery, and to convey him to Geneva as soon as possible.

It may be stated in passing, that until the confession of Edwards was made, I had no knowledge whatever of the forged checks which he mentioned, and the bank had made no efforts to discover the perpetrators of that fraud, which had now so unexpectedly been brought to light.