Everman, on his arrival at St. Louis, had, in accordance with my instructions, obtained the assistance of the chief of police of that city, who very cheerfully and cordially volunteered all the aid in his power.  Two men were therefore detailed to accompany Everman in searching for Dr. Johnson, and it was nearly midnight before they succeeded in ascertaining definitely where he lived.  Shortly after that hour, however, the detectives ascended the stoop of the doctor’s residence and requested to see him.  He appeared in a few minutes, and as he stood in the doorway, Everman quickly placed his hand upon his shoulder, and informed him that he was wanted at police headquarters.  The doctor turned pale at this announcement, and requested an explanation of such an unusual proceeding; but Everman informed him that all explanations would be made in due time, and at the proper place.  Trembling in every joint, the discomfited doctor obeyed, and in a few minutes was conveyed to the office of the chief, where he was closely examined, but refused to divulge anything in connection with the robbery of the Geneva bank, and asserted boldly his entire innocence of the charge.  Despite his pleadings for delay he was brought to Geneva upon the next train, and in a short time three of the guilty parties were safely in custody.

[Illustration:  Everman quietly placed his hand upon the young man’s shoulder, and informed him that he was wanted at police headquarters.]

Our work had thus far been prompt and successful.  We had captured the leaders of this gang, and had recovered nearly half of the stolen money.  Much more, however, remained to be accomplished, and we determined that our efforts should not be relinquished until Duncan, the remaining member of this burglarious band, had been secured, and some clew to the remainder of the money had been obtained.

CHAPTER XIV.

Proceedings at Geneva—­Speculations as to the Missing Five Thousand Dollars—­John Manning Starts in Search of Thomas Duncan.

The days which followed the arrest of the three young bank robbers were eventful ones in the history of Geneva.  The three youthful offenders, now downcast and humiliated, were afforded a speedy hearing, and when the facts already adduced by us had been received, they were remanded to jail for trial at the next term of court.

It is needless to say that the good citizens of the little town were shocked beyond expression at the unexpected results of our investigation.  Both Pearson and Johnson had grown to manhood in their midst, and until this time no taint of suspicion had ever been urged against them.  No thought of wrong-doing had ever attached to them, and no shadow had dimmed the luster of their fair fame.  Now all was changed, and the irreproachable reputations of days gone by were shattered.  Debased and self-convicted, they stood before the bar of justice, to answer for their