Manning therefore rapidly made his way to the marshal’s office, and finding him within, at once acquainted him with what he had discovered, and requested his advice and assistance.  The marshal selected one of his most trusty assistants and the three men repaired to the place where Manning had seen the merchant and his companion enter.  The marshal, who was intimately acquainted with the clothing merchant, informed Manning that the gentleman occupied apartments in the building, and suggested that he would be the best man to go up, as in case their man was not there, he could invent some pretext for his visit which would not excite undue suspicion.

This proposition was agreed to, and the marshal ascended the stairs.  He found the room unoccupied by the merchant and knocked at the door.  All was dark and silent within, and no response came to his summons.  After again knocking and making a careful examination of the place, the marshal was convinced that the room was empty and that the men, whoever they were, had departed.

Returning to the sidewalk, a hurried consultation was held, and it was determined to leave the deputy to watch the room, while Manning and the marshal went to the various livery stables in the town, in order to ascertain if Duncan had arrived and had quartered his horse at any of them.  This arrangement was immediately carried into execution, and stationing the deputy in a position where he could safely watch the premises, the other two started upon their errand.

To Manning’s delight their inquiries were rewarded with success, and at one of the livery stables they found the identical white-faced pony which had carried Duncan on his long journey, and which was now quietly resting in comfortable quarters.  This was indeed glad tidings to the indefatigable detective, and he could have caressed the graceful little animal from pure joy.  There was now no longer any doubt that Duncan was in the city, and that with proper precautions he could be secured.  From Mr. Livermore, it was learned that Duncan had arrived in Butte City on the morning of the day previous, and that he was believed to be making preparations for a trip into Mexico, in company with his cousin, the merchant.

Believing that the best means now to be adopted to secure the young man, was to remain in the stable until Duncan called for his horse, Manning requested permission to do so, which was cheerfully granted by the obliging liveryman.  Manning therefore took up his position as a watcher, while the marshal went to look after the man whom they had left on the lookout at the sleeping apartments of the clothing merchant.  After watching for a long time, Manning made himself as comfortable as possible, and prepared to spend the night in his new quarters.  He dozed and slept at fitful intervals in his uncomfortable position, and the long night wore away without the appearance of the much-desired visitor.