Mr. Aaron Woodward and Chris Holtzmann had escaped me.

What was to be done next?

CHAPTER XXXI

 In the Metropolis

I was thoroughly chagrined when I stood on the platform and saw the train roll away.  Now that I had Mr. Harrison and the sergeant of police with me I had fondly hoped to capture the two men, even if it was at the last minute.

But now that chance was gone, and as I turned back to my two companions I felt utterly nonplussed.

One thing was perfectly clear in my mind.  The two men had gone to Brooklyn to see Mrs. Agatha Mitts.  No doubt they thought that now I had the papers Sammy Simpson had stolen in my possession I would follow up the train of evidence by calling on the woman—­ a thing I most likely would have done.  They intended to head me off, and by this means break down my case against them at its last stage.

Yet though I was disappointed I was not disheartened.  I was fighting for honor and intended to keep on until not a single thing remained to do.  My evidence against Woodward and Holtzmann was gradually accumulating, and sooner or later it must bring them to the bar of justice.

“Well, they’re gone,” I exclaimed, as I joined the others.  “That is, if they were on that train.”

“We’ll ask the gateman and make sure,” said the sergeant.

This was done, and we soon learned that beyond a doubt Mr. Woodward and Chris Holtzmann had been among the departed passengers.

“My work in Chicago is at an end,” remarked the sergeant, as we stood in the waiting-room discussing the situation.

“And so is mine,” I replied.  “I’ve got the papers, and now the two men are gone, there is no use of my remaining.”

“What do you intend to do?” asked Mr. Harrison.

“Follow them to Brooklyn.”

“To Brooklyn?  It’s a good distance.”

“I can’t help it; I must go.  As for the distance, it is not many miles from my home.”

Mr. Harrison mused for a moment.

“I have an idea of going along with you,” he said at length.

“Going along with me!” I repeated, astonished by his offer.

“Yes; I intended to take a trip to New York, on special business next week, but I can go to-day instead.  You no doubt need help, and I want to give it to you.”

“You are very kind,” I replied.

“I would like to see you and your family get your rights,” he went on.  “I wonder when the next train leaves.”

“I’ll find out at the ticket office,” I replied.

I walked over to the box, and at the window learned that the next train would not start for two hours and a half.

“That will give me time to go home, pack my valise, and arrange my affairs,” said Mr. Harrison.  “Come, you can go with me, and we can dine together.”

“Thank you,” was my answer.