CHAPTER XVI.

NELL MISSING.

The reader can imagine the indignation of the railroad detective when he found himself arrested by the Burlington officer.

"I beg your pardon, sir," said d.y.k.e Darrel, "but you are making a foolish mistake. I am a detective----"

"That won't go down. If you attempt to escape I will blow out your brains," returned the officer, still holding his c.o.c.ked weapon to the head of d.y.k.e Darrel.

The detective was deeply annoyed at this. On board the train were the remains of the daughter of one of Burlington's most prominent citizens, and d.y.k.e was extremely anxious to meet the friends and explain the situation.

"You may take me at once to the chief of police," said d.y.k.e Darrel, at length. "I can explain to him, since he knows me."

Another officer approached, and the first one requested him to handcuff his prisoner.

A hot flush of anger shot to the cheek of the detective.

"This is going too far," he said in a vexed tone. "If you attempt to put the irons on me, I'll make you trouble. I tell you I am acquainted with your chief, and demand that you take me to him."

"That's fair enough," said the second officer.

"But he's a dangerous character," persisted the first.

"Whom do you take me for," d.y.k.e demanded indignantly.

"Slim Steve, the train robber."

"Where did you get your information?"

"It doesn't matter."

"You'd better go slow, officer. Look at that, and tell me what you think of it?"

Turning back the lap of his coat d.y.k.e Darrel revealed a glittering silver star, and below this a flaming eye on a dark background.

"A Pinkerton detective!" exclaimed the second officer.

"I am a detective, and know my business without receiving instructions from the police of a one-horse town," retorted d.y.k.e Darrel in anger.

"I am willing, however, to visit your chief, who will confirm my words."

"We had orders from him to arrest you."

"Very good. I demand that you take me before him."

After a short consultation the two officers concluded to gratify their prisoner, and, without attempting to handcuff him, they conducted him from the depot to the police station.

As luck would have it, the chief was in, and at once recognized and greeted d.y.k.e Darrel. Explanations soon followed.

"You must not blame my men," said the chief, "for word was sent from an interior town in Illinois stating that a notorious crook was on the train, and would stop at Burlington. A description was given that tallied with yours, and so the mistake was made."

"Do you know who sent the dispatch?"

"A sheriff, I think."

"Just accommodate me with the name of the town, please."

d.y.k.e Darrel was deeply excited at this last attempt to deprive him of his liberty.

The officer referred to the dispatch and read the name of the place from whence it originated.

"Woodburg!"

d.y.k.e Darrel uttered the name in wonder.

"I don't understand it," he said; "that is my own home, and I am too well known there to merit suspicion. It must have been meant for a practical joke," and the detective's thoughts were turned to Harper Elliston.

"It might be, of course," admitted the chief of Burlington police, "but it is a joke that I shouldn't relish, and you might make it warm for the perpetrator. I can telegraph and inquire into it if you wish, Mr. Darrel."

"Not now. I shall be in Woodburg within a few days, and then I will find out all about it."

d.y.k.e Darrel repaired at once to the home of Captain Osborne, which was occupied by relatives of the Captain, and informed them of the sad fate that had overtaken Sibyl Osborne.

An aunt and cousin, the latter a young man of prominence, were the relatives mentioned. The cousin promised to attend the remains, after listening to the strange story d.y.k.e Darrel had to tell. Sibyl had left home ten days before, pretending to go on a visit to friends. When she left it was not suspected that she was out of her mind, consequently the news was all the more sad.

From Burlington the railroad detective returned to Black Hollow, and from there he went to St. Louis to consult with Harry Bernard. Here he was met with the announcement that his young friend had taken the train for Chicago some days before.

This was an annoying state of affairs indeed.

Remaining a few days in St. Louis, d.y.k.e Darrel at length left the city en route for Woodburg. He was anxious to meet Nell, from whom he had been absent now about a fortnight.

On reaching Woodburg the detective found a telegram awaiting him from Chicago:

"Come at once. I have made an important discovery.

"H."

Of course this must be from Harry. It was dated some days before, however, which annoyed d.y.k.e. Harry Bernard might have changed his base of operations by this time.

"I will call at the house," mused d.y.k.e Darrel. "I have an hour's time before the next Chicago train."

Aunt Jule was extremely glad to meet "Ma.r.s.e d.y.k.e."

"Why didn't you bring the young missus wid yo?" questioned the negress.

"What's that? Hope you didn't think I'd committed matrimony?" and the detective laughed lightly, at the same time chucking Aunt Jule under her fat chin.