"Not the least, Nell," returned Dyke, with a compression of the lips. "I would hunt these scoundrels down without one cent reward. Nicholson was my friend, and a good one. He helped me once, when to do so was of great inconvenience to himself. It is my duty to see that his cowardly assassins are brought to justice." Even as Dyke Darrel uttered the last words a man ran up to the steps and opened the front door. "I hope I don't intrude," he said, as he put his face into the room. "No; you are always welcome, Elliston," cried Dyke, extending his hand. The new-comer accepted the proffered hand, then turned and smiled on Nell. He was a tall man, with smoothly-cut beard and a tinge of gray in his curling black hair. Harper Elliston was past thirty, and on the best of terms with Dyke Darrel and his sister, who considered him a very good friend. "You have read the news?" Elliston said, as his keen, black eyes rested on the paper that lay on the table. "Yes," returned the detective. "It's a most villainous affair." "One of the worst." "I was never so shocked," said Nell. "Do you imagine the robbers will be captured, Mr. Elliston?" "Certainly, if your brother takes the trail, although I hope he will not." "Why do you hope so?" questioned Dyke. "My dear boy, it's dangerous---" A low laugh cut short the further speech of Mr. Elliston. "I supposed you knew me too well, Harper, to imagine that danger ever deterred Dyke Darrel from doing his duty." "Of course; but this is a different case. 'Tis said that four men were engaged in the foul work, and that they belong to a league of desperate ruffians, as hard to deal with as ever the James and Younger brothers. Better leave it to the Chicago and St. Louis force, Dyke. I should hate to see you made the victim of these scoundrels." Mr. Elliston laid his hand on the detective's arm in a friendly way, and seemed deeply anxious. "Harper, are you aware that the murdered messenger was my friend?" "Was he?" "Certainly. I would be less than human did I refuse to take the trail of his vile assassins. You make me blush when you insinuate that danger should deter me from doing my duty." "I am not aware that I said such a thing," answered Elliston. "I did not mean it if I did. It would please me to have you remain off this trail, however, Dyke. I will see to it that the best Chicago detectives are set to work; that ought to satisfy you." "And I sit with my hands folded meantime?" A look of questioning surprise filled the eyes of Dyke Darrel, as he regarded Mr. Elliston. "No. But you promised Nell to take her East this spring, to New York-" "He did, but I forego that pleasure," cried the girl, quickly. "I realize that Dyke has a duty to perform in Illinois." "And so you, too, side with your brother," cried Mr. Elliston, forcing a laugh. "In that case, I surrender at discretion." Dyke picked up and examined the paper once more. "DIED FOR DUTY. BOLD AND BLOODY CRIME AT NIGHT ON THE CENTRAL RAILROAD."