He readily obtained permission to attempt the capture of the escaped prisoner, Bute; but the murderer had disappeared, leaving no clew. Brandt learned that the slums of large cities and several mining camps had been searched in vain, also that the trains running east had been carefully watched. We need not try to follow his processes of thought, nor seek to learn how he soon came to the conclusion that his man was at some distant mining station working under an assumed name. By a kind of instinct his mind kept reverting to one of these stations with increasing frequency. It was not so remote in respect to mere distance; but it was isolated, off the lines of travel, with a gap of seventy miles between it and what might be termed civilization, and was suspected of being a sort of refuge for hard characters and fugitives from justice. Bute, when last seen, was making for the mountains in the direction of this mine. Invested with ample authority to bring in the outlaw dead or alive, Brandt followed this vague clew. One afternoon, Mr. Alford, the superintendent of the mine, was informed that a man wished to see him. There was ushered into his private office an elderly gentleman who appeared as if he might be a prospecting capitalist or one of the owners of the mine. The superintendent was kept in doubt as to the character of the visitor for a few moments while Brandt sought by general remarks and leading questions to learn the disposition of the man who must, from the necessities of the case, become to some extent his ally in securing the ends of justice. Apparently the detective was satisfied, for he asked, suddenly: "By the way, have you a man in your employ by the name of Bute?" "No, sir," replied Mr. Alford, with a little surprise. "Have you a man, then, who answers to the following description?" He gave a brief word photograph of the criminal. "You want this man?" Mr. Alford asked in a low voice. "Yes." "Well, really, sir, I would like to know your motive, indeed, I may add, your authority, for--" "There it is," Brand smilingly remarked, handing the superintendent a paper. "Oh, certainly, certainly," said Mr. Alford, after a moment. "This is all right; and I am bound to do nothing to obstruct you in the performance of your duty." He now carefully closed the door and added, "What do you want this man for?" "It's a case of murder." "Phew! Apparently he is one of the best men on the force." "Only apparently; I know him well." Mr. Alford's brow clouded with anxiety, and after a moment he said, "Mr.--how shall I address you?" "You had better continue to call me by the name under which I was introduced--Brown."