“If the lieutenant governor had thought twice, he would have called me up before wiring to Bradley, alias Snell, but he didn’t think quick enough, and since that time not a word has been heard from ‘Snell.’ And there you are.” “I see,” said Nick; “it’s very interesting. When does the next train go to Helena, Mont.?” “To Helena! There’s no direct train to that point, in any case; but what the mischief do you want to go there for?” “Because that’s where Gov. Bradley is, or where he went. I think, Dinsmore, that I shall have to hunt for your governor, as well as for the thieves who stole the papers. I hope I may find the governor alive.” “Good gracious! what——” “Look up the trains, please. I want to catch the first that goes.” With a wondering face, Dinsmore studied a railway guide for a few minutes. Presently, he looked at his watch. “There’s a train in half an hour,” he said, “that will get you pretty well started, and you can probably make connections that will take you through so as to reach Helena in about thirty hours. Will that do?” “How can I tell? I must take that train, and I think, Dinsmore, it would be as well if you should come along, too.” “I’ll do it, gladly.” “Anything to do to get ready?” “No.” “Let’s start for the station, then.” They went out, and on the way Nick asked: “Dinsmore, do you know anybody in Manchester whose name is Cecil West?” “Slightly,” replied Dinsmore. “Friend of yours?” “No, I never saw him. What sort of a man is he?” “Tiptop, from all I hear. Not rich, you know, but honest and industrious. First-rate fellow, every way. By the way, he’s in love with the governor’s daughter, Estelle.” “So?” “Yes, and the old man won’t have him. He’s sent the girl away, so as to keep them from meeting.” “The governor sent his daughter away, did he?” “That’s what I hear. She dropped out of sight after a big party at the governor’s house some five weeks ago, and it is understood that she was packed off to visit a distant aunt, or something, in the hope that she would forget young West.” “I wonder if West hears from her?” mused Nick. “If he does, he doesn’t say so.” “Of course not.” Nothing more was said on this subject, and Dinsmore did not suspect what was in the detective’s mind. Nick asked one other question about the case: “I understand that nothing has been reported, except a theft of government papers. Is that right?” “Yes, and I have wondered a little, for in your telegram to me you mentioned jewelry.” “I did. I heard some was taken.” “Nick,” said Dinsmore, “who gave you the tip about all this?” The detective looked his old friend in the eyes for a moment, and answered, quietly: “Gov. Bradley.” “The deuce you say! Why didn’t you jump on the case?”