with Tom Nelson, he was overwhelmed with surprise at the rapid success
he had met with, and he readily proffered all the assistance in his
power.

Everman resolved to see Nelson again, and endeavor to induce him to
ascertain the exact locality in which Edwards was hiding. The carpenter
could not recollect it at the first interview, and was not sure that he
had heard it, but Everman concluded to try to jog his memory upon that
point still further. He did not have to seek an opportunity for meeting
his man, for that evening he received another call from Nelson, who had
evidently taken a great fancy to my affable operative. During the
conversation that followed, Everman was informed by his new-found
friend, that as well as he could recollect the name of the place from
which Edwards' letter was posted began with a "_Mac_," and that was all
that could be elicited from him.

Everman gave as his reasons for desiring to learn this fact, that he
wanted to write to him himself, and convey the letters which had been
intrusted to him.

After spending some time in the vain endeavor to refresh the carpenter's
memory, they at length parted for the night.

"Remember, Mr. Everman," said Nelson, as he left the hotel, "if I can
find out for you what you want, I will surely do so; but for heaven's
sake don't let my wife know it, or I will be scalped alive."

The detective laughingly promised to beware of the sanguinary Mrs.
Nelson, and the carpenter went his way.