CHAPTER VI.

"CHIP" BINGHAM.


George Bingham, or as he was familiarly called, "Chip" Bingham, was the
youngest operative in Mr. Pinkerton's service. His talents, in the
detective line, ranged considerably higher than did the general run of
his associates. Possessing an analytical mind, he could take the effect,
and, by logical conclusions, retrace its path to the fundamental cause,
and following this principle, he had made many valuable discoveries in
mystery-shrouded cases, and had, many times, picked the end of a clew
from a seemingly hopeless snarl, and raveled the entire mesh of
circumstantial evidence, and made from it a strong cord of substantiated
facts. Mr. Pinkerton had early recognized this talent, and having,
besides, a peculiar attachment to the handsome young fellow, he
frequently placed delicate and intricate cases into his hands, always
with good results. It was for Chip, then, he sent, when he had finished
his examination of the valuable package.

Mr. Damsel, his mind somewhat freed from the trouble and worry it had
carried since the robbery, had left Mr. Pinkerton alone and returned to
his office.

Chip, on receipt of his superior's message, immediately repaired to Room
84. His downcast countenance and disappointed air told of fruitless
endeavors to catch even the slightest real clew. He said nothing as he