8:25 p.m.
Again Cummings picked up his facile pen , and was soon successful in writing the following letter , purporting to be from this same J. B. Barrett . `` SPRINGFIELD , Mo. , Oct. 21 , ' 86 . `` JOHN BRONSON , Esq. , St. Louis , Mo. . `` DR. SIR : Come at once to Peirce City by train No. 3 , leaving St. Louis 8:25 p.m. Inclosed find note to messenger on the train , which you can use for a pass in case you see Mr. Damsel in time . Agent at Peirce City will instruct you further . `` Respectfully , J. B. BARRETT , R. A. '' Jim drew a long , deep sigh of relief as he muttered : `` Half the work is done ; half the work is done . '' Drawing the railroad map of the Chicago & Alton road toward him , he put the pen point on St. Louis , and slowing following the St. L. & S. F. Division , paused at Kirkwood .