Ike Izard.
P. S.—You can bet your bottom dollar it’s no lye. Ike.
Accompanying the letter was the affidavit duly signed before a notary public.
There was also one from Doctor Dan, who Professor Poynter explained was an Indian guide, who usually accompanied Ike Izard on his expeditions after fossil bones.
“There,” said Professor Poynter. “There’s the story, Dick. It is extremely unlikely that it is true, but still it may be, and we have determined to send you out to the Bad Lands of Wyoming to investigate. When will you be ready to start?”
“To-morrow morning,” replied Dick, promptly, “but let me ask one question, have the fossil remains of the P. Dolichodeirus been found in that part of the Bad Lands?”
“Many times, my boy.”
“Then it is possible that one or two specimens may have survived?”
“Just possible, but no more. As you are well aware, this creature belongs to an entirely different period of the earth’s history from the one in which we are at present living. On the other hand, it is a fact that the lakes of eastern Wyoming are the remains of an old prehistoric sea which once covered all this section. The Great Salt Lake is another remnant of it and there are others still. The chances of the story being true, however, are exceedingly remote.”
“It would be an immense discovery if it was, sir.”