"Now, another matter," continued Riggs. "That night at Laramie of which you told me. These gentlemen will be interested."
"There was nothing remarkable in that. I had heard of the same thing being done at West Point. I heard in the nick of time of the order to the officer-of-the-day to inspect for Lieutenant Lanier. I imagined that something very serious would happen to him. I knew he'd gone to the post with Lowndes, and why. So, with my apologies now to the lieutenant, I slipped round to his tent and into his blankets."
"Did the lieutenant know of it—or of the reason?"
"Never, so far as I know. I doubt if he knows it now. Lowndes told me the lieutenant—before he entered West Point—was a member of our fraternity. That was enough."
"And so far as I am concerned," said Riggs, "that is enough. Have you gentlemen any questions to ask?"
"Not—now," answered Button slowly. "But I desire personally to see—the witness—later."
XIV
One more witness appeared before this informal court that memorable day, and with him, as prearranged, the tall, elderly civilian who had arrived with Stannard and his party from the East. Mr. Arnold came in, hat in hand, bowing gravely and profusely, with a very puzzled look in his face.