'I have the honour to be, sir,'
And so to Cranbrook's flourishing signature and a conclusion.
Forshaw watched his chief's face closely as he perused this report, but could read nothing there.
"What d'you think of it, sir?" he asked.
"My only wonder, Forshaw," answered the Superintendent, "is that we've not had similar reports before!"
"Then this one from Corporal Dunsmuir won't surprise you, either."
And the little man laid the following before him:
'Hopeful Pass Detachment, B.E.T.,
Today's Date.
'Officer Commanding, N.W.M.P.,
'Nugget City.
'Sir: I have the honour to report that I discovered concealed in the outfit of a negro giving the name of Rastus Lafayette Washington Green, who endeavoured to pass customs today, these weapons: 6 revolvers, of various makes, all modern; 1 Winchester rifle; 2 Snider carbines; also 100 rounds assorted revolver ammunition. I confiscated same and am detaining Green pending instructions from you.