“Certainly,” he answered. “I put it into his hand, and let him go with it, as I promised.”
Again he was silent, and I turned toward him in astonishment.
“Then,” I said, “why did you begin this story by saying the hobo faked you? I don't see the fake; he found the plates and he was entitled to the reward.”
Walker put his hand into his pocket, took out a leather case, selected a paper from among its contents and handed it to me. “I didn't see the fake either,” he said, “until I got this letter.”
I unfolded the letter carefully. It was neatly written in a hand like copper plate and dated Buenos Aires.
DEAR COLONEL WALKER: When I discovered that you were planting an agent on every ship I had to abandon the plates and try for the reward. Thank you for the five thousand; it covered expenses.
Very sincerely yours,
D. Mulehaus.