"I found Martha Crane with Aunt Metoaca," she explained, seating herself by the desk. "She told me that you were here, Sam, and having failed to meet you at the Perrys' I decided to try and catch you here before you left."
"But where on earth did you get that disguise?" demanded the doctor.
"I borrowed the clothes from Martha; fortunately, with padding, they fit me quite well. She also lent me the key of your basement so that I would not attract attention by going to the front door. The wig," Nancy laughed, "I used that in some tableaux at one of the Sanitary Fairs last year. It came in very handy, for the Secret Service men thought I was old Martha and let me pass unquestioned."
"No wonder; your make-up is perfect," declared Boyd heartily.
"Have you secured the paper for me, Sam?" asked Nancy.
"Yes, Missy." Sam took a small slip of paper from an inside pocket and handed it to her. Nancy studied the closely written lines intently.
"Important?" inquired the doctor, breaking the long silence.
"Very." She carefully refolded the slip. "This contains the key to Stanton's private cipher code."
A low whistle of surprise escaped Boyd. "How did you get it?"
"Arthur Shriver, who, as you know, was a clerk in his office, copied it, but before he could get it to me he was arrested on suspicion," explained Nancy. "I heard he was confined in one of the front rooms in the Old Capitol Prison, and so arranged to have the sentry's attention diverted while I questioned Arthur by prearranged signals."