This letter was signed by the assistant adjutant-general, and the colonel read it over with an expression upon his face which was hard to fathom.
“You have the requisition, Detective Raymond, referred to in this letter?” asked the colonel quietly.
“I have, sir. Here it is, Colonel Dunwoody,” and the detective at once presented an official-looking document which read as follows:
“Whereas Austin Arden, alias Silk Lasso Sam, having broken the laws of the State of Illinois, by the crimes of murder and robbery, I hereby make requisition of the military commander holding the said Austin Arden a prisoner, and under sentence of death by military court, to deliver to my authorized agent, Henry Raymond, detective, the body of the said Austin Arden, alias Silk Lasso Sam, for trial in the civil court of the State of Illinois.
“Signed,” etc.
“The stage does not return for several days, Detective Raymond, and before its departure you shall receive my answer,” said Colonel Dunwoody, after reading the papers handed to him by the officer.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE TELLING BLOW.
When Silk Lasso Sam called out as he did, in stern, peremptory tones to Nina de Sutro, she stopped at the door and turned toward him.
“Well, what do you wish?”
“This is all bosh about my sister making any effort to save me.”