“Miss Clarice, I have received the report of Captain Franklin, the sergeant and corporal of the guard, and the sentinel on duty at the time of this alleged visit of yours to the prisoner, Silk Lasso Sam.”
“Yes, Colonel Dunwoody, and what do they say?”
“The captain states that he met you, and the others report the same.”
“This is a very remarkable statement, Colonel Dunwoody.”
“I asked Captain Franklin if he would vouch for its being you, and he said that you were veiled, and also the others made the same statement, the sentinels saying that the lady in question reported herself to be Miss Carr.”
“This was at what time, Colonel Dunwoody?” asked the major, considerably amazed.
The colonel looked at the paper in his hand and gave the time.
“Why, Clarice was absent with us in the carriage at that very time, colonel; in fact, the whole of that day,” the major said.
“Major, I have not for once doubted Miss Clarice in her statement to me, and I only wish to find out who it is that has visited the prisoner, impersonating Miss Clarice to do so.”
“I cannot understand it,” the major replied.