“That is so, sir. And, as Texas Jack always says, I pass.”
“So do I,” the lieutenant-colonel said, with a smile.
“Now this last letter and despatch from the general is dated ten days after the former one and the requisition, so I can see but one thing to be said of the first received, and that is that they are forgeries.”
“But that cannot be, colonel, for see the real and official letter-heads, and the writing,” the major said.
“The letter-heads have been stolen, as also the use of the seal, while the handwriting of the adjutant-general has been copied. I tell you, gentlemen, some very clever head and hand have been at work here for the rescue of that prisoner, and it was accomplished, too, for those men were no more detectives than you are.”
The colonel paced to and fro, deeply moved, and the two officers with him evidently began to see the situation as he did, for Colonel De Sutro remarked:
“It is true that it could be done, Colonel Dunwoody, and we read about such escapes in novels, but it can hardly be possible.”
“It is possible and has been done, gentlemen, I now feel certain of that. But, keep the matter quiet, please, and I will at once send a special courier with a letter to the general and these forged papers, stating just what has occurred.”
“It would be best to do so, sir.”
“Yes, Lester, all that I can do. I will also send another courier after Caruth with a letter giving these facts, so that he can advise Buffalo Bill, and they will not be acting in the dark. It is a bold, clever game that has been played, and I fear it was too well planned to be any doubt as to the escape of that daring outlaw, Silk Lasso Sam.”