"I can't say--I don't know--I am in a great hurry," said Anna.
"This young man," said the Sheriff to the strangers, "is the elder son of the Governor, and if you would like to speak to him----"
"We should," answered the men.
"Is it so very important? My son is going out with me. Can't the matter wait until to-morrow?" said Anna.
"Go on ahead, mother--I'll follow you presently," said Magnus, and while Anna hurried away, he led the strangers into the Governor's office. One of the two men took a paper from an inner breast pocket and said:
"Naturally, you know your father's handwriting?"
"I do," said Magnus.
"And of course you are familiar with his signature."
"I am."
"Will you be good enough to say if this is your father's signature?" said the man, opening his paper and handing it to Magnus.