The three men took supper together, and over their meal discussed their experiences of the day, and at its close went straight to the Governor’s private study to read the President’s statement. The Governor handed the envelope to Julio, who opened it carefully and read as follows:
“Friends and Comrades: A wonderful change has come over me within the last eight hours. A change so delicious that no one but he who has experienced the same feeling can begin to understand it. It is the knowledge that comes to one of a previous existence.
“To be plain, my friends, I remember, thanks to your wonderful ‘Memory Fluid.’
“I was in this city one hundred and fifty years ago, in the employ of the United States Secret Service. I arrested, by the assistance of a little girl—Catalina Martinet—a counterfeiter who had evaded the law for years, all the while living in the Republic of Mexico in the guise of a mining man.
“That arrest was a big feather in my cap. I was promoted and my salary raised largely.
“I wish to thank you, my friends, for the great service you have done me by bringing to my notice this wonderful discovery—the most wonderful scientific discovery of this or any other age. I could write on and on and on, telling you about what I remember, but it is of no use to burden you with so much reading.
“I will now return to my apartments at the Mexican Annex, at which place I hope to see you privately before I leave the city, which will be at twelve o’clock to-night.
“Yours fraternally and faithfully,
“Joseph Mortingo.”
“He leaves to-night, at twelve. Ah, he returns to the capital; his plans are changed since morning. I will go immediately; you will accompany me, friends, I hope,” said the Governor.