“No, sir, the redskins did not catch him, for we have not seen an Indian; but, strange to say, colonel, my dream was not all a dream, after all, for I found him in a very tight place. But I’ll explain later, as this gentleman, whom Horseshoe Ned introduced as Mr. Henry Raymond, for he and his comrades came in on the coach, desires to see you, sir.” The colonel turned at once to the strangers, and said, addressing the leader of the three: “How can I serve you, Mr. Raymond?” “I desire, sir, to present my card and this letter,” said Raymond, and he handed over a card and letter. The former had on it: “Henry Raymond, “Pinkerton’s Detective Agency, “Chicago, Ill.” The letter bore the official stamp of the military headquarters at Chicago, and was as follows: “SIR: A question having arisen between the civil and military authorities, regarding the right for you to hold and try the prisoner now in your keeping, known as Silk Lasso Sam, the outlaw chief, and now under sentence of death, I have consulted the attorney-general through the secretary of war, and the result is that you are hereby ordered to turn over the said prisoner to Detective Henry Raymond, upon his presenting to you the requisition from the governor of the State of Illinois for his body, through the authorized officer of the law.” 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.” “I am sure that it is not.” “And I say it is.” “She did not come here for nothing.”