He also ordered the sergeant and corporal of the guard, who were on duty on that day, to report to him immediately. The result was that the officers and soldiers very soon appeared at headquarters, and the colonel asked: “Captain Franklin, who was on duty at the prisoner Silk Lasso Sam’s cabin when it is said Miss Carr visited him three days ago?” “McCarey, sir, was the sentinel.” “Did you see the lady yourself, sir?” “I did, sir, for she passed me and bowed.” “It was Miss Carr?” “Yes, sir.” “You will vouch for this?” “Well, Colonel Dunwoody, I will not do that, for the lady was veiled.” “Ah! and yet you supposed it was Miss Carr?” “I am very sure of it, sir, for she was dressed as Miss Carr dresses, and wore that very pretty red sombrero, with its embroidery, which she wears.” “Thank you, Captain Franklin.” The sergeant was next called; and reported that Miss Carr had passed him, and he had bowed to her, when she was upon her way to the prison. The corporal had also spoken to her, and Sentinel McCarey stated that the lady had passed him, saying simply: “I am Miss Carr, and I suppose you have your orders regarding me.” “She was in the prison how long, McCarey?” “Just one hour and ten minutes, sir.” The officer and soldiers were then dismissed, with orders not to speak of why they had been called to headquarters, and the colonel at once sent a note to Clarice, asking if she would come over to headquarters, and ask Major and Mrs. Lester to accompany her. In a short while after the note was sent, the major arrived with the two ladies. Clarice saw at a glance that the colonel was greatly worried about something. “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. “The lady wore Miss Carr’s red, silver-embroidered sombrero, her dress, and her veil.” Clarice gave a start at this, and put her fingers upon her lips to silence Mrs. Lester. But in vain, for out it came: