"My letter," said the emissary soberly, "is for Mr. Thomas Ardmore, and, unless I am mistaken, you are that gentleman." Ardmore seized a long envelope which the man extended, tore it open, and read: Thomas Ardmore, Esq., Acting Governor of North Carolina, In the Field: SIR--As I understand the present unhappy differences between the states of North and South Carolina, they are due to a reluctance on the part of the governor of North Carolina to take steps toward bringing to proper punishment in North Carolina an outlaw named Appleweight. I have the honor to inform you that that person is now in jail at Kildare, Dilwell County, North Carolina, properly guarded by men who will not flinch. If necessary I will support them with every South Carolinian able to bear arms. This being the case, a _casus belli_ no longer exists, and to prevent the effusion of blood I beg you to cease your hostile demonstrations on our frontier. Our men seized a few prisoners during the night, and I am willing to meet you to arrange an exchange on the terms proper in such cases. I am, sir, your obedient servant, HENRY MAINE GRISWOLD, For the Governor of South Carolina. "The nerve of it! The sublime cheek of it!" exclaimed Ardmore, though the sight of Griswold's well-known handwriting had shaken him for the moment. "As a bluffer your little friend is quite a wonder," was Jerry's only comment when she had read the letter. Ardmore promptly wrote on the back of Griswold's letter this reply: Henry Maine Griswold, Esq., Assistant Professor of Admiralty, Camp Buzzard, S. C.: SIR--Appleweight is under strong guard in the jail at Turner Court House, Mingo County, South Carolina. I shall take pleasure in meeting you at Ardsley at five o'clock this afternoon for the proposed exchange of prisoners. To satisfy your curiosity the man Appleweight will be produced there for your observation and identification. I have the honor, sir, to remain, with high regard and admiration, your obliged and obedient servant, THOMAS ARDMORE, Acting Governor of North Carolina. "Putting 'professor' on that will make him crazy," remarked Ardmore to Jerry. The messenger departed, but recrossed the Raccoon shortly with a formal note agreeing to an armistice until after the meeting proposed at Ardsley. "Colonel Daubenspeck, you may withdraw your men and go into camp until further orders," said Jerry, and the notes of the bugle singing the recall rose sweetly upon the air. "By George," said Ardmore, as he and Jerry rode away, "we'll throw it into old Grissy in a way that will jar the professor. But when it comes to the exchange of prisoners, I must tell the boys to bring up that chap I locked in the corn-crib. I had clean forgotten him."