As she did so, the clerk,
who had finished reading _the other letter_, bowed, and said:---
"'There is nothing objectionable in this, madam, and it will be sent,
of course.'
"'I was sure of that, sir,' replied the lady, with a smile. 'I am very
much obliged. Good evening, sir!'
"And she sailed out, all the clerks politely rising as she did so.
"No sooner had the door closed than I darted upon the bag in which I
had seen her drop the letter. The clerks wished to stop me, but I
informed them of what I had seen. If they doubted, they could see for
themselves that the letter, which I had easily found, was not sealed
with the seal of the bureau. They looked at it, and at once
acknowledged their error.
"'Arrest her!' exclaimed one of them, suddenly. The rapid rolling of a
carriage came like an echo to his words.
"'It is useless, gentlemen,' I said. 'I know where to find the lady,
and will look to the whole affair. You know I am in the secret service,
and will be personally responsible for every thing. I will take this
letter to the official who directed me to watch the lady who brought
it.'
"To this, no objection was made, as I am known at the office. I came
away; returned as quickly as possible; and here is the letter, sir."
With which words Nighthawk drew his hand from under his cloak, and
presented the letter to Mr.
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