here at headquarters, and every first sergeant has one, too, for his
clerk."

"And there may be a dozen more Everite typewriters over in Clowdry,"
suggested Major Silsbee dubiously.

"No, Major; I've made an investigation. I have a list of every firm or
person in Clowdry who owns a machine--only about a dozen in all, and not
one of them is an Everite. Major, the letter was written on this post,
and with an Everite machine."

"Then, by the great guns, sir, I hope you go further and catch the
culprit," exploded Major Silsbee, bringing his fist down on the desk.

"Ah," sighed Lieutenant Wright. "That's just where the trouble is. It
will be a hard task, sir."

CHAPTER XX

THE LUCK OF THE YOUNG RECRUIT

ON top of all this came the news that Colonel North's quarters had been
entered the night following.

Worse, the scoundrels had used chloroform this time. Colonel North awoke
at about three in the morning, his head feeling heavy and dull. He noted
at once the strange odor in the room. Then he roused his family. Traces
of thieves were found; within ten seconds after that Colonel North had
summoned the guard.

Yet the two sentries on duty in officers' row both declared that they
had seen no prowlers.

Almost every article of value had been found and taken. A pair of costly
revolvers belonging to the regimental commander had gone with the loot.
Some money, too, had been found and taken. Colonel North and his family
placed their loss at nearly four thousand dollars.

"Lieutenant Ray," said Colonel North, to the officer of the day, who had
followed the guard, "I think you had better summon Major Silsbee at
once."

The major was there, inside of five minutes.

"So the scoundrels have blistered you, too, sir?" demanded the
white-faced battalion commander wrathfully.

"They have taken almost everything in the way of valuable property that
Mrs. North and I own, Major."

"We've got to put a stop to this, sir. And we've got to find and bring
the rascals to boot."

"Pardon me, Colonel; shall I pass the order for a prompt search of
barracks?" queried the officer of the day.

"No, Mr. Ray," replied Colonel North promptly. "Until I have real proof
I'm not going to put the slight upon our enlisted men. I believe they're
all fine men. If I had taken more time to think I never would have
sanctioned the last search of barracks. It shan't happen again."

Captain Ruggles of A Company, having heard some excitement a