We are not
officers, and we are now in the State of Louisiana."

"We have as much right to search him as we had to lay hands on him when
we came alongside of the Islander," replied Colonel Shepard. "I think
we can get at the truth better than any court can. At any rate, he has
taken part in stealing my steam-yacht; and I think I have some hold on
him. If it turns out that he has not the money on him, I have no doubt
I can make it all right with him. I am willing to take the
responsibility."

"All right. I will help your man bring him down here, for I think we
had better not say anything to Mr. Boomsby until we have settled where
the other half of the money is," said Captain Blastblow.

"Bring him down here," replied the colonel.

The captain soon returned with the pilot, having Cornwood between them.
The prisoner seemed to be somewhat bewildered, for no charge had yet
been preferred against him.

"Mr. Cornwood, you seem to be acting in a different role than that for
which I engaged you at St. Augustine," said Colonel Shepard, when the
pilot had put his prisoner into a chair.

"It was my intention to place the steamer in your hands by the time you
arrived in Key West," replied Cornwood, with dignity.

"You gave me a letter when you came on board the Islander at Key West,"
said Captain Blastblow, savagely, to the prisoner.

"I gave you the owner's letter," added Cornwood.

"No, you didn't! you gave me this letter," continued the captain,
taking a paper from his pocket. "Is this your letter, Colonel Shepard?"

He gave the letter to his owner. The colonel looked at it and laughed.

"This is not so good an imitation of my handwriting as the other
letter," he added. "I never wrote a line of this letter. It favors the
theory we have adopted, and I will give it to you."

CAPTAIN BLASTBLOW.

DEAR SIR: This letter will be delivered to you by my excellent
friend, Mr. Kirby Cornwood, who has been my companion during my
trip to the interior of Florida, and I commend him to your
acquaintance and good offices. You will give him a state-room on
board of the Islander, for he will make the trip with you to New
Orleans. You will continue to avoid the Sylvania, and in all
matters relating to the steamer you will take the advice of Mr.
Cornwood, in whose fidelity and good judgment I have entire
confidence.

Very truly yours,

P. G. SHEPARD.

"My excellent friend, Mr. Kirb