I was riding to Miranda when, unfortunately, I fell in with your troopers as they were halted.

I did not hear and, of course, could not see them until I was among them." [Illustration: 'Search him at once.'] "Riding with despatches, no doubt," the officer said.

"Search him at once, men.

He might destroy them." "Here they are, sir," Ryan said, taking the despatches from inside his jacket.

"You need not have me searched.