"My next step, now that suspicion was directed against Sylvester,
was to make personal inquiries regarding him," went on Kent. "Judge
Hildebrand, who had just returned to Washington, said that he first
met Sylvester at a circus sideshow where he gave exhibitions as a
contortionist. One of his special stunts was to slip out of
handcuffs and ropes."
"So that explains last night," Ferguson grinned. "You'll not do it
again, Sylvester," and he shook an admonitory finger at the
erstwhile clerk.
"Judge Hildebrand became interested in Sylvester, found he was handy
with his pen and tired of the show business, and gave him an opening
by engaging him as confidential clerk," continued Kent. "You will
recall, Colonel McIntyre, that you sent business papers in your
handwriting and that of your daughters to Judge Hildebrand's office
to be typed by his staff. That is how Sylvester became so well
acquainted with your writing and was able to forge a letter to the
bank treasurer directing him to turn over your negotiable securities
to Jimmie Turnbull.
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