The car came to the gates of the prison and T. X. sprang out,
followed by his assistant. He had no difficulty in finding the
Governor, a greatly perturbed man, for an escape is a very serious
matter.

The official was inclined to be brusque in his manner, but again
the magic card produced a soothing effect.

"I am rather rattled," said the Governor. "One of my men has got
away. I suppose you know that?"

"And I am afraid another of your men is going away, sir," said T.
X., who had a curious reverence for military authority. He
produced his paper and laid it on the governor's table.

"This is an order for the release of John Lexman, convicted under
sentence of fifteen years penal servitude."

The Governor looked at it.

"Dated last night," he said, and breathed a long sigh of relief.
"Thank the Lord! - that is the man who escaped!"




CHAPTER VIII