Investigation on his part was
what took him out of sight for the moment, and later investigation
showed that one marauder, at least, had gone that way, for a capeless
greatcoat was found close down by the shore, where some fugitive had
tossed it in his flight. This overcoat bore, half erased from the soiled
lining, the name of Culligan, Troop "K;" but Culligan had served out
his time and taken his discharge a year before. The other overcoat was
even older, an infantry coat, with shorter cape, bearing a company
number "47," but no name. Both garments savored strongly of the stable.
Then, before quiet was restored, certain search was made about the
quarters. It was found the intruders had obtained admission through the
basement door at the back, which was never locked, for the sentry on
Number 5 had orders to call Bitzer at 5:30 A. M., to start the fires,
milk the cow, etc.,--Hogan, Ray's factotum, being roused about the same
time. The marauders had gone up the narrow stairway into the kitchen,
first lashing one end of a leather halter-strap about the knob of
Bitzer's door and the other to the base of the big refrigerator,--a
needless precaution, as it took sustained and determined effort, as many
a sentry on Number 5 could testify, to rouse Bitzer from even a nap.
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