The Argo Goes West

113, The Mysterious Stranger, part 3

"He was a pretty funny boy," Mark Twain said candidly when he returned to the hotel from the hearing. "He was exactly what you said, Dorothy."

Dorothy Abbott was a college classmate of Mark Twain's niece's daughter, Alice Jane Chandler Webster. This is the first time they have met, but Mark Twain had previously written a letter of recommendation for Dorothy to the San Francisco Examiner at the request of his niece.

Mark Twain was staying in London as a guest of Lord Reid, but he came back to the United States after learning of this incident. When Mark Twain was in Boston, the headquarters of The American Anti-Imperialist League, he was visited by Clifford Kent, a reporter for the Evening Post. They met in British Columbia while Clifford Kent was roaming North America as a hobo. Clifford Kent's tale of tumultuous adventures was interesting. Mark Twain recognized Clifford Kent as a talent as a storyteller and encouraged him to make a living by writing.

Mark Twain thought Clifford Kent had come to say hello as he was nearby. But Clifford Kent took him out into the dark alley, saying there was a woman he wanted to see. That woman was Dorothy. Dorothy thanked him for the letter of recommendation and then told him about Giles. Giles was a faun in Greek mythology who saved her life. However, he was arrested by the military and taken to Washington, DC.

"Please help Giles," said Dorothy.

"But I never met him."

"You wrote a letter of recommendation for me, even though I've never met you."

"Because Annie assured me."

"I've got Annie's assurance, and I can assure you, Giles has done nothing wrong."

"That's bullshit," protested Mark Twain when something licked his nape.

"Oh! What is it?"

Mark Twain turned around in amazement. There was a white horse with wings on its shoulders.

"He's a Pegasus," Clifford Kent introduced. "He seems to like you."

Pegasus nodded his head.

Mark Twain flew over Boston on Pegasus. He was merry like a child.

"This is exhilarating. It's addictive."

It worked, and Mark Twain promised Dorothy and Clifford Kent to cooperate.

Through friends and acquaintances, Mark Twain found out the location and time of Giles' hearing, and through his connections he was able to attend.

Mark Twain lit a pipe and said, "Well, what shall we do?"

"We have to get Giles out!" said Dorothy.

"Young people should not be hasty," said Mark Twain, puffing on his pipe. "First, let's think carefully."

"I don't think there is any other way. Do you think you can petition the government to release him?"

"That's impossible."

"Then we have no choice but to use force to rescue Giles."

"You're right. It's a matter of time. Do it now or wait and see."

"If we wait too long, he may be dissected for research."

"The biologists at today's hearing were so intrigued by him that I wouldn't be surprised if they dissected him."

"Then let's hurry!"

At that moment, Clifford Kent took out a piece of paper from his bag and spread it out on the table. "Here's a map of the interior of the Arsenal."

Clifford Kent pointed to a point on the map and said, "He's incarcerated here in the Army Hospital."

"To dissect?" asked Dorothy anxiously.

Clifford Kent shook his head. "Maybe they're worried about an epidemic. Luckily it's not a barn."

"How to sneak in?" Mark Twain asked curiously. "Clifford, you are always well prepared. tell me your plan."

"I've already stolen two military uniforms. I'm going to put them on and go inside the Arsenal." Clifford Kent's refreshing smile made Dorothy forget that it was illegal.

"Good. I want to go too, but I'm an old man so I won't. I'll stand by with Pegasus. I wish you all the best."