"Read it, please, and note the date, the
signature, the official seal of the New York Police department, and
also the rather interesting silver print pasted in the lower left hand
corner. I think you will agree that it is a good likeness of me. Each
year I take the precaution of having myself properly certified by the
police department at home before venturing into unknown and perhaps
unfriendly communities. This, in a word, is a guarantee of good
citizenship, good intentions and-good health. I was once taken up by a
rural Sherlock on suspicion of being connected with the theft of a
horse and buggy, although all the evidence seemed to indicate that I
was absolutely afoot and weary at the time, and didn't have the outfit
concealed about my person. I languished in the calaboose for twenty-
four hours, and might have remained there indefinitely if the real
desperado hadn't been captured in the nick o' time. Have you read it?"
"Yes," said the sheriff dubiously; "but how do I know it ain't a
forgery?"
"You don't know, of course. But in case it shouldn't be a forgery and
I am subjected to the indignity of arrest or even detention, you would
have a nasty time defending yourself in a civil suit for damages.
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