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The Case of the Missing Steed

Another story gleaned from forestry records in FRI, Dehra Dun ...
During the 1930s or thereabouts, the Doon valley abounded with robbers and dacoits, who would rob people on their way to Hardwar or Badrinath. Since they mostly had their hideouts in the forests, they rarely, if ever, bothered officers and staff of the Forest Department.
Once, when the Conservator of Forests was camping at Lacchiwala, his horse got stolen at night. There was much consternation in the camp the next morning. The Divisional Forest Officer, alarmed that such a thing could occur in his Division, directed the Range Officer to make all efforts to retrieve the CFs horse at the earliest.
The intrepid Ranger immediately sent a message to the leader of the robber gang known to be operating in the locality, demanding that the horse be returned forthwith.
In a couple of days a person turned up at the Range Office, leading a fine young stallion. The only problem was that, whereas the Conservator's horse had some black markings on a white skin, this horse was pure white, without a blemish.
The messenger had also brought a note which said "Honourable Sir, I do not know who among my men stole your horse, and what he did with it. I am however sending a horse for you, with my respects. I am sorry for inconveniencing you. Signed XXXXX"
Such was the regard for the Forest Department in those days.

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