Letter # 4 – 11,641
To: C.D. Donkey C.C.: PC, BR, Z, FdL, BR, FP, AD, PdF, CotG
From: Sumponeigh Knot Yew
Please take the train and meet me in Dodge Junction, tickets enclosed. I am fully aware that your search in Fillydelphia may not be complete but I need you here. Stay in Dodge at my expense until I arrive. I will then hoff off to you a very special package which you will take to the Magic academy in Canterlot. Whatever happens ensure that the package gets there.
I have reason to believe our old ‘friend’ Green Street is also interested in this package. Perhaps I should tell him, for he certainly cannot use a dragon egg. Still this would only give him more insight into my activities on behalf of Equestria and I do not endorse such a compromise. Some ponies are following me and believe it or not I have been unable to lose these shadows. I first notice my unwelcome companions in Los Pegasus. I will lay about here until certain precautions you will arrange in Dodge are ready.
You understand our actions are not to dissuade Green Street from his curiosity, only to misdirect him. You will need to construct a small crate and line it with straw, and mark the crate ‘handle with care’. Indeed, having a spare may be prudent. The Jubilees of Dodge have helped me in the past and you may find them helpful with the mention of my name – ‘Uncle Knot’. Stay with them if they offer, for Dodge has only one hotel and I am sure that Green Street’s cohorts will claim it. Dodge has 3 Salt Lick Saloons, and they also have lodging.
I would give you a description of my shades, but I believe them to be changelings or shape shifters. They are extremely dangerous and I am surprised our corpulent ‘friend’ would use them. Before you leave Fillydelphia purchase a small bright red item and when I mention I would like the green box, produce the red trinket. Thus I will know that you are you, and you will know that I am I, when I request the green box.
To add to the confusion that I hope to create, I have also requested the services of Spade and Archer. They have a grudge against our obese ‘friend’, but I will not be so foolish as to trust them with our prize. Finally you too, can also call in a few favors from your contacts.
I shall also be keeping an ‘ace’ up my sleeve. Some pony you have not met before, I know him to be heroic and dependable. Bits Riddenbucker may be old now, but he still has a few flights left in him. You will easily spot him with his black tip red wings and easy smile. If you have need to contact him amidst our future confusion, his verification term is ‘Zecora’. Don’t use it unless you absolutely have too.
This may be your first trip out west. Ponies are generally honest, direct, and more respectful of what you can do than who you are. How I wish sometimes to instill that attitude in the ponies of Canterlot.
You say your hair is falling out, shave your head. It may help disguise your appearance and give you that necessary edge to complete this mission. I’ll buy you a wig later. Sincerely Uncle Knot.