Section 48
SEC. 48. Whenever any original check is lost, stolen, or destroyed, disbursing officers or agents of the Government are authorized a Her the expiration of three months, and within two years from the date of such check, to issue a duplicate check, and the Treasurer or designated depositories of the Government are directed to pay such duplicate checks, under such regulations in regard to their issue and payment, and upon the execution of such bonds, with surety to indemnify the Government, as the Auditor and Treasurer shall jointly prescribe: Provided, That upon satisfactory evidence that the check has been destroyed or never reached the payee, the above-mentioned period of three months may be waived.