ay that it was pleasant, but
anything else I assure you. My trip has been an exceedingly dangerous
one. I found treachery lurking about, and I at once put myself on my
guard." Having finished eating, the Colonel was invited into the
sitting-room, where Col. R. was found reading a paper just received
from Washington, in which was announced the arrival of his daughter,
Mrs. Bradley, of Virginia, and her son. Mrs. B., it will be
recollected, was the widow of a distinguished revolutionary officer,
and was in Washington on business with the Office of the Interior.
"Take the paper, Colonel," said Col. Ridley, "you may find something
which might be of interest to you." When scanning over its pages his
eyes rested on the following:

"Arrived in this city to-day, by way of stage from Richmond,
Virginia, the beautiful and accomplished Mrs. Col. Bradley,
of Va. She is the widow of the brave and gallant Col.
Bradley, who so distinguished himself during the revolution,
being twice brevetted on the field for bravery. She is the
daughter of Col. Ridley, of Southampton county, Va., so well
known for his hospitality. Every attention will be paid to
this distinguished lady. She will remain in the city for
several days, as she has important business with the
Secretary of the Interior. That functionary has already
called on her, and she will have no trouble in that
direction."

Col. R., having finished his out-door operations, returned to the
house, and on entering the sitting-room found Col. Godfrey still
looking over the paper. "Colonel," he remarked, "I imagine that you
have been much interested in reading the papers." "Yes, sir. I notice
that your daughter, Mrs. Col. Bradley, had arrived in the city of
Washington, and had received much attention." "Yes, sir, and it was
very gratifying to me to know that such was the case. I only hope that
she will meet with no very serious difficulty in the prosecution of
her business." "I assure you, sir, that she can have not the least
difficulty; besides, she will have no trouble. The Secretary of the
Interior has been informed of her visit, and she will be aided by him
in every way." "I hope that it may be as you have stated." "Rest
assured, Colonel, what I tell you is so." Mrs. Ridley, having finished
her domestic arrangements, entered the room, when the conversation at
once ceased. Addressing herself to Col. R., she said: "It is rathe