ied the
lady, "we have been living here a long time and no doctor has ever
been called, professionally, to see any one at the place. The old
woman, with her tater, sweet flag, sugar rags, ciderberry juice and
Black Jack, keeps every one in a healthy condition." "She must be very
valuable to you," said the Colonel. "Yes, sir", said Mrs. Ridley; "we
could not do without her, and her loss could not be replaced." "It is
getting late and I am admonished I must leave," said the Colonel, "for
I have some distance yet to ride." He said it would be a great
pleasure for him to remain longer under the hospitable roof of his
kind host and hostess, but that it would not be possible for him to do
so. He said further that he had some papers which he would hand over
to Col. Ridley which would be of great service to his daughter, Mrs.
Bradley, as they would secure her right to certain disputed property,
and that he must bid them adieu. Then addressing himself to Col.
Ridley, said: "These papers are valuable; take them and entrust them
only into the hands of Mrs. Bradley, and that if he would now order
his horse he would proceed on his way." Col. Ridley assured him that
he would like to have him stay longer, but that of course he best knew
his business; that it had been his custom to welcome all visiting and
speed all departing guests. That should he happen to come that way
again he would be delighted to have him stop, as he would always find
a hearty welcome. Col. Godfrey thanked his new friend and said that
should it be his fortune again to visit that neighborhood he promised
not to pass him by. His horse was waiting, so giving the Colonel a
hearty shake of the hand and bidding good-bye to all, he mounted and
rode away.

After Col. Godfrey had left, a general conversation was commenced
about his visit. It was evident that his business was with Mrs.
Bradley, but he did not know at the time that she was the daughter of
Col. Ridley, or he would have made known to her the object of his
visit. She was absent at the time. As his papers were all properly
avouched for he could leave them in the hands of her father, Col.
Ridley. The old medicine woman of the plantation was much interested
in the visit of the Colonel to her quarters, and was anxious to know
if he was related to Mr. Godfrey that made the cordial. She was told
that he was not. The old woman broke in and said: "Missus, I thort dat
de gemman who axed me what I was doin' wid de baby