would get clear, in case the box could not be
recovered. He informed me that I had been suspected and accused of the
deed; but that he knew I was innocent, for he had inquired of the boat,
and found I had left on the previous night, some time before the robbery
was committed. He did not wish any one to know that he had any knowledge
of my location, but told me I had nothing to fear. Indeed, I knew I
could prove an ALIBI by more than one person, and I consented to return.
While on our way back to the city, I told Mr. Munger I did not wish to
go into the prison where the younger Brown was confined; I feared he had
some designs upon my life.

"Do not have any apprehensions," said he, "on that account. You will not
be hurt, for you will be put into the debtor's apartment, where Brown is
not permitted to visit, and of course can have no chance to do you an
injury."

I was placed in prison upon my return--a position of greater safety to
me than any other. Being assured by Mr. Munger of protection, I went
without hesitation--expecting to be released the next day. The next
morning I was brought out and informed, to my great surprise, that if
discharged I must furnish a very heavy bail. This was a source of alarm;
but my friend calmed my fears, by saying that all would be right when I
was examined; that the excitement was great, and it was only necessary
to wait for the return of the Lady of the Lake--which was on a trip to
Natchez, and would be back in a few days--when abundant evidence in my
favour would be secured, and I would be acquitted.

In a few days, I was accordingly set at liberty. The plates and papers
had been found in Natchez, and a man by the name of King had been
arrested--who confessed the crime, but alleged that he had been hired by
a certain party to do the deed. This King was one of the brotherhood,
and had been employed by the committee of Grand Masters to enter the
office and secure for them the box, by which they expected to obtain the
package. In this they were mistaken, and placed in a worse dilemma than
before.

On the day of my discharge I was visited by a man, to me unknown. He
informed me that he had procured my acquittal, and was my sincere friend
and well-wisher; that he desired always to remain the same--and would,
during life, on condition that I acted in accordance with his wishes.

I considered him a strange person, to introduce himself in so singular a
manner. He advised me to leave the c