ckage, and then you can understand why
its loss will go so hard with me."

I listened with the utmost attention, and he entered upon this part of
the subject as follows:

"I am a member of a society called 'THE SECRET BAND OF BROTHERS.' It is
an ancient order, of a religious (?) character. The leading members
carry on an extensive correspondence with one another. All letters of
business are subject to the order of the one who indites them, allowing
the holder the privilege of retaining a copy. I had many letters written
by leading men in my possession; besides a large package of copies.
These with the original letters have been taken. Now, Green, you promise
secrecy, and I will give you the whole plan, so far as in my power, and
you can then judge how seriously I shall be affected if those papers are
not recovered.

"At the time of my arrest, on the charges for which I am to be tried,
my friends were numerous and wealthy, and I had the utmost confidence in
all their promises. The excitement was intense, and I did not deem it
proper to call upon them until it should subside. After waiting a
suitable length of time, I wrote to many of my acquaintances, and, among
others, to several whose names are familiar to you. They were under
personal obligations to me, aside from the common claims of friendship.
They had made their thousands by plans of my own invention, and much of
the very wealth which had given them distinction and influence was the
fruit of my ingenuity. To my letters they made ready and satisfactory
replies. They made the largest promises to give me any requisite
assistance, when called upon, yet as often left me in suspense, or to
reap the bitter fruit of disappointment. This was the reason why my
trial was put off during several sessions of the court. My brother
having been indicted with me, made the prospect of both more dubious. I
had property, but not at my disposal. My wife betrayed my confidence,
for having it in her power to send me pecuniary aid, she neglected to do
it; indeed, all her conduct had a tendency to involve me in the net that
was spread for my feet. Through her, information was given that I had
friends who would assist me, which served as an excuse for her
dereliction. This awakened the suspicions of community. There was an
anxiety to know who would step forward to my rescue. Hence those from
whom I expected aid became alarmed, lest their characters, which had
hitherto been unblemished, s