come out right;
there is no mistake. You heard that Madam Brown had lost a certain
package of papers, letters, or the like, did you not?"

I replied in the affirmative.

"Well, they believed for a time that I had them, or would have made
others think so; but that kind of accusation would not take with men who
knew me. They next laid the charge against you: I have satisfied the
interested party, that they are not in the possession of either of us,
but that the colonel and his brother have them, and intend thereby to
slip more necks into the halter than poor Taylor's. I am of the opinion,
their own necks will pay the price of their treachery."

I then replied, that I knew Mrs. Brown had said she had lost a package
of papers, but what they contained, I knew not.

"Nor ever will know," said he.

"I have no curiosity about the matter," I replied.

"And you might as well NEVER have, for curious people will pay dearly
for reading them, especially if they undertake it in court, as evidence
against the brotherhood."

The reader can hardly imagine the intense desire that was created, by
this time, in my heart, to learn all about this "brotherhood," and
"fraternity," so often introduced, and yet so obscurely as to give me
no certain information.

I took this opportunity to ask Cunningham, what title this society had
assumed; whether they were Masons or Odd Fellows? He laughed, and said:

"I thought I had explained some of the particulars to you." He then
stopped, as if to consider, when he continued: "Certainly, Masons and
Odd Fellows both, and all other good institutions--but, I can tell you,
Green, the brother who has turned state's evidence swears terrible
vengeance against you. Do you be careful. He has many who are watching
you. I belong to the party opposed to him and the colonel, and they
throw all the blame upon you. You are the victim of their suspicions and
hate, and you will do well to leave this place without delay; but tell
no one, by any means, that I have given you this information."

I bade him good day, and we separated.

I now thought I would call once more, and see the colonel. I hastened to
the hospital, but as I drew near, I discovered two men riot far from the
steps, and the third coming down. I walked by them, without being
recognised, and as I passed, the third man had entered into conversation
with the other two.

He was asked, "Is it a fact, that he is dead?"

"Yes, certainly. He has been