"DEAR SIR:--A seaman, who appears to be an intelligent man, has
arrived this morning at New Bedford, and says he has later news of
the rebellion in Ecuador than any published. The Rosina (his
vessel) brought no papers. I bade him call at your room at eight
o'clock, which he promised to do.

"Truly yours, J.G."

(Mr. G. was clerk in the Argus counting-room.)

No 6.

"7-1/2 o'clock, P.M.

"Dear Sir:--The papers by the Ville de Lyon, from Havre, which I
have just received, mention the reported escape of M. Bonpland
from Paraguay, the presumed death of Dr. Francia, the probable
overthrow of the government, the possible establishment of a
republic, and a great deal more than I understand in the least.

"These papers had not come to hand when I wrote you this
afternoon. I have left them on your desk at the office.

"In haste, J.F."

I was taken all aback by this mass of odd-looking little notes. I had
spent the afternoon in drilling Singelton, the kindest of friends, as to
what he should do in any probable contingency of news of the next
forty-eight hours, for I did not intend to be absent on a wedding tour
even longer than that time; but I felt that Singleton was entirely