on his evil conscience. However, down on his knees he fell, as if
unconscious of the presence of his comrades, and promised, if God spared
him, on the first opportunity, that he would not only restore the
stolen treasure, but, if necessary, travel the whole Union in search of
those whom he robbed; and ask their forgiveness for the injury done
them. He had scarcely risen into the ranks of his comrades when the
hostile fire opened on the plains of Tampa, and a bullet from the rifle
of the enemy shattered his arm to pieces. A few hours decided that
well-known victory of the Americans, and Cunningham had not long to
remain on the field, exposed to the scorching sun, when he was conveyed
to the hospital. Though the pain he felt in his arm was great, that
which rankled in his bosom was greater; and on his reaching the
hospital, he called out for Father McEl----, before he would allow the
surgeon to inspect his arm.

After the amputation of the limb he recovered, got his discharge, came
back to New York, and, in company with a respectable Catholic citizen,
went out about seven miles east of Brooklyn, and there, at the foot of a
maple tree, they dug out of the ground, three feet deep, the bag sure
enough, containing every sovereign and note of the money stolen from the
widow O'Clery. They went with it right straight to the priest of St.
Peter's Church, who, upon hearing the recital of the now penitent thief,
promised that he should suffer no legal consequences, and inserted
advertisements in the papers to find out where the O'Clerys might be.

This information was communicated to Paul by Mr. Clarke, and to Bridget
by Father Ugo, on the same day.

This news, when made known, created the most intense excitement. Amanda
was now very polite to Bridget, whom she marked out in her own mind as a