betoken innocence, it was on this occasion. The colonel, fixing his
eagle-eye upon me with severest scrutiny, proceeded:

"A certain package of papers has been taken, which has produced a great
excitement, and has caused me serious injury." When he mentioned PAPERS,
there was a sensible pause, and a piercing look which exhibited a
determination to detect the slightest expression of guilt. I was enabled
to command myself, however, in such a way, that I think I satisfied him
I was not guilty.

In reply, I asked the colonel "Why they should accuse me of acting so
base a part?"

"Unfortunately for you," said the colonel, "you have been seen talking
with the friends of Taylor."

I replied, "Perhaps I have, for I cannot tell who are his friends, or
who his enemies." I likewise asked him if he thought it possible I could
or would do any thing to injure him.

"I think not," said he, "yet mankind are so base and deceitful, I have
but little confidence in any one. I will now show you how dreadful must
be my position in regard to the package, 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