CHAPTER VIII.


Shortly after the events detailed in the foregoing chapter, I had a
conversation with Mr. Munger, who told me, he was satisfied that my life
was in danger, and advised me to leave the city for a few weeks, or, at
least, to change my boarding-place, and keep myself in seclusion.
Accordingly, I changed my quarters as soon as possible. I could not well
leave the city, as Mr. Munger informed me I must be present to appear in
court when Taylor was tried, in case the younger brother acted the part
he had promised; and if not, it would be equally important for me to be
on hand, as they intended to indict him and his pettifogger, for their
wicked designs upon the man they were endeavouring to ruin. As I could
not go far out of the city, under these circumstances, I considered it
more safe to remain concealed: I waited, therefore, several days, until
the colonel's death, which occurred not long after I bade him farewell.

I had met Cunningham--the old man at first charged with having the
package by Mrs. Brown--several times after the colonel had advised me to
leave the city, and in our last interview, he gave me to understand that
the colonel would never get out of his bed alive, or leave the hospital,
except when carried to his burial. I asked him, why.

"There are many reasons. His health will never be any better; he cannot
recover from his present illness. I know it is hard, but there are many
who think it is preferable that one should suffer than thousands, who
consider themselves better men. He has brought this trouble upon
himself, by not living up to his oath. He and his brother are both