without hesitation--expecting to be released the next day. The next
morning I was brought out and informed, to my great surprise, that if
discharged I must furnish a very heavy bail. This was a source of alarm;
but my friend calmed my fears, by saying that all would be right when I
was examined; that the excitement was great, and it was only necessary
to wait for the return of the Lady of the Lake--which was on a trip to
Natchez, and would be back in a few days--when abundant evidence in my
favour would be secured, and I would be acquitted.

In a few days, I was accordingly set at liberty. The plates and papers
had been found in Natchez, and a man by the name of King had been
arrested--who confessed the crime, but alleged that he had been hired by
a certain party to do the deed. This King was one of the brotherhood,
and had been employed by the committee of Grand Masters to enter the
office and secure for them the box, by which they expected to obtain the
package. In this they were mistaken, and placed in a worse dilemma than
before.

On the day of my discharge I was visited by a man, to me unknown. He
informed me that he had procured my acquittal, and was my sincere friend
and well-wisher; that he desired always to remain the same--and would,
during life, on condition that I acted in accordance with his wishes.

I considered him a strange person, to introduce himself in so singular a
manner. He advised me to leave the city as soon as possible. I told him
that was my intention. I likewise informed Mr. Munger of the same, and
he readily consented, as Taylor's trial had been put off. Arrangements
being made with him, I expected to leave the next day. In the mean time,
I had an interview with Cunningham, who told me I must look out, for
the brotherhood in general suspected me of foul play as to the papers. I