e Committee so that they may be on the look-out for
them at the depot this evening and get them out of danger as soon as
possible. This is the way I feel about them; but I shall telegraph back
that I will be on the look-out."

While the officer was giving this information he was listened to most
attentively, and every word he uttered was carefully weighed. An air of
truthfulness, however, was apparent; nevertheless he was a stranger and
there was cause for great cautiousness. During the interview an unopened
telegraphic despatch which had come to hand during the writer's absence,
lay on the desk. Impressed with the belief that it might shed light on
the officer's story, the first opportunity that offered, it was seized,
opened, and it read as follows: (Copied from the original.)

HARRISBURG, May 31st, 1856.

WM. STILL, N. 5th St.:--I have sent via at two o'clock four
large and two small hams.

JOS. C. BUSTILL.

Here there was no room for further doubt, but much need for vigilance.
Although the despatch was not read to the officer, not that his story
was doubted, but purely for prudential reasons, he was nevertheless
given to understand, that it was about the same party, and that they
would be duly looked after. It would hardly have been understood by the
officer, had he been permitted to read it so guardedly was it worded, it
was indeed dead language to all save the initiated. In one particular
especially, relative to the depot where they were expected to arrive,
the officer was in the dark, as his despatch pointed to the regular
train, and of course to the depot at Eleventh and Market streets. The
Underground Rail Road despatch on the contrary pointed to Broad and
Callowhill streets "Via," _i.e._ Reading.

As notified, that evening the "four large and two small hams" arrived,
and turned out to be of the very finest quality, just such as any trader
would have paid the highest market price for. Being mindful of the great
danger of the hour, there was felt to be more occasion just then for
anxiety and watchfulness, than for cheering and hurrahing over the brave
passengers. To provide for them in the usual manner, in view of the
threatening aspect of affairs, could not be thought of. In this critical
hour it devolved upon a member of the Committee, for the safety of all
parties, to find new and separate places of accommodation, especially
for the six known to be pursued. To be stored in other