Wolf has voluntarily
secreted herself until such times as she hopes to return
unmolested by Bloody Jim, whom, if my conjectures are
correct, she no doubt thinks still at large. As for Bloody
Jim his lips are forever closed. In attempting to escape
from prison last evening he was shot dead.

I learn with pleasure from your letter which I have just
received, that your mother's health is rapidly improving.
Take courage Ned, the same hand that restored one loved one
can also restore the other. You say you must return. Why not
bring your mother and sister with you? A change of climate
would no doubt benefit both. I think there will be time for
you to come before navigation closes. The weather continues
splendid. I am now at Dr. DeWolf's. He is worse again; I
think he cannot last long. He is literally drinking himself
to death. Mrs. Hawley still attends on him. Sorrel Top and
daddy do not get along very well together, but between them
the Doctor's house is well cared for.

If it will be any comfort to you I will say that I have
sanguine expectations of again seeing Miss DeWolf safe at
home,

Yours with more sympathy than I can express.

G. GOODRICH."

Louise received a letter from the same hand, but it being an entirely
private affair we can only speculate upon its contents. Doubtless
among other things there were unanswerable arguments in favor of a
western trip, for when the reading was over, she was the first one to
say.

"I think we had all better get ready as soon as we can and start for
Minnesota."

Edward being of the same mind, and Mrs. Sherman willing to gratify her
children, it was not many days before the arrangments were all made
for the journey. Recta and Lilly Foot were to be left in sole charge
of the house; the tenant having promised the assistance of one of his
sons when required.

The wedding ceremony of John Hanford and Maria Dole having been
performed the evening previous to their departure, they traveled in
company with the bridal pair.

Maria Dole was the only daughter of a neighboring farmer, and the two
girls had from childhood been on intimate terms, and Louise had hoped
some day to call her sister; but she loved the gentle girl none the
less for the step she had taken, and Edward's regard for her seemed to
have suddenly increased. The conduct of her husband