to the brink of the dark river. Mr. Morgan,
my attendant, had lost his mother but a short time before this, and
he could sympathize with me in a manner that aided me in bearing my
burdens.

After riding for a couple of hours we arrived at Atchison. The train on
reaching the city passes on some two blocks beyond the depot; then backs
down. As I thus passed by the depot I saw numerous friends who had heard
of my coming, and were there waiting to welcome me to my home. They
saluted me as I sat in the car at the window and passed on by the depot.
I thought they exhibited too much joy in receiving a friend who was
coming back to see his dead wife. I wondered at it. When the train
stopped to back down to the depot, I got off and took the nearest cut to
my residence. Walking some four blocks I reached my home. When nearing
the gate, one of my little daughters came bounding across the street,
full of joy and gladness, welcoming me home. I thought she acted rather
strange for her mother to be lying in the house a corpse. Without saying
anything I stepped to the door; it was standing ajar. Looking in, I saw
my wife lying in the adjoining room--not dead! Thank God! It seemed as
if I had stepped into another world. My wife was very sick, but still
conscious. Oh! what joy I felt at once more being able to see my wife
and to talk with her. All the way from the prison to the door of my
residence I was laboring under a false impression. I drank the cup to
its very dregs. I could have suffered no more on that journey home if
she had been dead. In fact I supposed she was. Governor Martin had made
a mistake in transmitting the message, or had been wrongly informed.

I do not know how it came that I was permitted to return home. I was a
United States' prisoner. As such, Governor Martin had no control over
me. No one had authority to send me home on such a furlough except
President Cleveland. But I care nothing about this. I did not stop to
inquire about the authority; when the prison doors came open I left for
home. I was furnished a citizen's suit of clothes. I remained at home
for nearly a week. Many friends came to see me. This to me was one of
the best weeks of my life.

A little occurrence took place, during this short stay at home, which I
will mention here. I have a legal friend at Atchison by the name of Hon.
D. C. Arnold. This man, when tested, proves himself true to those who
have gained his good will. He conceived the idea tha