'MY VERY DEAR FRIEND: I enclose you sight check of Branch Bank of Cape Fear on Bank of Republic, for $10,820. Apply what is needed to pay my account; the rest hold subject to my drafts. 'I have sold my town house, furniture, horses, etc., and the proceeds will pay my home debts. I shall therefore not need to draw the balance for, say, sixty days. God bless you!' 'Well, the age of miracles is _not_ passed! How _did_ he raise the money?' Stepping back into the private office, I called my partner: 'Draw checks for all the acceptances due to-day; get them certified, and take up the bills at once. Don't let the grass grow under your feet. I shall be away the rest of the day, and I want to see them before I go. Here is a draft from Preston; it will make our account good.' He looked at it, and, laughing, said: 'Yes, and leave about fifty dollars in bank.' 'Well, never mind; we are out of the woods.' When he had gone, I sat down, and wrote the following letter: 'MY DEAR FRANK: I return Cragin's check, with many thanks. I have not sold your stock. My legitimate resources have carried me through. 'I need not say, my boy, that I feel what you would have done for me. Words are not needed between _us_. 'Tell Cragin that I consider him a trump--the very ace of hearts. 'Your mother and I will see you in a few days.' In half an hour, with the two letters in my pocket, I was on my way home. Handing them to Kate, I took her in my arms; and, as I brushed the still bright, golden hair from her broad forehead, I felt I was the richest man living. * * * * * Within the same week I went to Boston. I arrived just after dark; and then occurred the events narrated in the first chapter. WAR. [J. G. PERCIVAL.] For war is now upon their shores, And we must meet the foe, Must go where battle's thunder roars, And brave men slumber low; Go, where the sleep of death comes on The proudest hearts, who dare To grasp the wreath by valor won, And glory's banquet share. A CHAPTER ON WONDERS. 'Obstupui! steteruntque comae, et vox faucibus haesit.'