"My wife went off into a fit of `highstrikes,' while Foster lay trembling, like a craven, expecting every moment to be killed. `Don't be frightened,' said I, `I haven't the slightest intention to put you out of your misery. I like revenge too well for that. You have some more trouble to see yet, I hope; and I'm not going to do anything that might hinder you from seeing it. "I waited till my wife became sufficiently composed to comprehend what was going on; and then, after thanking her for the kindness she had done me--by relieving me of all further trouble with her--I bid them `good day,' and walked off, leaving them to reflect upon the interview. "To-day, I have just been to visit them again; and the want and misery, they appear to be suffering, gave me no little pleasure. They looked as though they had not had a morsel to eat for a week; and I could not see a scrap--of either bread or meat--in their tent. "I told them, not to give themselves any further uneasiness, on my account, for I wasn't going to molest them any more. `I've made a little fortune here,' said I, `and intend starting for New York State to-morrow. Have you any message to send to your friends?' I asked of Foster. The poor devil could not, or would not, make me a reply. `Have _you_, Mary,' said I, turning to my wife. She could only answer with sobs. `It is a miserable, wretched life, at the best, on these diggings,' I remarked. I am going to leave it, and once more seek happiness in my native land. Excuse me, Mr Foster, and you, Mrs F., for not helping you in your distress. I know that there is an All-wise Creator, who will reward both of you, as your conduct deserves; and it would be presumptuous in me to take any of the work out of his hands. I leave you here, with full confidence in the belief, that divine justice will be impartially administered to all. "Now that was what I call good talking,--what do you say?" "Very good, indeed," I answered. "But are you really going to leave them in that manner?" "Certainly, I am. I never intend to see either of them again. When I was coming away from their tent, my wife followed me out, went down on her knees, and piteously entreated me to aid her, in returning to her parents. She declared, that she never knew my worth, until she had foolishly lost me; and that she now loved me more than ever she had done--my little finger, more than Foster's whole body--which it would not have been difficult to make me believe. She said, she would not ask me to let her live with me again; but, that if I would give her money to return home, she would pass the remainder of her days in praying for me.