“I can do that in a few words, general. I whipped up my old mule, and went on through the woods, thinking what I had best do with the man and the woman I had saved, I could take them to Petersburg, and tell my story to the mayor or some good citizen, who would see that they were taken care of. But as soon as I said ‘mayor’ to myself, I thought ‘he is the chief of police.’ _Police_!--that is one of the ugliest words in the language, general! Some people shiver, and their flesh crawls, when you cut a cork, or scratch on a window pane--well, it is strange, but I have always felt in that way when I heard, or thought of, the word, _police_! And here I was going to have dealings with the said _police_! I was going to say ‘I found these people on the Nottoway--one half-drowned, and the other in a newly dug grave!’ No, I thank you! We never know what our characters will stand, and I was by no means certain that mine would stand that! Then the reward--I wished to have my lady and gentleman under my eye. So, after thinking over the matter for some miles, I determined to leave them with a crony of mine near Monk’s Neck, named Alibi, who would take care of them and say nothing. Well, I did so, and went on to Petersburg, where I sold my truck. When I got back they were in bed, and on my next visit they were at the point of death. About that time I was taken sick, and was laid up for more than three months. When I went to see my birds at Monk’s Neck, they had flown!” “Without leaving you their adieux?” “No, they were at least polite. They left me a roll of bank notes--more than I thought they had about them.” “You had searched them, of course, when they were lying in your cart,” said Mohun. Swartz smiled. “I acknowledge it, general--I forgot to mention the fact. I had found only a small amount in the gentleman’s pocket-book--nothing on the lady--and I never could understand where he or she had concealed about their persons such a considerable amount of money--though I suppose, in a secret pocket.” Mohun nodded. “That is often done--well, that was the last of them?” Swartz smiled, and glanced at Mohun. “What is the use of any concealment, my dear Mr. Swartz?” said the latter. “You may as well tell the whole story, as you have gone this far.”