They went forty miles out of their way to meet Frank in the city. The following letter was the occasion of their visit:— "DEAR HELEN: I have concluded to take the journey of which I spoke in my last. I have engaged a celebrated geologist to accompany me, and we have provided everything necessary to facilitate our work. I found a piece of ore among some rubbish in Mr. Tracy's sanctum, marked 'lead mine.' My friend declares it a prophet of good for us. Still I do not wish you to be too sanguine. The mine which has swallowed up two thirds of our fortune may prove to be of no value. We expect to start next Monday. I have some painful duties to perform before that, of which I can at present say nothing. "Your affectionate brother, "FRANK." On reaching the city, they drove directly to Mr. Edmond's boarding house. He was out, and it was doubtful when he would return. Much disappointed, they were about to leave a note of farewell for him and hasten to Morrisville by the next train, when the door opened and he entered. One glance sufficed to convince the visitors that something unusual had occurred. Frank's face was extremely pale, but there was an expression of satisfaction in his eye for which they could not account. "You are just in time," he exclaimed, warmly embracing his sister. "There is a chance for you to show yourself a true Christian." "What is it? Tell me all." Glancing hurriedly at his watch, Frank threw himself into a chair, exclaiming: "I must go at twelve, and you will go with me." "Go where?" "To the Penitentiary, with Mrs. Tracy. But let me begin my story. I came home the other night, worn and worried with my labors, when my landlady told me there was 'a person' waiting to see me in the parlor. It was Mrs. Tracy, but so changed I should never have recognized her. "'Perhaps,' she began, 'you will think it strange I should come to you who have lost everything through my husband: but I have no other friend,—at least no one I would like to ask to do so much,—and then,—there is another reason why I think you will do it. You were staying with us, I was passing your door, and I heard you praying, not saying prayers,' she repeated earnestly, 'but praying: and you prayed for him as if you really meant it. If you did mean it, I think you will forgive him and take me to see him.' "Her request was, as you see, not very intelligible. But her weakened frame, her trembling voice and pallid features so affected me, that I hastened to assure her whatever she required, if it were in my power, I would assist her. I did not calculate upon the effect of my words. She sank down on the floor at my foot, and cried aloud.