Being informed that breakfast was ready, Colonel Ridley proposed that they should return to the house, and that a little of the ciderberry juice would add much to the enjoyment of the meal, and as everything was convenient proposed that they should indulge. Col. Godfrey took some of the juice with honey, as before, and was then ready for breakfast. Col. Ridley led the way, and on entering found a hot smoking breakfast. Mrs. Ridley remarked, "Colonel, you are an early riser I see; I fear you did not rest well last night." "I assure you, madame," the Colonel gallantly replied, "I could not have been more comfortable. My business being urgent, it was necessary that I should rise early." "You do not think of leaving this early?" "Yes, madame; you know that delays are dangerous. I have spent a very pleasant time, and hope, not long hence, to make a more extended visit. I was very much amused this morning at seeing the nurse of the plantation feeding a baby. It was quite a novel sight to me. The old woman does not appear to have much confidence in doctors." "No, sir," replied the lady, "we have been living here a long time and no doctor has ever been called, professionally, to see any one at the place. The old woman, with her tater, sweet flag, sugar rags, ciderberry juice and Black Jack, keeps every one in a healthy condition." "She must be very valuable to you," said the Colonel. "Yes, sir", said Mrs. Ridley; "we could not do without her, and her loss could not be replaced." "It is getting late and I am admonished I must leave," said the Colonel, "for I have some distance yet to ride." He said it would be a great pleasure for him to remain longer under the hospitable roof of his kind host and hostess, but that it would not be possible for him to do so. He said further that he had some papers which he would hand over to Col. Ridley which would be of great service to his daughter, Mrs. Bradley, as they would secure her right to certain disputed property, and that he must bid them adieu. Then addressing himself to Col. Ridley, said: "These papers are valuable; take them and entrust them only into the hands of Mrs. Bradley, and that if he would now order his horse he would proceed on his way." Col. Ridley assured him that he would like to have him stay longer, but that of course he best knew his business; that it had been his custom to welcome all visiting and speed all departing guests. That should he happen to come that way again he would be delighted to have him stop, as he would always find a hearty welcome. Col. Godfrey thanked his new friend and said that should it be his fortune again to visit that neighborhood he promised not to pass him by. His horse was waiting, so giving the Colonel a hearty shake of the hand and bidding good-bye to all, he mounted and rode away.