"Arrived in this city to-day, by way of stage from Richmond, Virginia, the beautiful and accomplished Mrs. Col. Bradley, of Va. She is the widow of the brave and gallant Col. Bradley, who so distinguished himself during the revolution, being twice brevetted on the field for bravery. She is the daughter of Col. Ridley, of Southampton county, Va., so well known for his hospitality. Every attention will be paid to this distinguished lady. She will remain in the city for several days, as she has important business with the Secretary of the Interior. That functionary has already called on her, and she will have no trouble in that direction." Col. R., having finished his out-door operations, returned to the house, and on entering the sitting-room found Col. Godfrey still looking over the paper. "Colonel," he remarked, "I imagine that you have been much interested in reading the papers." "Yes, sir. I notice that your daughter, Mrs. Col. Bradley, had arrived in the city of Washington, and had received much attention." "Yes, sir, and it was very gratifying to me to know that such was the case. I only hope that she will meet with no very serious difficulty in the prosecution of her business." "I assure you, sir, that she can have not the least difficulty; besides, she will have no trouble. The Secretary of the Interior has been informed of her visit, and she will be aided by him in every way." "I hope that it may be as you have stated." "Rest assured, Colonel, what I tell you is so." Mrs. Ridley, having finished her domestic arrangements, entered the room, when the conversation at once ceased. Addressing herself to Col. R., she said: "It is rather cold in the room, had you not better order some wood placed on the fire." "Excuse me, my dear, I was so much interested in the conversation of our distinguished guest that I paid but little attention to the fire. I will order the wood immediately." The wood was brought in, and soon the room was made very comfortable. Mrs. R. said: "Col. Godfrey, at the table just now you said that your journey after you left us, was in many instances, not very pleasant. You have rather raised my curiosity. I would like to have you give an account of your mishaps as you journeyed along. It will be very interesting, no doubt." "It is a great pleasure to me to impart to others anything that I may know that would prove of interest to them, and I do most willingly grant the request made by you." CHAPTER XIII. THE ADVENTURES OF SMITH, JONES AND BROWN--JONES, HEARING THAT A SNAKE IS IN THE BOAT, JUMPS INTO THE CANAL.