It was soon whispered over Tamaqua by talkative spinsters and gossips of more advanced experience, that the wild fellow, Jim McKenna, had fallen desperately in love with Mary Ann Higgins, Kerrigan’s wife’s sister, was quitting the drink, fast sobering down, and, if his wooing sped successfully, bade fair soon to marry the object of his passion, settle in Tamaqua, and make an honorable and respectable member of society. Certainly the subjects of these conversations were frequently together, and just as surely McKenna was more regularly seen dressed in his best, a lady on his arm, of a Sabbath day, attending church, than ever before, and it was evident that, as far as he was concerned, it would not be his fault if the New Year did not look upon him a full-fledged Benedict. As for Miss Higgins, she kept her own counsel. It is more than probable that her heart really remained untouched and she accepted the attentions of McKenna, as any virtuous girl in her station would have done, more because the man was popular and generally pleasing, than from the reason of having placed her affections upon him. It was at or about this time that McKenna received the following letter: SHENANDOAH, July 30, 1875. JAMES MCKENNA: DEAR SIR:—Them persons who you heard was around was Inquiring about you in Pottsville hall (Pennsylvania Hall probably) Captain Jack (Mr. Linden) was telling me, a few nights ago. I remain, as ever, Yours, in Friendship, FRANK MCANDREW. P.S. They were asking Captain Jack if he knew any person of the name, and they told your weight and height and he said he knew nothing of you. F. MCA. This work on the part of the detectives secured the enduring friendship of the Shenandoah Mollies, and confirmed Muff Lawler in his belief that Linden could be implicitly trusted. “If he would not give McKenna away to the officers from Buffalo,” said Lawler, “why should we, who are also his friends, fear to confide in him?” Muff was right, as far as tangible results were concerned, but as the reader will easily see, his arguments rested upon unstable grounds. Linden was seeking, with McKenna, to obtain the good-will of the Mollies. This letter shows that their mutual labors were successful.