"Indeed, I should be equally glad to find out the real author of this novel bestowment," said Madame Von Holme; "whoever it is, God will graciously bless him." So he will, dear mother, so he will. With a heart full of purest love, I remain,— Your ever dutiful daughter, MARGARET KAURNER. [Illustration] [Illustration] LETTER VII. GEORGE TO HIS MOTHER. DEAREST MOTHER:—How glad will it make my heart to see you once again, but at present it is not possible for me to leave my good master. However, very soon I hope to come to you and not to part any more. I have good news, and am anxious to let you know, so I take the readiest means of doing so, and write at once. It has now come to light who put the gold into my sister's letter. It is only yesterday that I returned with my master to Madame Von Holme's. A dinner party was held in honor of the colonel of the regiment, who had just arrived. During dinner, Madame Von Holme related the story of the kreuzers. Everybody was anxious to know whether the mystery had been solved; and at last the colonel, who had been listening with peculiar attention, broke into a gay laugh and said, "I fancy that I can satisfy your curiosity. I will do so in a few words. During the war we had a sharp eye upon all letters. We needed all the intelligence we could get of the movements of the enemy. Among other letters which fell into our hands, was one addressed to—'My Dear Mother, the wheelwright's widow: with six kreuzers.' It was a very strange address; it attracted my marked attention. "Doubtless, thought I, there is some great plot at work, for the spies often send their information under simple addresses, and to persons in a very humble grade in life. I opened it. It was to widow Kaurner. I knew her husband, the wheelwright, well. He was a good honest soul; he worthy of her, she worthy of him. I was gratified with the filial affection which the letter exhibited. Well, for old acquaintance sake," said he, "I took out the kreuzers and put gold pieces in their place, real, true, gold pieces. And how has heaven blessed my bounty! 'Cast thy bread upon the waters, and after many days thou shalt find it again.' I thought some reference might be made to-day to the story of the kreuzers, and I have brought them with me." So out he took the shining copper coins, and gave one to Madame Von Holme, one to the captain, and reserved one for himself. "I am sure," said he, "we shall all prize them more than ducats of gold! As for the remaining kreuzers, one is for George, one for her mother, and one for honest little Margaret." Madame Von Holme shed tears. "Ah," said she, "I shall ever preserve this as a memento of God's goodness; it will ever awaken in my mind old memories deep and tender, and enkindle fresh love to Him who guides and governs all."