I believe it was fortunate that Wolfgang's resolve to become a forester sprang from his affection for the forest, and not from his love of the hunting. Unfortunately, the other motive had been Ernst's. I had often warned him, but in vain. CHAPTER X. A few days after that, I was surprised by a newspaper article, which had been written by my son Ludwig. I have preserved it. It read as follows: "THREE QUESTIONS AND THREE ANSWERS. "All hail to the friends of my youth, and of my Fatherland! "Every one has a right to address three questions to me; and, as it is not one of the pleasures of life to repeat the same thing a hundred times, I hope I may be permitted to answer in this public manner. "_First_: How goes it with you, and do you intend to remain with us? "It goes well with me. For the first few years I spent in America, I had hard times; but I worked my way through. I am not rich, but have enough. I married a German, the daughter of Professor Uhlenkemp. I lost my eldest son during the war with the South, and have another son sixteen years of age, who belongs to no religious denomination. "As to my remaining here, or leaving, I am for the present, unable to answer. "_Second_: What do you think of emigration to America? "_Answer_: The United States afford elbow-room and freedom, and are a good refuge for people who are willing to work hard in order to achieve independence. But he who emigrates must make up his mind to forego many pleasures, with which we at home are so familiarized that we do not know that we are enjoying them; just as we do not miss the drink of fresh, pure water, until it can no longer be had, and do not think of the pure air while it is ours to breathe. "_Third_: How do you find Germany? "I find only halves of Germany; but they must and will--who knows how soon--become a whole Germany. "The German people have become more practical and well-to-do than they were formerly. As far as I have been able to observe, there is an abundance of well-directed energy; great activity in all that pertains to the trades, to science or to art, and enough liberty to achieve what is still needed to make a complete whole. Let all remain strong and firm, and, without faltering, faithfully labor for the common weal. "These are my answers; and to every one whom I meet and find true to the Fatherland and to liberty, I shall cordially extend the hand of fellowship. "LUDWIG WALDFRIED, "Hydraulic and Civil Engineer, "Chicago." This explanation of Ludwig's naturally caused me some surprise. But it was practical, at all events, although the reference to Wolfgang seemed unnecessary, and calculated to provoke unpleasant comment. I soon became aware of its effect, in a manner which, at first, promised to be unpleasant, but afterward proved for the best.