The information given by the Robinsons increased our uneasiness for our trouble-worn friends.  Since the tragedy, Georgia and I had often spoken of them to one another, but to no one else.  We knew that few could understand them as we did, and we refrained from exposing them to unnecessary criticism.  Anxious as we were to comfort them, it was not in our power to do more than endeavor again to reach them by letter.  The first was despatched to grandma at Sonoma, the day after the departure of our guests; and shortly before Christmas I posted one to grandpa.  The former was answered quickly, and so pathetically that brother Ben offered to take us to Sonoma for a visit in the early Spring and then to see what could be done for grandma.

The letter to grandpa did not reach him until January 27, 1861, but his reply left San Quentin by Wells-Fargo Express on the twenty-eighth of January.  It was a brave letter, closing with the following mystifying paragraph: 

Though I may be confined by prison walls, I wish those dear to me to be happy and joyous as they can, and I trust in God to open a way for me out of here, when I can see you all; which will make us all very happy.

    Your affectionate grandfather,

    CHRISTIAN BRUNNER.

His next communication contained a thrilling surprise which cleared the lurking mystery of his former letter, and expressed such joyous appreciation of his regained privileges that I once more quote his own words, from the letter yellowed by age, which lies before me.

    SONOMA, March 25, 1861

    DEAR ELIZA AND GEORGIA: 

Your kind and friendly letter reached me about ten days ago, and I would have responded to the same right away, but waited a few days, so that I could give you some good news, over which you, my dear little girls, will surely rejoice, as you take so much interest in everything which myself concerns.  This news is that I am free again.

Last Tuesday I received, through the influence of friends, from the Governor of the State of California, a full pardon, and am again in Sonoma; and as soon as I have my business affairs in such a way settled that I can leave for a week or two, I will come up and see you.  I have much to tell you which you will better understand through a personal interview than by writing.

    Yours friendly,

    C. BRUNNER

Georgia and I felt this news was almost too good to be true.  We wondered how soon he would come to see us; wondered also, if he and grandma had met, and were glad that we had not taken the side of either against the other.

“What next?” was the pertinent question uppermost in our minds.  We found the answer in The Sacramento Daily Union, early in April, under title of “Romance in Real Life.”  After a brief review of the troubles of the Brunners, and reference to their divorcement, the article announced their recent remarriage.