I replied, “I do not know Goodrich, and know as little about Sandford’s money.”

“Well, Green, I believe you are innocent of the two first accusations, and hope you may be of the third.”

But now came the “tug of war.”  These others were only a preparatory step for a fearful inquisition.  I knew what was coming, and mustered all my fortitude to meet the exigency.  If ever there was a time when I was called upon to summon my collected energies, to express calmness and betoken innocence, it was on this occasion.  The colonel, fixing his eagle-eye upon me with severest scrutiny, proceeded: 

“A certain package of papers has been taken, which has produced a great excitement, and has caused me serious injury.”  When he mentioned papers, there was a sensible pause, and a piercing look which exhibited a determination to detect the slightest expression of guilt.  I was enabled to command myself, however, in such a way, that I think I satisfied him I was not guilty.

In reply, I asked the colonel “Why they should accuse me of acting so base a part?”

“Unfortunately for you,” said the colonel, “you have been seen talking with the friends of Taylor.”

I replied, “Perhaps I have, for I cannot tell who are his friends, or who his enemies.”  I likewise asked him if he thought it possible I could or would do any thing to injure him.

“I think not,” said he, “yet mankind are so base and deceitful, I have but little confidence in any one.  I will now show you how dreadful must be my position in regard to the package, and then you can understand why its loss will go so hard with me.”

I listened with the utmost attention, and he entered upon this part of the subject as follows: 

“I am a member of a society called ‘the secret band of brothers.’  It is an ancient order, of a religious (?) character.  The leading members carry on an extensive correspondence with one another.  All letters of business are subject to the order of the one who indites them, allowing the holder the privilege of retaining a copy.  I had many letters written by leading men in my possession; besides a large package of copies.  These with the original letters have been taken.  Now, Green, you promise secrecy, and I will give you the whole plan, so far as in my power, and you can then judge how seriously I shall be affected if those papers are not recovered.

“At the time of my arrest, on the charges for which I am to be tried, my friends were numerous and wealthy, and I had the utmost confidence in all their promises.  The excitement was intense, and I did not deem it proper to call upon them until it should subside.  After waiting a suitable length of time, I wrote to many of my acquaintances, and, among others, to several whose names are familiar to you.  They were under personal obligations to me, aside from the common claims of friendship.  They had made