“And did my wife sell her to anybody else?” enquired Alfred.

“Wait a moment, my dear friend, and I will tell you,” answered Harry.  “The girl did not see her mistress at all, for she was arrested on her arrival in this city, and having no papers, as well as no owner, she was sold according to law, and was purchased by Dr. Humphries, at whose residence she is now.  I would have told you this when we first met, but it slipped my memory completely.”

“But where could my wife have gone to?” remarked Alfred.  “I do not know of any person in the Confederate lines with whom she is acquainted, and where she can get the means to support herself and children I have not the least idea.”

“That she has been to Jackson I am certain,” Harry replied, “for no sooner did I hear what the girl had informed Dr. Humphries, than I endeavored to find out where she resided.  I searched the register of both the hotels in this city and found that she had been staying at this hotel; but the clerk did not recollect anything about her, and could not tell me where she went to on her departure from this city.  I also advertised in several newspapers for her, but receiving no information, was compelled to give up my search in despair.”

“I thank you for your remembrance of me,” observed Alfred.  “This intelligence, however, will compel me to apply for an extension of my furlough, so that I may be enabled to find out where my wife and children are.  I am very much alarmed at the news you have given me.”

“I hope your wife and children are comfortably situated, wherever they may be; and could I have discovered their residence, I should have made it my duty to see that they wanted for nothing.”

“I know it, I know it,” said Alfred, pressing his friend’s hand, and he continued, “you will favor me on our arriving at Dr. Humphries’ by obtaining an interview for me with Elsy; I desire to know the cause of my wife’s ejectment from New Orleans.”

“As soon as you are ready let me know and we will start for the Doctor’s,” Harry answered, “where you will find the girl.  Dr. Humphries told me that he intended returning her to you or your wife as soon as he discovered either of you.  So in the event of your finding out where Mrs. Wentworth lives, she will be promptly given up.”

“No, no,” Alfred remarked, hurriedly, “the Doctor has purchased her and I do not desire the girl unless I can return the money he paid for her.  If you are ready to go,” he added, “let us leave at once.”

The two friends left the hotel and soon arrived at the residence of Dr. Humphries.  The Doctor was not at home, but Emma received them.  After introducing Alfred to her, and engaging in a brief conversation, Harry requested her to call Elsy, as he desired her to speak with his friend.  The fair girl complied with his request by ringing the bell that lay on the table; her call was answered by the slave in person.