Can the reader comprehend the thought that dictated this act of
self-destruction? If not, I must leave him in ignorance.
In preparing the remains of my comrade for the grave, a silk purse,
containing a piece of paper, was found concealed beneath his clothing.
There was writing upon the paper, in a female hand. It was as
follows:--
"Dick,
"I do not believe the stories people tell of you; and think you are
too good to do anything wrong I am sorry you have gone away. Good
bye.
"Amanda."
It was, no doubt, the note he had received from Amanda, after his first
parting with her--enclosed in the letter of his mother, sent after him
to New York. It was replaced in the purse, and both were buried along
with his body.
Poor Amanda! She may never learn his sad fate--unless chance may direct
her to the reading of this narrative.
Volume One, Chapter XXIV.