Well, I
did so, and went on to Petersburg, where I sold my truck. When I got
back they were in bed, and on my next visit they were at the point of
death. About that time I was taken sick, and was laid up for more than
three months. When I went to see my birds at Monk's Neck, they had
flown!"
"Without leaving you their adieux?"
"No, they were at least polite. They left me a roll of bank notes--more
than I thought they had about them."
"You had searched them, of course, when they were lying in your cart,"
said Mohun.
Swartz smiled.
"I acknowledge it, general--I forgot to mention the fact. I had found
only a small amount in the gentleman's pocket-book--nothing on the
lady--and I never could understand where he or she had concealed about
their persons such a considerable amount of money--though I suppose, in
a secret pocket."
Mohun nodded.
"That is often done--well, that was the last of them?"
Swartz smiled, and glanced at Mohun.
"What is the use of any concealment, my dear Mr. Swartz?" said the
latter. "You may as well tell the whole story, as you have gone this
far."
"You are right, general, and I will finish. The war broke out, and I
sold my truck patch, and invested in a better business--that is,
running the blockade across the Potomac, and smuggling in goods for the
Richmond market.
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