This was soon after the conclusion of the peace with Mexico, and about the time when the first exciting news came of golden discoveries on the tributaries of the Sacramento.
On the day after Andrew received his discharge, and while making preparations for his journey eastward, a company, in which were several new recruits arrived from the Wachita.

Among them he discovered a young man from P--, to whom he put the direct question.
"Do you know a Mr.Howland of your city ?" "Andrew Howland, the merchant ?" inquired the young man, who was not over twenty-one years of age.
"Yes," returned Andrew, in a tone of affected indifference.
"His store is in the same block with my father's." "Indeed! What is your father's name ?" The young man's eyes fell to the ground, and his face became overspread with crimson.
"Winters," he replied, at length recovering himself.
Andrew turned partly away to conceal the sudden emotion this intelligence had created.

Mastering his feelings with a vigorous effort, he lifted his eyes to the countenance of the young man and at once recognized in him the brother of Emily.

Restraining the eagerness he felt to press many questions, Andrew asked him about his journey from the last military post, and after getting a number of answers to which he scarcely listened, said-- "How long is it since you left P-- ?" "About six months," replied young Winters.
"Do your friends know where you are ?" "No, indeed! Nor would I have them.

So, please bear that in mind.