So that if you return you will not find one here against whom you have always been set, and who is indeed in no small way the author of the matters which have come between us, save only as touching the impressment, of which I own that I must take the blame solely upon myself.

Give my love to Alice, and say that she must keep up her spirits, and look forward to the time when her Cousin Jack shall come back to her after the killing of many Spaniards." Having signed and carefully sealed this letter, with that from Jack inclosed within it, the mayor then proceeded to write the following to the young soldier: "MY DEAR COUSIN JACK: I have read the letter which you sent to my wife, and it is written in a very proper and dutiful strain.

Your departure has caused trouble between my wife and me; but this I hope will pass away after she has read and considered your letter.

She carried matters so far that she is at present with your Cousin Alice at the house of her parents at Basingstoke.

Having read your letter, I write to tell you that I feel that I am not without blame toward you.