I wrote and begged him to solve the difficult problem if possible and save the student's life.

My interest grew, until it partook of the anxiety of the mother.

I waited in much suspense .-- At last the answer came.
"I found that I could not read it readily, the handwriting being unfamiliar and my emotions somewhat wrought up.

It seemed to refer in part to the boy's case, but chiefly to other and irrelevant matters--such as paving-stones, electricity, oysters, and something which I took to be 'absolution' or 'agrarianism,' I could not be certain which; still, these appeared to be simply casual mentions, nothing more; friendly in spirit, without doubt, but lacking the connection or coherence necessary to make them useful .-- I judged that my understanding was affected by my feelings, and so laid the letter away till morning.
"In the morning I read it again, but with difficulty and uncertainty still, for I had lost some little rest and my mental vision seemed clouded.

The note was more connected, now, but did not meet the emergency it was expected to meet.