His next letter, although less formal and official, was more difficult.

It was addressed to the commandant of the nearest Federal barracks, who was an old friend and former companion-in-arms.

He alluded to some conversation they had previously exchanged in regard to the presence of a small detachment of troops at Redlands during the elections, which Courtland at the time, however, had diplomatically opposed.

He suggested it now as a matter of public expediency and prevention.

When he had sealed the letters, not caring to expose them to the espionage of the local postmaster or his ordinary servants, he intrusted them to one of Miss Sally's own henchmen, to be posted at the next office, at Bitter Creek Station, ten miles distant.
Unfortunately, this duty accomplished, the reaction consequent on his still weak physical condition threw him back upon himself and his memory.