It became clear that a Congressional investigation would be ordered before the year was out, and Achilles Smith fled. General Belcher’s conduct excited so much indignation at Kansas, that the politicians, following the popular lead, turned on him. He was arrested and tried upon a charge of bribery, and was committed. When on his way to prison he knocked down his custodian, took the first horse he came to, and started due South. It is supposed that he went to Mexico. The feeling in Kansas is that the unhappy land of the Montezumas has yet to experience her bitterest woes. It will be a charming country to emigrate from when General Belcher begins to feel at home.
Early in November Major Dunwoody obtained release from his duties and came to Washington. He had not warned Pandora; he wished to surprise her. When he called he withheld his name from the servant. Pandora entered the room slowly. When she saw her lover she gave a little scream of joy and flew towards him. Before reaching him a thought struck her. She paused and seemed astonished.
“What’s the matter, darling? Aren’t you glad to see me?”
“Yes, but what—what—why—Henry dear, how is it you have your leg with you?”
“I always keep it by me, sweet. It is so convenient to have it along. You have the other one, you know.”
“But, Henry, you appear to have both arms, too.”
“I brought them to hug you with, you angel, you.”
She flew into them, and after a brief moment expended in exercising their lips, Pandora looked up into the Major’s face and said,—
“You know, dear, I heard that you had lost your other leg and one of your arms. I cried about it for a month.”
“Who gave you that information?”