Together the young men studied the writing. As Ree had said, the document had been torn squarely in two lengthwise, and that which remained was so faded and so soiled that to read it was difficult. By degrees, however, the wording and letters were made out as follows:

Buried near Philadel

taining upwards of one

and hidden with it is oth

to mention several pieces

not to exceed two

explained to both of y

to each, my dear nep

for you when you shal

of this letter together,