Chapter IX: Letter VII: George to His Mother

DEAREST MOTHER:—How glad will it make my heart to see you once again, but at present it is not possible for me to leave my good master. However, very soon I hope to come to you and not to part any more. I have good news, and am anxious to let you know, so I take the readiest means of doing so, and write at once. It has now come to light who put the gold into my sister's letter.

It is only yesterday that I returned with my master to Madame Von Holme's. A dinner party was held in honor of the colonel of the regiment, who had just arrived. During dinner, Madame Von Holme related the story of the kreuzers. Everybody was anxious to know whether the mystery had been solved; and at last the colonel, who had been listening with peculiar attention, broke into a gay laugh and said, "I fancy that I can satisfy your curiosity. I will do so in a few words. During the war we had a sharp eye upon all letters. We needed all the intelligence we could get of the movements of the enemy. Among other letters which fell into our hands, was one addressed to—'My Dear Mother, the wheelwright's widow: with six kreuzers.' It was a very strange address; it attracted my marked attention.

"Doubtless, thought I, there is some great plot at work, for the spies often send their information under simple addresses, and to persons in a very humble grade in life. I opened it. It was to widow Kaurner. I knew her husband, the wheelwright, well. He was a good honest soul; he worthy of her, she worthy of him. I was gratified with the filial affection which the letter exhibited. Well, for old acquaintance sake," said he, "I took out the kreuzers and put gold pieces in their place, real, true, gold pieces. And how has heaven blessed my bounty! 'Cast thy bread upon the waters, and after many days thou shalt find it again.' I thought some reference might be made to-day to the story of the kreuzers, and I have brought them with me."

So out he took the shining copper coins, and gave one to Madame Von Holme, one to the captain, and reserved one for himself. "I am sure," said he, "we shall all prize them more than ducats of gold! As for the remaining kreuzers, one is for George, one for her mother, and one for honest little Margaret."

Madame Von Holme shed tears. "Ah," said she, "I shall ever preserve this as a memento of God's goodness; it will ever awaken in my mind old memories deep and tender, and enkindle fresh love to Him who guides and governs all."

The captain then made known that at his request his father and mother had resolved to provide for George's mother. "We have resolved to assist George with a sum of money, to enable him to settle at home; in less than a month all will be arranged."

My sister was sent for, and the colonel handed her the three kreuzers.—"Divide them with your mother and brother," he said, "and God bless and prosper you all!"

May the colonel's prayer be heard. Oh how grateful should we be, dearest mother, to that God who has so mercifully interposed on our behalf, and made us so happy and united, and looking at the past with all its troubles and anxieties, looking at the present with all its comfortable security, looking at the future bright with promise, should we not take up the words of the pious psalmist, and say, "Bless the Lord, O our souls, and all that is within us bless his holy name; bless the Lord, O our souls, and forget not all his benefits."

In token of our filial love, dear mother, we both subscribe our names. Your very affectionate children,

GEORGE AND MARGARET.