Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-09-18

opportunities for the exercise or the display 9i
discretion and firmness. Yet he was by no means
deficient in either Of these qualities, and now,
while his heart bled for the innocent yet unhap-
ply object ofhis affection, his prudent mind care
fully weighed every plan that suggested itselfior
the promotion of her permanent good 1t was
no time to argue with his mother as to the pro-
priety or improperly of her conduct in conceal
ing so long her knowledge of Cars guilt The
great object was to make use of this knowledge
now in a manner the most beneficial to Annie
For her sake, he was even willing that Carr
should escape the penalties of the law, SO long
as he disturbed her no more.
Soon after day-dawn, Charles crept softly from
his home and walked hastily to the cottage in
which the deed Of blood had been committed
This was now in possession of a young married
pair, cousins of the GardnerS and, early as it
was, the young man was already at work in his
garden, but he paused to inquire the reason Of
Charless visit and Of his anxious looks.
Il can hardly tell you now, said Charles, in
reply to the latter question: but as to what
want here, | am come to ask if you and your
wife will give us your assistance Tor few hours
to day
'To be sure we will, was the ready answer ;
but what is it we are to do 2
Il wish you, said Charles, to drive my moth
er to Mr. Morel's the magistrate, for cannot
leave home myself and hope William you will
be content for the present to ask her no more
questions about the reason of her going There
is a poor sick girl at her house, not fit to be left
in the rough care of our worthy maid-Servant so
| thought would ask Ellento take charge of her
while my mother is absent.
William looked considerably puzzled, but he
asked no more questions, and proceeded imme-
diatcly to Mrs Gardeners. Before the villagers
were abroad, Mrs Gardner was far on her way
to the magistrate, to make deposition of the
circumstances SO long hidden. Her young
kinswoman took her place besides the haIfun-
conscious Annie, and Charles remained on the
watch, expecting Carr to come and claim his
daughter About noon he saw him in a state Of
partial intoxcation, Keeling along the highroad
towards the house In reply to Carr's repeated
demands concerning his daughter, Charles sale
quietly
Yes, she is here; she took refuge with my
mother last night. You best know why she ef
your roof
'Villamp cried Carr. dare you tell me to my
face that you have harbored my disobedien
child! Twill bring mob round your house !
know your mother of old---I know you root ant
branch! ViIIain!---base, cowardIy villain! Civ,
me my child = He attempted to push the young
man from his path but Charles stood firm
/, Stay, Mr. Carr he s1id, Il have a word t.
! say to you touching yourscf--nay you will d.
we'll to listen, for it concerns You deeply-it s3al
matter of life and death. You see that road
Before another hour has passed force will com
: along that road to arrest you
o 'Mc!,-me!-- how?-on what plea? 1t is falls
: lit is but trick to get me away said the rui
fan, attempting to laugh.
, i will speak still more plainly, resume
Charles, as he pointed towards the cottage; ii
7 that house there was deed done---ha! you wine
at that The innocent blood has cried to hea,
. en- fer vengeance at last, and the avengers ar
> on their way. You know, dark and evil ma
7 that there was one whose eyes saw the murde
done; she has betrayed your secret, and, ere thi
:, many cars have heard the tale. For the sake c
: your innocent child, so!---she is safe, but yo
must see her no more. Look and he pointc
again to the distant road, there was crow
j., winding round the hill towards the village Car
j glanced towards them and then with bitter cur:
. es, on hislip, he turned away and fled His hous
! was searched aud enough was found amcng hi
papers TO prove that he had continued to carry 0
. the trade Of smugger Brice and young Cai
. also disappeared.
= His property was seized, and sold to pay Y:
! ricus outstanding debts; and Annie was left de
pendent On the kind friends who had taken he
home in her hour Of distress. The poor girl ha
been soothed into composure the second day
, her stay at the farm when gossiping neighbc
. dropped before her some hint Of her father
guilt She Immediately insisted on KNOWN
Il the whole truth, and the consequence was, tht
i ere the third day had closed she was strcke
i with brain-ieyer. For sometime she was in II
utmost danger, but at last there came blesse
- change; after long, sweet sleep, Annie awok
and recognised the kind faces that bent over he
1t is too much she said one day, when II
i sense of hel friends kindness was even more tina
y. usually present to her humble and grateful hear
!. how should bear to live without you and yot
=. kind mother, Chares!' and the tears rolled fl
from her eyes.
;. Live without u.s. Annie, dear, sweet Annie
: exclaimed Charles; what do you mean!whel
do you wish to go!-whot friends have YOU!
II What friends, Charesl None but you! Thel
Vi is a stain upon my name, and | must learn
- bear scornlul looks and words,
70 Never Anne--neyerp cried Charles eagerl
Do you know, do you not feel that you and
ID can never, in this life, part again! does not yor
own heart tell you that you are mne-my ow
rs beloyed---my own wife! Speak, Annie, do yc
II love mel!
y, Faster and faster fell Annies tears, as CharlC
nt drew her to his bosom, but they were tears
iov