Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-07-15

that remained, before the gray dawn that ushered
in morning. With this small amount, he bought |
the loaf and the meal, often adding some little
nicely for his mother.
He would not let her know it, for he knew
she would protest against it, and suffer yet more,
ere he should injure his always feeble constitu-
ton
Underneath the Office was dry goods store,
with which it communicated, and through which
the printers could pPss into the yard.
One night, a very hot night in July about the
hour Of eleven, Oscar Etheril was sent into the
yard for some water. Taking a lamp in his
hand, he opened the large trap door and eau
tiously descended the ladder He was but half
way down, when his lamp was blown out, and he
felt his arm tightly grasped, while hand closed
over his mouth, and he was dragged unresisting-
FLY to the bottom All was darkness Poor
Oscar, his heart beat learfully, and his senses al
most forsook him as he heard two or more voices
in low whispers over his head.
what shall we do with the lad I? said one.
Kill him and throw him in the cellar an
swered the other
No. no, not murder I've enough on my soul
without adding that
But the boy will bab'
Take him down to Conant, then, and row
HIM of, We can dispose Of him tomorrow
with this proposition, the most hardened
villain seemed pleased and taking with them
all the money they had found, they stealthily left
the store, leaping from a window in back part
of the building. Still threatening Oscar if he
made the least show of resistance, they would
kill him on the spot, they proceeded by many
windings and back lanes, to Grey wharf at the
foot of which, boat was in waiting for them.
The boat seemed empty, but whispering
name, a short and very slightly built man leaped
up from the bottom, where he had been lying,
ana the three conyersed together for few mo-
ments, when Oscar more dead than alive, was
placed in the boat and exerting all their strength,
; they pushed for the opposite shore.
They landed at East Boston, and taking Os-
Car with them walked for some time, until they
came to miserable looking house where they
raped on the window.
The door was opened, by whom could not be
seen. In darkness they wendell their way to
room, when the 70 bbers taking cut their dark
f lantern struck light, and the frightened boy
! was enabled to see where he was.
1t was a small apartment, neatly and elegant
@ ly furnished and the contrast of the room, with
the outside Of the house was very striking In
the center of the floor stood small table, spread
+, with luXuries, upon snow white cover
e The men drew up to the table, and motloned
Oscar to do the same, but he refused. lie had no
heart to eat, he felt no hunger. Notwithsand-
ing his few years, and slight frame, Oscar was
brave. He felt determined in some manner, to
regain his liberty but his heart sank within him
D as the thought came over him that he might new
err see his mother and Edna again. He looked
t around him. A table near the wall was covered
0 with books A violin was suspended from a
nail and work basket filled with delicate linen
stood on one of the chairs Pictures elegantly
G framed, adorned the walls, while relcts of
splendid furniture filled the apartment.
There was led wine on the table, OF it might
have been brandy, and as the two men drank
deep, Oscar looked steadfastIy at them, while
they forgetting his presence, chatted and carous-
e ed, talking over their adventures, and counting
e their ill-gotten gain.
This haul will pay us for the last two disap-
poinlments, said the younger, who was striking
d looking young man, zone or two more like this
and our fortune is made
Oscar shuddered at the look which came over
e the countenance of the elder man. 1t was a
r mixture of hate, cunning and exultatlon, but
the young man bent his head over the goblet
ere he looked up for reply from the other
Eyes, our fortune will then be made, and my
|, Emma shall then be yours replied the old man
ironically but the irony was not needed by the
y younger, for with his head resting upon his
II hand, he continued,
c DO you think Emma would look upon me-,
c if she knew what had been occupied about
n tonight "
| you may thank your good stars she don't
S know responded the father with sneering
o laugh, you'd better be fool enough to tell her.
Such prize as that is not taken every day, ]
l tell YOU And again the old man gave him that
Il strange look, but quickly biting his lip, as the
t latter responded with curious gaze, he turned
his head and beheld Oscar, who had listened at
r tentvely to every word that had been spoken
lie sprang up as if to seize the boy, but the lat
] ter exclaimed,
S DO not touch him, he is not to blame, we
= left him here
The old man contented himself with utterng
terrible OATH and Selling a stick from the cor
ncr of the fire place, raped furiously on the
wall.
r minute had scarcely elapsed before beau
tllul girl appeared at the door, with dress thrown
n loosely on, her hair hanging over her neck and
I, shoulders, and lamp in her hand
A quick look of recognition passed between
G the young man and herself, but her father tax
It ing Oscar by the hand hurredly told her to car
ry him to the garnet, and let him find bed on
c the straw in the corner.
d Emma led the boy out, and the two men were
n left alone.
. | I(tnOcIf<IoI M ANAL