Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-03-04

W $500
chief Between Pollock and Fray Cristobal, as
he called himself, friendship had existed ever
since the farmers settlement, which was invalu-
able to the white man, who in the constant pres
ence of his Camanche friend at his farm, found
his best protection against injury.
81 tell you, Fray Cristobal," said Andrew
Pollock, con the present occasion you must be
mistaken A Mexican Army in full march on
Texas, and regiment of dragons about to pass
this way-mpossi5le =
Gray CIistoba has seen them. War has be-
gun, the Mexicans have thousands in the field,
and my friend will feel the first blow if he is not
wise, replied the other, calmly but firmly, in
pure English, or rather American, as our tongue
is called in these regions.
"You appear very positive" said the colonIst,
and must fain credit your words. But what
would you have me do? If the Mexicans are in
such force as this surely to defend this house
would be of little use, unless your warriors could
be brought down."
any warriors are far on the war-path, and
Fray Crstobal is alone. His arm would be as
reed to defend but he will hide the grey-head
and his fock," exclaimed he his eye gancing
with look of mingled bitterness and admira-
ton at HELEN.
ely and leave my home to the destroyer p
"Or stay and be destroyed With your home, p"
said the Camanche chief
"Father," interposed HELEN, rising and NOV
ing nearer to him, "better let home and wealth
Of this world perish alone than US die with it..
If there be danger, follow Cistobal's advice, and
fly"
at is too late, said the Indian in a tone of
deep detection; "Iook up the valley; the SOM
breros of the Mexicans are rising Oh the edge
of the cliff"
1t was too true: the peace of that quiet spot
was to be invaded, and by the ruthless and pitt
less Mexicans, with orders TO treat all the Amer
leans as rebels, and put them to death on the
spot, Before the strength of Texrs was dis
covered, such was the terrible policy of the late
President Santa Anna. A loud shout from the
Mexican cavalry proclaimed their delight at
their arrival at hahitatlon; and in few mo-
ments the house was surrounded, and all its IN
habitantS made prisoners, with the exception OF
Fray Christobal, who had instantly sought the
cover of the wood The wild appearance ofthe
centralist troops was little calculated to rcassute
the captives. With huge, low-crowned hats
gaudy jackets adorned with buttons, pantaoons
covered with tinseI, they at first glance looked
picturesque enough; but black and unwashed
faces, eyes in which cleaned no fire of mind OF
intellect the knowledge of their gross ignorance
with their huge moustaches, blunderbusses, ant
every variety of firearms, filled the thoughts will
visions of banditti, to whom, in guise and con
duct, the Mexican soldiers unfortunately approx
innate too much,
I Andrew Pollock, with his whole family ant
dependents were now lead before the command
ing officer, young man in faded uniform, witt
the addition of yellow cloak and high stee
Iple-crowned hat This was Colonel Don Jos
de Sarmento, who, cycling his prisoners witt
little favor-except indeed the fair-haired ant
now paid HeIIen-inquired who they were, ant
: what they did within the confines Of Mexican
E Territory Andrew Pollock, who undcrstoo
! Spanish replied somewhat haughtiIy that he wa
free-born American citizen, and by adoption
a member of the New republic of Texas Col
= Don Jose scarcely permitted him to finish hi
reply, ere he cried, "a rebel a rebel MUcrt0
a tOdos los Iigianos! " l shall rest here da
or so; tomorrow morning, at daybreak, lie
these rebes"-comprehending by a sweep c
t his arm all the white men-"die. You, Pictro
back to Gen. VOL, and bring his warrant 70
their execution" Andrew Pollock and his sons
( with all the white men, were now hurried int
one of their outhouses, round which a stron
guard was placed, while HELEN and the rest @
f the women were placed in safe custody With
2 one of the huts of the laborers, also guarded.
e Colonel Jose, after giving the inexpIicabe Oh
e der as it appeared to his men, to spare all prop
, erty as much as possible, and to touch notmn
y but what was absolutely necessary for their re
e freshment, sat down on the lawn with his off
= GERS to eat the untasted breakfast which ha
t been provided for its rghtful owners. For som
t time the colonel was silent, apparently musn,
i, deeply within himself At length he spoke in
: low tone TO the next in command 1t appeare
. that struck by the comfort, peace, and Tranquil
= much against his will from the pleasures of Me,
e leo city, had conceived desire, very natural /
conqueror, of appropriating Pollock's propert
} to his own use; and as of course, in his view
things, Mexico must triumph, of settling there
I and making it his home. " 1t will make love
e y ranchero," said he, gazing with admratio
= at all the evidences of Anglo-Saxon taste and it
. dustry displayed around; "and with that littl
= fair beauty for its mistress, it would be pei
g feet paradise" Col Jose was VIGOROUSLY
!, man Of impulse; but as the present within prom
o ised to transform lieutenant into CO
IS lonel the inferior officer made no comment, BIT
), with a meaning smile said "You can lear
If your fate at once; make her hand the price
1t her fathers life, and / doubt not Padre Vevort
d will wed you on the spot The old fellow wi
doubtless be too happy to give his daughter
), hand and his possessions to save his rebel life
r l.,