Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1849-05-24


ney and valuables we had about us, we we're
placed in the centre ofthe party, and march
ed off at brisk pace. After about three
hours smart walking, we arrived at the
headquarters of the guerilla party into
whose hands we had fallen 1t was wild
looking spot, enclrcled on all sides by bare
aud rugged hills. The night was cold
dark, and stormy, and the only objects we
could discern we're several stacks of piled
muskets, baggage and horse furniture, scat.
tered here and there, and a rude portable
table, near which was placed a number of
equally rude camp tools. Not word was
spoken; and the only sounds we heard for
space, should think, of more than TWEEN
ty minutes, we're what took TO be signal
whistles replied to at greater and lesser dis
tahces. AT the end of that time men wrap
ped in cloaks stalked, silently as shadows,
into the space in front of us, and seated
themselves in grim silence near the table or
trested boards. | counted fifteen of them,
when whistle, louder and shriler than a.
ny that had preceded it, announced the ar
rival Of the chief of the pleasant party. He
took his seat in the centre of them. Pine
torches we're then lighted, at which the grim
gentlemen kindled their cigars, and bust
ness commenced in very dangerous earnest
Who and what are you (? said the
chief, addressing me in a voice as rough as
nutmeg crater. | informed him. The
explanation was satisfactory, for he imnle-
diately said, You are Free started with
joyful surprise, and was just about to claim
restitution of my stolen property, when
was slenced by peremptory, who is
your companionP This was poser but
as had anticipated some inquiry of the
sort, | answered pretty readily that he was
gentleman living in Blboa, with whom
had some pecuniary transactions and that
we were proceeding TO a ncighboring farm
house to settle matters when we were ar
rested. For the truth of which statement
l added, one Senior Cortina, who was still
no doubt waiting there for US, would readi-
ly vouch
" A nearing smile, as uttered the Sc
nor's name, cleaned over the rugged fea-
lures of the chief, and was reflected on the
countenances of his companions. Puzzled
and alarmed, | stopped abruptly, and held
my peace.
GO Is this fellows story true 2 said the
President of the Court, addressing the Col
onel.
"The Colonel was silent for few Sec
onds, and then said, Yes; | am a peacea-
bic and loyal inhabitaut of Bboa.'
60 Does any one know him 2 said the
chief, looking around inquirngly. I'VE
must have no mistake in this business =
There was long and anxious pause, but no
one answered.
90 am sorry for it, muttered the Presi-
dent, as if speaking to himself; but it
must be done He then whispered to one
of his companions, who instantly rose, and
quickly disappeared in the surrounding
gloom.
A painful silence ensued. The Colon
el's countenance was dark and troubled, and
| am pretty sure he partly guessed what was
coming. AT last two figures approached
the circle. They were the guerilla officer
returning TO his seat, accompanied by Sc
nor Cortina | could scarcely believe my
eyes, and trembled in every joint of my
body. The old man looked harder, colder
stonler than ever but as his eye fell upon
his son, the same fierce CLEAN had before
so frequently noticed flashed from his eyes
and his features worked with compulsive
! passion. The fit lasted but a moment, and
he was calm again. The chief had risen
at his approach, and his manner, as he in
vited the Senior to be seated, indicated botf
respect and compassion. The old man de-
clined the prolfered seat, and remained
erect, motonless and rigid.
go Is the prisoner the man whom W.
seek ? asked the President, in a nervou:
agited whisper.
GO Yes replied Senior Cortina, in dis
tinct, but somewhat hurried voice and man
ner, like man repeating lesson he ha
long conned over, and is anxious to be don,
with. He is Colonel Delisle, as he call
himself, in the usurper's service. His rea
name is Cortina he is my son, and Span
lard by blood and birth. He is one of TIT
most active foes of his suffering country
men. was on my way to England will
my daughter, who, you may have heard
The old man paused, and again the expires
sion of insane hate and fury fitted acros
his features. Recovering himself, he pro
ceeded, but more hurriedy even than be
fore, She died at Gibraltar and return
, ed here with that worthy man (pointing I
me,) in order to atone by this sacrifice 70
the crime OF having given birth to traitor
"A death-like silence followed. TIL
stern countenances Of the members of thi
, rude court of military justice, as seen b
the hiiul glare Of the torches, seemed
gloomler and more savagely sinister aspec
as the old man spoke; but not word or
gesture of comment followed. Senior Co
tina, upon gesture from the president, wa
Y led away.
You hear, Col Deise :" said the chic
as soon as he supposed the father was o,
a of hearing.
: -" Il do replied the victim, masterin.
! as well as he could, the irightiul emotio
which the old mans denunciation had e!
u cited do, and perceive that am hop
= lessly entrapped into the power of remors
i, less rui6ans by that mistaken, much-to-b
pitied old man, whom may God forgive,
It do ask not mercy from such as you
: indeed l know il would be bootess TO {
= so; but tell you to your teeth chat my 10,
to Spain is as strong and pure as you
l can be. l sought to liberate her-wi,
+ foreign help, It's true, for how else could
y be done from the vilest tyranny that ey,
e debased ruined, gallant nation ~
/ fight to restore her also by foreign aid,
6 thraldom of both soul and body. You a,