Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1850-08-15

leap the fence like stag hound, and 90 career |
ing on towards the house. Almost maddened at
at the sight, goaded on my gallant steed who
bounded forward like the wind, but when still
half mile from the building, saw bright
sheet of flame arise from the roof, and became
aware that the house was on fire. The burning
prairie had made it light as day, but my eye ran
in vain around the premises to discover a single
person, and the fearful thought flashed instantly
through my mind that the family were asleep in
the house
"By the time reached the door in front of
the mansion, the roof was in lurid glare, and
eaping from my steed, let him go, and throw.
ing my whole ferce against the door, burst it in.
A dense volume Of smoke poured out, almost suf
focatirg me for a moment, but reganng my
breath, assembled the steps to the second story
A door was visible upon my right hand, as
reached the top, and it required all my weight
to break it in but when did so, female form
staggered forward and fell in my arms. has
tily bore her down the stairs, by this time cover
ed with cinders from the burning roof, and as |
leaped from the door it fell in with terrible
crash, showerng the sparks thcky around me.
The person had rescued was Mary Fisher; and
the old man and his wife perlshed in the flames.
My horse had fled in alarm from the spot, and
as the nearest neghbor's was four miles distant,
we were compelled to walk it on foot. Day
broke by the time we reached the house, and
leaving the disconsolate girl at her ncighbor's,
came immediately here, but found was a
few minutes too late to lay my accusation before
you first Such are the facts in the case al
though they are almost exactly opposite to the
statement made by Gray"
Clyde had delivered his story in an impressive
and convincing manner, but the Justice was puz-
zed which of the two he should believe. The
advantage lay with Gray, as he had made the
first accusation, and the statement of Clyde
might be only a tale invented to upset the evil
dcnce of his accuser. Neither had proof as no
one saw the deed, and the Squire informed them
that he knew of no way to dispose of the case
Immediately, unless he bound them both over to
the Court.
To this, Gray strenuously objected. He had
appeared and accused Clyde, he said the real
author of the late catastrophe might be justly
punished and he thought that to bind them both
over, would have an effect in deterring others
from making any accusations against maletactors,
from their own knowledge, unless they had posi-
tive proof of their guilt. He demanded that
Clyde should be held to bail, and not him.
self.
When he had finished, Clyde once more got
up and turning to the Justice, stated that as
they both stood there without witness, and con-
sequently it did not lay in his power to tell the
guilty one, with his PERMISSION, and the consent
of Gray, lie would propose plan by which he
hoped the matthr would be thoroughly settled.
1t was this
"There is an Infinite being, sir, who rules in
a higher sphere than ours, and to whom all things
are known, from whom nothing can be conceal
ed. propose to Mr.. Gray that we both make
an appeal to Heaven, and let the God Of the uni
verse decide upon our guilt or innocence. feel,
that |, sif, am not maefactor here, andl chal-
lenge my accuser in the presence of this eVl-
dcnce, to accept my proposition"
Clyde ceased speaking, and amid an utter still
ness, during which he became the centre of all
eyes, Gray also arose and replied:
81 will consent to do anything which the
Squire says is right"
wcan see no objection to Mr.. Clyde offer
although do not suppose the case will be ma
terially altered by it, SAID the Justice.
"Then let him go on, and | will follow suit
brazonly answered Gray.
Slowly David Clyde fell upon bended knees,
aud raising his face and arms towards heaven
uttered amid the most death-llke silence, the
following appeal:
Eternal Being, thou who seeth and knowes
all things, and who only can tell the guilt of US
two, into thy hands commit my innocence, ant
beseech Thee, Almighty God, if am guilty o
the crime of which am accused, to strike Inc
dead in the midst of this then most blasphemol;
appeal"
For moment after he had finished, Clyde re
maned upon his knees, then rose to his feet,anC
with folded arms, gazed slowly around him.
The countenance of Gray had paled during lht
prayer of Clyde, but as every eye was upon him
he nerved himselfto the task, and also fell upoI
his knees with loud and hurried voice, he re
peated the appeal, moved for ward, but when III
came to the words, Almighty God, if am gull
ty of the crime of which am accused TO strk
me Dead" his face became more white, and h
fell slowly forward.
The stiffness which reigned at that awful mo
ment, was fearful. Not sound could be heart
in that room. and it seemed as if every breat
was hushed, so deadly silent did every perso
appear. At last the Justice, who bent forwar
with Mortified look TO gaze upon Gray motion
ed for Constable to approach, and turn owe
the body. He did so, and every eye which look
that way, beheld the icy face of the corpse, an
the livid hue of death resting upon the counte
nance of the blasphemer.
They bore forth the corpse, and buried it, 81
lent and alone, in the prairie, and to this da
the old farmers in the neighborhooe Of BluiFon
shudder as they recount to the passing travelle
that fatal answer Of. "The Appeal to Hea,
en-"
A PHILOSOPHER FROM TIL
WOODS.