Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1854-01-05

middle age, in whom noticed little more than
, an anxious, care-worn expression, OF which, at
the time, 1 did not take particular notice,
20 Can you accommodate me for tonight "
| asked. 81 am wet to the skin with tpe rain,
and it is impossible for me to go further My
horse, too, is worn out with fatigue, as he has
been on his feet all day"
The woman paused, and saw shade Of re-
luctancc pass over her countenance.
/" You could be better accommodated, " she
said, at length, cat the tavern, about fonr
miles distance from here" M
cit might as well be forty" saidI, with de-
csion. "as for accommodations, anything will
suit me. A bed on the straw, or rug, with a
ycup of tea and a piece of bread, if JXsys A2s
them, win strengthen me for to-morroTssr sride. -
Apparently, this removed the womans objcc-
tions, for without further opposition, she led
the way into the common sitting-room, in which
were seated two rough, shock-headedyoungsters,
and an infant, who seemed ailing. At least SO
inferred from the squalls which it poured forth,
with compass of voice truly astonishing in a
creature so young.
The master of the house apparently was not
at home. A plain repast was speedily set be-
fore me, and partaken of with an appetite which
could not by any means be called "poor."
did not attempt to engage my hostess in conver-
sation. She appeared disinclined to it, and
even if she had not been, the cries of the child,
which she was striving in vain to quiet, would
have effactually prevented it. As for the two
boys, they stared at me with an intensity that
showed their determination to know me- again.
After supper, ! took my lamp, and was ush-
cred into large, low room on the second floor,
in one corner of which was plain bod-stead,
which, with four chairs and looking-gass, ten
inches by twelve, completed its arrangements SO
far as furniture went.
81 hope you will rest quiet" said the wonl-
an as she withdrew.
Left to myself, first bolted the door, and
then disarraying myself, leaped into bed, where
sy, because I could not throw off some anxious
thoughts which had obtruded uporme during
the day.
1t might have been twelve o'clock when
awokc from my troubled sleep, and became con-
scious of conference which was being held
just outside my door.
n,o I = al hot of bo
farmer wife the other | conjccturcd to be her
husbands.
g Have you killed him - asked she, softly
."YA," 1lid thcmah 1
And where did you bury him'" N"N
In the swamp, about mile distant
"Did he make much rcsistancel" "
"No, didn't give him chance. | raised
my gun, and struck him on the head with it 50
that he WAS stunned at once"
listened ntcntly to these few words was
convinced that they referred to the murder of
some unsuspccting person, with what purpose
could not gather, by the master of the house.
My blood ran cold at the coolness with which it
was detailed. determined, if ever got out of
this den of murderers, would secure lis arrest
But conversation was resumed, and listened
once more.
How shall We get in " inquired the farm
or.
Not by the door, for I've tried it, and
found it bolted"
perceived they were now speaking of enter
ing my chamber, doubtless with the same de-
, sign of numbering me, and possessing them
selves of my property.
"Try the trap-door."
eyes, but if he should wake up"
, "Oh, no fear of that
The steps reccdcd.
".So," thought I, 8" there is a trap-door
| Well, will be prepared for them"
, grasped my pistol convulsively, determined
= that if gave up my life it would not be with
out resistance.
, waited a few moments, listening intently
: At length could hear slight rustling beneath
t the floor, which was succeeded by the cautious
4 lifting-up of a trap-door in the centre of the
apartment, which had not noticed. The far
mcr slowly emerged with lantern in his hand
4 "Now," thought l, is my time
G Leaping from the bed, / exclaimed, aiming a
! pistol at the intruder .....
Q " Not step farther, or you ~ a deat
y mani"
G The farmer recoiled, while, as conjccturcd
Q the surprise of detected villany filled him with
f confusion.
e "Villain, your base designs are fathomed
/, With your hands red with murder which yor
: have already perpotratcd this day, you woult
C attempt another"
y " Is the man mad a" muttcred my host.
e "Can you deny that you have to-day com
6 mittcd murder! Can you deny that within tn
Is last few minutes you have declared the manne
l. in which you did it, and for which, villain tha
you are, you shall receive full punishment ,
To my astonishment, the farmer burst int
a hearty laugh. When the " fit'' was over, h
spoke
"You are right, sir. have committed mur
Y, der to-day. have killed no less person tha
70 my dog Sack, who has lately shown signs q
1t being mad.'
it At this ludicrous Interpretation, my dgniGe
a sternness fell apace. managed to procee
ds with some severity:
" "This may be true, but why do | find yo
3 entering my chamber at dead of night! Wha
is your purpose, demand!"
d. "'Sir, my reason for entering by the tray
n door is that the door is bolted. My reason ft
Ii entering it at all, is, to seek some camomilc