Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-07-16
Written Expressly for the Green Mountain Freeman.
WAL DO;
LIFE ON THE BORDER.
A ROMANCE OF THE STRUGGLE FOR
FREEDOM IN KANSAS.
SVftetft@t
CHAPTER XIV.
Foiled +!
NJ THE AUTHOR OF " MARION HERBERT OR THE SCOUT OF
THE LAKE.''

CHAPTER XIV.
Foiled!
A period Of some weeks had elapsed after
the disappearance of Waldo at Lecompton, and
yet he had not been seen by either the Free
State or Pro.Slavery men. Maitland was also
absent, and these facts taken in connection, af-
forded food for various surmises in regard to his
probable fate.
Oakland since the departure of young Mon
tague, had undergone a percep,ible change
The plantation itself was in q prosperous
condition. but the inmates of the mansion, as
we'll as the plantation hands, showed notice
able change of demeanor. The cheerful songs
OF the negroes, as they ceased their tasks at
night, were less often heard ,and an air of gloom
pervaded the whole estate.
With the slaves Walton had always been
great favorite, and although they ever showed
Col. Montague the Difference and respect be-
longing to his position, yet it was simply res
pect and nothing more. Cherishing as they
did such strong attachment for their young
master, it was no wonder that when his pres
ence gladdened their hearts as they toiled, the
affairs Of the estate should prosper The fas-
tidious may sneer at the attachment of negro,
but there are among them, degraded as they
are, elements of character, which might, il
possessed by some of their white brethren, en-
title them to respect, instead of the obloquy
and anathemas they now receive
Col. Montague too had changed To many
he was the same stern, cold man he had always
seemed but his manner towards Clara was more
kind, and he treated her with a marked affcc-
ton he had never shown before. No words
had passed his lips in regard to Maitland and
whenever his name was by chance mentioned,
he studionsly avoided all conversation concern
ing him. Clara was the same kind, affection
ate being she had always been, treating her fa-
ther, if possible, with more than usual kind
ness. In Gertrude she found friend to whom
she could confde her troubles, and the noble
hearted girl, by every attention, endeavored to
show how grateful she felt for the service they
had done her.
Col. Montague spent nearly his whole time
of late, in his library, and save occasionally
riding over to the plantation to give directions
to the overseer. he rarely left the mansion Ii
the solitude of his room he would sit for hours
listless, and needless of all about him but i
one should look down into the inner chamber
of his heart, they would find fierce conaic
going ON of which no one but himself knew
Pride and affection for his daughter were tn
elements which clashed SO strongly together
making of his life period of rcmurse. Whe
he calmly considered his last interview wit
Walton, condemnation swept over his soul 70
the base part he had acted. A few shor
months before, he would have spurned the ide
that bone Of his bone, and flesh of his flesh
should receive blow from the parental hand
But the stakes were great and in his blind dc
yotion to the Slave-Power, he could lily broo
his declining years, should openly avow his ho
tility to the extension Of the peculiar inst
tuition " which he regarded-or at least, pr
tended to-as sanctioned by laws, both huma
and Divine. But regrets at the course he ha
taken were useless now, and each day, as tt
results of new encounters of the parties WI
were staining the soil of Kansas with huma
blood, MS heart underwent the most agonizir
pangs, as he thought that the dawning of Il
morrow's sun might shine upon the manglt
form of his child.
Col. Montague had retired to his library a
ter the dinner hour was past, and seating hin
self at the window, he threw back the vim
and gazed, as he was wont to do hours at
time, upon tho luxurious beauty spread out b
fore him. His daughters happiness was de-
to him; and yet, if he were longer possessor
Oakland, it would be by sacrificing it upon I'll
altar of Mammon. lie was agitating in h
mind which to sacrifice, when the door opene
and servant announced Maitland A visib
tremor shook his frame as he bade the serya
show him into his presence, and the stern, fu
bidding aspect, which at times settled upon
face, passed quickly over it,
1t gives nc pleasure, Col. Montague, sa
Maitland as he grasped the others hand "
see you looking SO well in these lroublous tim
For month have scarcely slept at all, and
find that this constant vigilance is beginning
wear upon my frame 1t is a pity, and gr,
mistake on our part, that we permitted th
accursed Northerners to gain SO strong 70
hold as they have in the Territory"
g For my own part, was the cool reply, :
care but very little which party gains the
premacy. Right, in small numbers, sometir
triumphs over opposing foes, even when the
ter outnumber by scores, the former"
Maitland did not reply for some momen
but sat mute, the very picture of surprise
hear such sentiments come from Col. Montag,
lips. He gazcd ut him as if he would i
into his very heart and read the motive t
prompted him to speak as he had, but he o
met his calm, stoical gaze.
From your manner, should judge that