Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-04-23

~~--~S.'~hSS N'StSitSN " A~'Sh6S sAuN Ass0~'
While these scenes were transpiring, a new
conner ,unobserved by Montague, was slowly APP
proaching the spot. He was o man rather
above the medium height, and his frame gave
evidence that symmetry and strength were both
combined. From his appearance, one would
judge that he had seen some forty years, yet
the long uncolnbed locks which hung loosely
around his shoulders, but lily confined by the
deer skin cap that he wore, and the thick mass
Of beard which covered his features, gave one
but q small chance to judge Of bis real age.
u long Vile vas siang across MS sfonider, andl
heavily mounted pistol was half revealed
amid the folds Of his hunters fir ok. As he
approached the spot where Montague and bis
campanon were standing his eye caught that
of the latter, and they exchanged quick, sig
niGcant .lauces. What these glances meant
was soon revealed by the actions Of the stran-
ger. Drawing the pistol from his belt, he was
in the act of aiming it at Montague. when, as
if some sudden impulse had caused him to
change his mind, he lowered it again. 1t was
evident that he was about 10 commit IL deed
which he did not wish to, but warning glance
from Maitland decided him. and raising it once
more to his eye the sight was brought TO bear
upon the form of the young man Apparently
satisfied with his aim, he drew the hammer
slowly back, and once more glanced across the
barrel. There was u movement of the forelin-
ger, as if he was about to pull the trigger,
when the sharp report of rifle broke the still
ness and echoed along the shore of the river.
A startled exclamation escaped from the lips
of the stranger as his weapon, struck by some
invisible power, went whizzing through the
air, and finally buried itself IN the stream.
Turning quickly around, young Montague
beheld at once the position in which he was
placed, and stepping back, he drew his own
weapons, and stood gazing alternately at Matt
land and the stranger, awaiting further dcvel
opmenls. A hand was laid upon his shoulder
at this moment, and IA clear, musical voice ex.
claimed
i" With an open foe to contend with, and an
assassin at your back, you do not stand fail
chance think
Montague turned towards the speaker Hi
bronzed face and well developed frame formed .
striking contrast TO the pale brow and lith'
proportions of Montague. Yet his features
were regular, and his form was model Of man
ly beauty. Light chestnut hair, falling ii
waves arannd . frank and open brow, piercins
black eyes, and small deicate tely formed m,u,f
were the sum of his outward beauty TIT
well formed forehead revealed the fact that tn,
mind as well as the outer man. was of no ordi
nary stamp. He was armed with long, slcn
der rifle which had evidently been just fred u
the smoke had not ceased issuing from the bar
rel.
:" 1t is to you, then, that am indebted fo
mp life, " said Montague extending his hand.
"l suppose that it was through my instrt
mentality that yon villain was prevented lro
sending leaden messenger through your bod.
| have been something of an eavesdroppcr, as
overheard mos, of your conversation, and as
was not particularly impressed with the goo
intentions Of your friends here, thought
uwod he as well to stand by and see fair play
= - can only thank you for the service yc
have rendered me, hut | feel they will b,
Ieebly repay the deep debt Of gratitude ov
yon."
, No thanks are needed, sir. presume yo
q, would have done the same, had you been plac
in my position. Are you hurt I"
{" Not in the least. Fortunately, the villain
kniIe struck ocket which | had in my bosor
and thus his design was frustrated"
1T was IL cowardly act to shoot at IN;
tempted to direct my aim at the would-bc
sassin, instead of his weapon
81 am glad that you did not, for nothi
y. but absolute fear would have compelled him
y, commit such an act. He is possessed of fra
= and noble nature, but my boat companion p
sesses some secret influence over him which h
moulded him to his own purposes,
:. "See! your companion is moving off, do y
= wish him to escape thus easily9"
No. If you will watch the other, and
that he does not escape, will speak with h
. moment"
81 will do SO with pleasure
Montague went forward to the spot VIII
o Maitland was standing
- Maitland" he began in a low, stern to
~ what am to understand by your cond
y this afternoon "
ii" Anything that suits you best,' repl
" Maitland deiiantly.
% " AS am TO do as you say, then, | will
'o gin, in the first place, by saying that it was
os arranged between you and Waldo, that
IT. should meet him here"
=" It's base lie " thundered Maitland. !"
ell Carefully, Maitland, if you value your
D. istence in this world say i, was all plan
''9 between you and Waldo, and you provoked
40 to this quarrel that you might have sembls
ed of fairness upon your side had you killed
DO By what means you forced Waldo. to this
know not but | would advise you not
W. cross Dy path again in the manner you have
BE- day. else may forget the moral duty wi
&C. binds me to respect mans life, and say
ess | see now that your opposing me in the pure
Of Gertrude was but another of your plan
sed draw me into quarrel There is your bo,
of you can leave this place us soon as you pie
ON for if you remain here FIVE minutes longe
his will not answer for what may happen"
vas "Ah, Walton Montague, you think nj
It's your power now, but beware of our next N
he ing. By all the powers Of heaven and bell
up shall repent this days work
he perhaus 40 :" replied MONTAGUE. while