Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-05-21


CHAPTER VII.
Unexpected Aid.---The Mysteri-
GUS Shot.
"Hang him.
"String up the d--d Abolitionst."
Such we've the cries that saluted Mr.. Mel
vlles ears as the infuriated gang stopped in
front of the cabin.
"We'll learn the canting wretch that Nor
thern principles don't take root on Southern
soil.'
And if they should, it requires only one
application of hemp to effeclually check their
growth"
Here, you little imp" exclaimed one of
the men approaching Ham, did you know
that you were going to die in just about five
minutes >
81 hadn't heard ont" replied Ham with the
most imperturable gravity.
"Well, you hear it now, and it will learn
you not to fire pistols at other folks heads
again.''
81 reckon my head is as good as his'n. and
want going to stand still like blamed fool.
and let him shoot me. served him jest as he
was going to serve me, and what's sass for the
goose is sass for tho gander and I'm thinking
on the whole. that did jest about as I'd do
again if had any OCCASION
"You did, did you!" exclaimed the other,
swinging his arms around 50 as to just hit
Hams nose "
"Yes did. 1t strikes me that that opera
tion must be decidedly more pleasant to you
than it is to me; so If it's all the same to you
Id advise you to keep them ere bread hooks e
yourn to home.
"Dont give me any of your talk, young
ster. If you know what is good for yourself, :
cried Hams tormenter, making an effort tt
strike his face, which he parried,
You'd Jest as good keep your own dis
tance Z" exclaimed Ham, his eyes flashing, . fol
there's no knowing but might be tempted tc
strike you"
"The devil, you would1" shouted the othel
in rage. stepping forward and aiming blow
at Hams head. There's slight hint tina
you had better keep that troublesome tongue
still, and not insult gentlemen.
And there" said Ham. striking the fellow
in the face, with such force Us to knock hir
senseless upon the ground, g is pressing inv
tation to mind your own business, you villain
ous cuss, you "
A heavy hand was laid upon Hams shoulde
at this moment. He turned and saw the leadt
Of the gang.
els that your work " he asked, pointing
the fallen man.
IL reckon it is.''
"Do YOU know what YOU receive ft
knocking down one of our company"
mo"
"I'll tell you then. After we hang you
master, we are going to give you Just one
the d--dest whippings you ever received
and then if there is life enough left in you
leave tho Territory, you are going to do SO, an
if you ever show your head back here again,v
are going to give you taste of what's insid
here,i and the leader tapped his pistol aignii
cantly.
"May ask question or two! " said Han
as the other concluded, without showing Il
least sign Of uneasiness.
"As many as you please"
What are you going to shoot Mr.. Melvil
fort"
For shooting one Of our men,"
/" He didn't shoot him."
"Who did then-his daughter
"No; done it myself
"You >" he exclaimed, starting"
"Yes, and as long as my chance to live all
the hull pack OF critters as you have got wi
you, that it's my private opinion expressed
this ere public manner, that you are d
sneaking low-lived, contemplate villain, a
your hull pack are jos, like you. We Ca
here to settle and live in a Christian like a
decent manner but you can't let us alone. /
must come and break open mans house. ins
q woman, and make yourself mean general
don't care snap about myself; for
got to knock under sometime or other, an,
don make much difference which. if ma
only got a clean record and hahn t done moth
rs what he's ashamed on II you are anyw
decent. you'll let Mr.. Melville and his daugl
alone =
:" Are you finished T"
"Yes."
Wo'll then. just walk forward. and
your master, ard well teach you lesson
wont forget soon
Ham wa ked forward, as he was direc
with dosged step. The leader then juinet
men, and having mounted stamp, he adore
them as inlows
my men, we are assembled here for
purpose Of executing summary justice upt
man who is dangerous to the peace and '
being of our Territory. We came here
the intention Of executing duty imposed
US by those who have the right and pow
demand the expulsion of heritical doctrines