Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-10-28

Dut IL promise never 10 harm one again.
wont you lot me up?" asked Rand
mo, you've killed too many, killed too
many, and now I'm going to kill you, and
then they'll have you down there where there's
flames and scrpents years upon years always the
same-fames and serpents "
Ward, for heavens sake, listen to me Do
you not know that you forfeit your own life by
killing mcY ?"
No; should not die for killing score
like you. You're wanted down there, and
when they've got you who will know that
killed you?'
He lowered the weapon until the muzzle al
most touched the temple of Thomas Rand, and
was about to pull the trigger when a hand was
lain upon his arm and voice exclaimed
Hold, Mat Would you stain your hands
with blood? II"
The Maniac turned suddenly-the whole ex-
preston of his face changed as if by magic,
and throwing his pistol upon the ground he
grasped the others hand.
d" Is it you, Mark, " he exclaimed "Thank
God, you have come in time believe should
have murdered him.
" You were strangely excited just now said
Mark Lincoln, as he took the extended hand Of
the Maniac. II never saw you thus before
What is the cause of it?''
~ will tell you Mark, as soon rs ha is gone.
/" Do you know him?"
"Only by name and where obtained even
that | cannot conjecture"
| He turned toward Thomas Rand, who had re-
covered his weapon, and now stood gazing al
the Maniac.
"Do you know me? ?" asked Ward
~ ought to you attempted to take my
life, although I called you by name, and triet
to dissuade you from so doing
eff you know me, have no apology 10 offer
save that regret what has transpired. lam
at times, as you well know, insane, and wa
unconscious of what was doing"
An expression of pain passed over his fea
lures as he said this.
~ know it; you were not to blame. Yo'
saved my life," he said, turning to Mark lin
coin, " and would know your name
(Which cannot give you," said Mark, no
caring to reveal his name to a Stranger, ben
in vicinity where he knew they had set spie
to watch his movements.
'"If you don't wish to tell I'll not urge you
but I'll remember you," said Rand, and lookin
intently at Mark for moment, he retired fror
the spot, leaving Mark alone with the Maniac
Now Mat, tell me the cause of your 81
citement,' he said.
"Not here, Mark, not here. It's tale
| would have no one listen to but you"
{" But where would you go? What place
safer than this?'
"Your camp in the swamp
"My camp! uttered Mark, starting
" How know you that have one ?'
1T is sufficient that do know it, Can 20
not trust me, Mark? am as sane now as i
days of yore. Let us 60 before the fit comes o
again-while am myseF"
The last sentence was spoken in saddene
tone, his face bearing traces of the most nten
suffering.
" Yes, Mat, will trust you. Follow me,
said Mark, and shoulderng his rife, he set o,
in the direction of his camp.
An hour was occupied in reaching it, an
Mark and the Maniac entered the formers ten
"We are free from intrusion here?" aske
Ward, as they seat ted themselves.
Yes; have ordered the men not to distur
me until come OUT
" 1t is well. What am about to relate is
tale which no ear has ever heard from my lip
and our intimacy at the University, where yC
were like brother to me, is the only reason
:, my now relating portion of my life whi'
you hove often asked me to do.
4 Years ago met you at the University
e c., where you were, like myself, enteri
J. 1t for the purpose of completing your educatio
), But will 60 back to my early life, of viii
you have hitherto known nothing, or at lea'
a nothing definitely. | came to c. as the $
~ of the aristocratic and wealthy Mr.. Leighto
}. whose name among the brokers of the gr(
+ English Metropolis could command almost IA
# sum. 1t may surprise you, Mark, when t
o you that there is not drop of that mai
blood coursing in my veins, and that am in
;. way connected with him save as II foster-st
Fifteen years previous to my meeting with V
" as Mr.. Leighton was pursuing his way from
place of business to his residence one evenil
" after turning from the street upon which
Office was situated, he entered one in the
- respectable portion of the city in order to res
= his home more quickly, it then being nea
~ the hour of twelve. He had proceeded bu
IN few steps, however, when his foot struck agai
y some opposing obstacle upon the sidewalk,
result of which was, his ears were greeted b
'' moan as ii some one We're in distress Poss
ing heart ever Boating with the most gener
impulses, he stopped down, and in the par
"" gloom, discovered child of some three v,
''r of age. He raised it in his arms, while an
"0 preston of surprise fell from him, as he sa,
was dr2ssd in the richest manner, its featu
,' bearing evidence that it belonged to none of
T. dens of iniquity which surrounded him on e,
go side. How "a child Of sach tender wears.
e'n e bearing about it S, many tokens that it beon
-"o to wealthy parents, had found its way to SUI
We place, at such an hour, was mystery whic
could not solve. Had it been stolen by any
aid upon the street for the purpos. of extor
I'M money from its parents, it would have boer
os- foctually concealed. How then came it in
position in VIII ich he now found it?
, There were no lights upon the streets,
vas taking the child in his arms, he determine