Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-12-30
MONTPELIER, VERMONT, THURSDAY DECEMBER 30 1858

" Yes you saved my life then, and l have
not forgotten it. never forget favor and"
he added in deeper voice g never forgive an
injury. It's my nature"
What would you tell me concerning
Pamer?"
That he seeks your life, that he has paid
Skinner five hundred pounds to kill you''
60 You know this, Rand ;.ntsqd Mark.
:" Do you see that ~ placing his
hand beneath his huntir md drawing
forth several pieces of (
"I do" said Mark, - it concern
me?"
" How? It's a part of thSprice of your life.
l am not deceiving you, Mark Lincoln" said
Rand, earnestly.
" You can help me, Rand"
"And will do it upon one condition
"What is it? ?" asked Mark.
F" That you assist me in return
" If it is within my power, will do So"
" 1t is. I want Palmer apprehended. He is
Spy upon the Americans, and once taken, I
have proof enough to condemn him. / can
plan this thing and decoy him into the power of
your men,"
" They shall assist you, and now tell me why
you thus seek to injure one who is engaged in
the same cause with yourself"
"Aye, Mark Lincoln, but why am l fighting
against my country? that may be near him,
and watch my chance to cover his name with
infamy. Yet would not lay my hand upon
him for gold untold. No, bu9I wish to see his
vile body swinging from scaffold in the agonics
of death. Do YOU ask me why desire this?
had sister once, fair, gentle being, whose
cheeks CLEANED with the hue of perfect health
She was the only being in this wide world who
called me friend Oh, Mark Lincoln, how |
worshipped that sister, and strove to make my
course such one as would give her pleasure.
One year ago she died, died of broken heart,
because Joel Palmer ruined, and then deserted
her. Think you that I shall forget that?"
asked Rand, his whole frame trembling with
passion. " lie ruined her-he would bring
Mabel Archer to the same fate. She knew my
sister, and closed her eyes when she died. Shall
| ever forget that either, Mark Lincoln. If
do may find the fate would have meted out
to Joel Palmer She does not know why my
sister died, but she shall"
81 believe you are sincere Ill your professions
of friendship"
81 am; but must be goinsTow."
"Stay moment-I shall SET you again."
eyes; will watch Palmer, and inform YOU
of his movements"
But how am | to communicate with you ?"
go to IIardings in the disguise you now
wear, and ask for a letter left by me. l will
describe you to him.
"Tell me, Rand, if you think Palmer will
take Mabel Archer from her home by force p"
IL know this plans are made even now. :"
Then why not tell me of them ? >
Because know them not--only that he
has laid them bat I shall find them all out in
good time
You shall never regret this, Rand
And you'll never regret saving my life. I
never forget such things. | must go, or my
men will seek me. shall see you again, and
thus speaking, he turned away.
Mark Lincoln resumed his walk, wondering
at his strange meeting with Rand. He felt that
the man he had met was sincerely trying to
assist him, and he had no fears of being betray-
ed. A ray of joy fora moment cast its cheerful
light over his spirit, as he thought that he
should be able to protect Mabel from Palmer S
power And then pang went to his heart as
he remembered his interview with her. Yet
within his heart there dwelt the delusive hope
that something would transpire to change her
views, and she would yet be his. =
TO BE CONTINUED.