Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-11-25

AoAiVc iOI " mOiucHI icll uack
g Never : shouted Skinner in reply. spring
ing to the attack, and aiming blow ut Mark,
which the latter parried.
"If | but had my sword, you should yield or
die, said Mark
g You are perfect devil, but we shall over
power you in the end. You cannot sustain this
unequal struggle long" He retreated step,
drew bugle from his belt, and sounded a
shrill call. There was moments cessation Of
the strife, and Mark turned to Hopkins, who
stood near, with blood streaming from his face,
" You arc wounded, +" he said
" Just u scratch, that's ALL I've laid still SO
long that my blood was getting bad, and twill
do me good, ! replied Hopkins, nonchalantly.
+" | see not why Boyden delays to pour in his
fire from the rear
:" Maybe he's waiting till -"
The Scout did not finish his remark, for at
that moment the report of weapons in the dis.
tance reached his ear.
Who-whoop! Them's our guns. Knock
under, you blasted thieves, or well chaw you
up alive"
Forward - said Skinner. turning to his
men. "That was only a feint to deceive us
They have not halGdozen save what are here. ~
Once more the contest was resumed, and it
began to b. evident that tho superior numbers
of the Tories would in the end prevail, unless
Boyden came to the rescue, Lincoln's m, n
fought as only men could fight who have in view
their country's fr1,dom-stll they wers but
mon. Mlrk begun to regret that he had en-
trusted to Boyden the command Of his men,
when he thought he tectcd, amid the clash OF
arms, the deep voiceof the man he confd4d in.
Hope inspired his s)ul and he foagat with r1.
newed vi5,r. Again he heard that voice. and
the next instant Il sheet Of livid 1tmo greeted
his vision, and ten of the Tories fell loud
shout went mp from the little band Of Pltriots
and they, like their leader, seemed endowed with
new strength. But it was not long they had to
fislt fDr Skinner, seeing his ranks SO suddenly
diminished, ordered retreat, and Dat too eager
to obey the command of their leader, the Tories
fled in wild confusion from the spot
"Threc cheers for liberty - shouted Hop.
kins, " Yell men to the top of your voices, be
fore they git out of hearin' y Three long and
hearty cheers won't up frsm Mark Lincoln
men, in which he did nstrslflin from joining
them.
81 reckon we've showed 'em we ken fight il
we're obliged to- said the Scout as the echoes
died away.
".tya,' rapli,d M.rS, with kinillng eye
as he .,sz)d apJn his IN. "CJtae..dys .-.4
proud Of you. This is our first struggle. Hm
ven grant that all future ones may result as th
has done"
"Amen to that" said Boydan who had now
approached. Mark grasped his hand an,
shook it warmly
my men, said Mark, " what mark of ou
gratitude shall we tender to our friend wh
has 50 nobly engaged in our cause.
Nothing but our prayers for MS welfare,
said an aged man stepping forward. sit is al
We have to bestow-!lad We more, we woul,
give it,
Boyden did not reply for moment, and whe
he did 50 there was huskitless in his voice, an
something very like tear trembled on his eye
lid.
INLAY Heaven bless you in return, my friends
All the gold which will be spent by England
carry on his unholy war against our rights,
would spend, if by its possession were to los
your prayers. To your leader is due in grea
degree the credit Of this victory. What rewar
shall be his who has poriled his life to protet
your liberties, and assist in gaining for Amcric
the proad name of Republic
-" The same, and our arms to assist him
every danger
8" rls the greatest boon could ask, - reptile
Mark deeply moved.
You do not intend to pursue them? sal
B,ydcn.
No: we might by loss Of a portion o
our company conquer them, but it would onl
render our numbers too few to cope with til
Yagars who arr alike our enemies
~ think you are wise in your conclusions
When this victory is known, your numbers wi
be increased. 1t will bring to your aid tho,
who, though not wanting in courage, hay
heretofore hesitated to join you thinking tt
attempt to cope with their enemies useless .
"lt makes me sad to tainl t,lat six of IN
brave followers have been slain.''
They psrlshed nobly. Men who kne
them will ycnerate their memories
" Yes; fortunately none OF them have lc
families behind to suffer daring this war f,
the want OF tler protecting arm. lopkin
You will see that the bodies are taken into t..
Retreat, and Inferred will attend the buri
of the Tories who have been slain
the san was now up, and procuring impl
ments at the Inn they commenced their tas
twenty lay dead, none being wounded wi
were Unable to escape. After the task was u
conpllshed, the men rcturned to the Retire
leaving BOyden and himself alone.
sit IL u pity you are not in the army sa
Boyden.
:" My duty to my men prevents me- The
8 homes must be protected from the assaults
: the Tories
1 81 am confident there will be an enga
: ment near the Highlands soon, and Putna
l..
: and harass the enemy. In your adventures
r the Province, have you ever met u man by t
r name of Ward-Alat Ward think they CO
r him ;"
f 1.-The Maniac Yes what of him 2"
e Nothing save that would like to kno
n wher' he is at present.
o 81 cannot inform you. lie was in my can