Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-08-19

| OF the f00d one OF them had secured from the
table Aunt Lena prepared for them. But neither
could eat, and they were again preparing to pro-
ceed, when Nora, noticing that they seemed to
hurry more than they had in the morning,
looked buck, and thought she saw a horseman
through the trees following.
They are coming, aunt" she said, and in a
moment more sho heard her own name called in
the distance. In spite Of the threatening man.
ner of the Indian near her she replied. Then
sinking back, she closed her eyes, and was
scarcely conscious of what was passing around
der, until she felt herself lifted by strong arm
placed upon horse and borne rapidly away.
After reaching the road, the rider who held
her, and who was none other than her cousin
Jason, paused beside rivulet, and dismounting
threw water in hcr face, thinking, from her 81
lence, she had tainted. But Morals heart had
been too full of thanksgiving for their deliver
ance to utter words. Now she raised her head
and looked around expecting to behold Aunt
Lena. What was her astonishment to see no
one but Jason anywhere near.
"Where is aunt Lena, Jason?"
Dear Nora" said Jason, :" could not save
you both, among SO many, and -"
"But go, 60 again Oh, save her she
cried in an agonizing voice, sinking to the
ground overpowered by the excess of her grief
at the fate of her bel owed relative.
81 could not save her even if | should 60
back and try, and it would not do to leave you
here alone"
81 can stay alone don't think of me-but
go quickly. They may be numbering her in
rage at my loss-why do you wait ~
"Nora " he said, seating himself beside her,
81 will tell you
But she sprang to her feet, entreating him
to go.
"Hear ME, Nora, and then if you say go, I
will go and try to save her, though | think it is
impossible - and drawing her back he contin
ued, eff you will promise to become my wife
when we reach home, will go.'
"You know | cannot do that, Jason"
"Then shall not CO."
"Oh, Jason, do not be so cruel 60 and save
her, and -"
"Never! will not stir step unless have
that promise"
Nora covered her face with her hands in de-
spair. She seemed to see aunt Lena's pale face,
and the lips parted and said, promise, Nora,
if it will save me and then the image of Per-
cy rose to her mlnd and she thought she heard
him say, promise not, my Nora do you not
see the wretched life you would lead with
him?" Springing up, she knelt before Jason,
and raising her eyes imploringy to his, she
said
"Oh, Jason, by all that is good and holy, [
entreat you to go without such promise, for l
cannot, oh, cannot make it,"
How could he resist the appeal, as he read
the world of anguish written on that pale beau
tiful face Alas his heart was dumb to the
E voice OF look of agony, and he replied:
"Nora, by all that's great, neuer will go
, until you make the promise; promise, and then
l will go, and if do not save her you shall be
released from it; but if do you shall fulfill
it," As she continued silent, he went on -
" You have scorned my love, till am deaf to
your tears. You must say that you will marry
me when we get home
: "Oh, not as soon as that, if must do it,"
"Well, | can wait three months, if have
your word"
"Oh, God cannot wed him ~
"Nora, you love that Wallace but he is
dead, or you would have seen him before this,
e and little thought you would sacrifice aunt
s Lena for the love of any man. I thought you
0 loved her better"
0 I" "Oh, do love her.
> "Yet you will let her die rather than prom
4 ise''
J.. Il will promise" she said, family.
d "Will you?" he cried eagerly, springing
up.
. Yes
"That you will marry me?"
p Yes" she said, III broken tone 4" prom
ise to wed you in three months frorl this day, il
4 you save aunt Lena, but never unless you do
. remember this.''
. 81 will, Nora but will save her. Remain
k here till bring her."
d Springng upon his horse he departed; while
o Nora, as the awful reality of what she had
d done came over her, sank down upon the ground
v in state of insensibllity.
a A few moments after, two horsemen appear
d ed in the opposite direction from which Jasor
d had gone; and as they were riding at u brisk
gallop, few seconds brought them beside the
q unconscious girl.
= "What is this y exclaimed Percy, (for it
}, was Percy and Pat,) springing from his saddle
II and raising Nora in his arms; us he recognized
: the pale face he continued, i" o God of Hea
Is ven is it Nora Montelle. Bring water, quick
v Pat"
o And Pat who had dismounted also, ran t.
re the rivulet for some water, while Percy still
holding his lovely burden, sank upon the grount
\, and kissing the pale lips repeatedly murmure'
1t o my darling, speak to me; you must no
be dead
to A few drops of water which Pat succeeds
90 in throwing in her face, together with the warn
caresses of Percy, finally brought the unhapp
:? girl to herself again. Opening her eyes, an
a. recognizing the face bent over her, the hue o
3; the rose again over-spread her cheeks and
smile wreathed her lips ms she'said.
+" Thank God, it was not reality
ut +" Dear Nora, how came you here?''
to Raising herself up, she looked around AM