Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-11-18
amped about half a mile from that, to the

employed to watch my movemen ts?"
90 Two, guess, for that's the number heard
him and the chap at the tavern speak about"
And they are stationed near Mrs. Arch
er's?"
Somewhere in that region-couldn't tell
exactly where, for they didn't say
"Do you think they are on the watch to-
night, Watson?"
!" should say not You see they ar about
tired out with whatfghtn and trampin they've
had for week back. If you're goin' to the
cottage, tonight's the time"
~ shall attempt it, at all events. | may
get into trouble, and if you should hear my
bcgle, Arouse tno camp, and tell Walbridge to
lead the men out by the north pass.'
You aint going alone, are your"
Yes. If | meet an enemy it will be Skin
ner's band, and two would be little better than
one in such an emergency"
When shall you come in again ?"
" Ere the sun rises, if no accident befalls me.
If I'm not in by that time, take my trail and
learn my whereabouts. Be on the alert for
the remainder of the night, so that if give the
signal you will hear it,"
Mark then entered his tent, and having dom
ned a common hunters dress, he thrnst brace
of pistols into his belt, and then started for the
path which led to the road. This he soon
reached, but did not enter, preferring the skirts
of the wood, yet keeping it in sight to guide
him on the way. There was bright moon,
SO that objects in an opening, or the road were
rendered plainly visible An hour passed, and
far in the distnace he could see the smoke
arising from The encampment of the Tories.-
At last he approached it, 50 that their forms
were visible, when his eye rested upon the form
of man lying near the fire. He started
quickly, as the idea flashed upon his mind that
it might be the Scout and with cautious steps
he came nearer, that he might obtain view of
the captine's face. A lurid glare at this mo-
ment shot up from the embers, and as its light
rendered things palmer, he saw that 1t was none
other than Hopkins.
1.-The Scout - he exclaimed. % Thus it ID
thatal my schemes fall to the ground, just as
deemed they were about to be realized. He
must have been strangely ventursome to allow
himself to be taken. And that too after had
cautioned him against it. But he must bt
saved, OF the mornings sun will witness hil
body suspended to oneof yonder trees. Would
that my men were here-unsuspecting as those
sleepers ara, would capture every man in the
camp. But it is useless to linger here. mus
on to my destination, and then hasten back tc
the Retreat and lead out the men,
He renewed his walk, and scarce half houl
elapsed, when he came in sight Of Mrs. Arch
er's cottage He hesitated moment ere h
entered the opening. At last, having satisfied
himself that no spies were near, he took cir
cuitons route, and approached the rear of tn
dwelling. He was about to knock when tn
sound Of strange voice caught his ear, an
standing still, he awaited its repetition.
"Thcre's something familiar in those tones,
he muttered, as they came again indistinctly t.
his ear
He bowed his head for moment in dee
thought, and then raising it, proceeded to tn
side of the house from which sounds of tn
voice issued. The tone was now more distinct
and starting suddenly, he exclaimed,
"Strange that did not recognize 1t before
1t is despicable part to perform, but circnn
stances will justify me in listening to whateve
he may say" and with flashing eyes he leane
against the logs, placing his ear near windo
of the room in which the person was sittin
whose voice he heard.
"Your decision is then unchanged :? " sal
the voice.
1T is,' was the reply, in voice which Mar
at once recognized as Mabel Archer's. "M
language at our last meeting should have col
vinced you how useless would be an attempt
change my views"
"lt pains me that it is thus, for had hope
it might be far different. Permit me to be you
friend, Mabel"
"After what transpired upon your last Wis
here? No, sir; you lost all claim upon N
friendship by the language you used, and Il
manner you evinced toward me.
Forgive me, Mabel; on my knees I ples
for forgiveness. When | realized what pri
| had lost, knew not what said, | bitter
repent it now. Can you not pardon me for Il
part acted?"
" Rise, sir When you choose to come he
as a friend, merely, you can do so {; otherwi
your presence would not be agreeable to me.
81 will try and conquer the love l feel f
you, but the task will be hard one. Oh,
could give you up willingly, did not kno
that the object upon whom you have plac
your affections is unworthy the love of u pu
and confding woman like yourself"
To whom do you refer, sir?"
"Mark Lincoln"
MARX Lincoln unworthy the love of pu
and confdng woman The charge is falls
sir" ;"
81 would it were SO, for your sake, Mabt
You know not the stigma his name bears"
And pray, sir, what is it that you C
Il bring to sully his reputation 2" asked Nal
with spirit.
L :" 1t matters not, if you love him. trr
he will prove all you think him to be.''
Q You have insinuated charges against hir
y demand to know them II they are true y
e cannot be harmed by the revelation.
if 10 any one who is acquainted with him,
e is well known that his parentage is involved
shame. ~
10 Mark Lincoln cenched his hands fast toge
. er, as he heard this, and it was with dificul