Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-04-01
Harley HARTMAN:
The The snaggers of Memphremagog.
CHAPTER XXI.

CoNsCIENCE-FIDEL
1t will be remembered, that about the time
Clovis left the Snaggers' quarters to bear Harri
mans message to Sabine, Mrs. McDermot had
promised Hartman to ntercede with her hus-
band and, if possible, to enlist the sympathies
and, if need should be- the arm likewise, of the
latter, in behalf of Herbert and Alice. The
good-hearted woman was faithful to her trust.
Well aware that direct proposition her hus-
band to run counter to the will of the gang in a
matter which might prove to be of serious mo-
ment, would be at once repelled by McDermot;
she began, with no small share Of tact, to
strengthen his good will and warm his sympa
thes in behalf of the strangers. Their habits,
tempers, tastes, disposition, their education and
fitness for different state of society, and the
inutility of their detention among the snaggers,
were subjects on which she would enlarge, and
did, until she procured the assent of her hus-
band to all her views.
These points gained, she made the suggestion
to McDermot, as if the idea was original with
her, and she really thought it was so, to effect
their rescue. To this McDermot would never
have given his approval, although his whole
heart yearned for the safety of Herbert and
Alice, and he might do whatsoever he could for
their protection at the Retreat, had not judith
intimated that Rolph, and others of the gang,
had already determined to second her views.
Thus strengthened in his inclinations, he gave
his assent. Rolph, McDermot and Judith hay
ing subsequently met, they agreed to conceal
their purpose from the rest of the gang until
the return of Clovis, unless some event should
transpire to make its development necessary, or
afford an opportunity to carry it into execution,
The arrival of Clovis occasioned no small de-
gree of surprise, and gave rise to many enquiries
as to where he had been, and the reason OF his
long absence. Clovis answered all inquiries in
manner which was well calculated to allay
suspicion. He remarked that he had left Kemp
and Musgraye at the residence of the latter, to
which place, with as little delay as possible, he
must return. The strangers Musgrave would
have treated with respectful Difference until
he should signify different purpose. They
were not to be restrained of liberty; yet for the
present the quarters he would assign them
ment aloof from observation. A company had
recently been organized, he added, whose object
was to get possession of a large amount of snags
He desired, he said, that several different sam
piles should be prepared forthwith, that hemight
return with them as soon as practicable to the
residence of Musgrave.
Thus diverting the attention of the Snaggers
from himself, and providing for the safety of
Alice, he sought an opportunity, in hasty in
terview, to impart to Hartman the news of the
near approach of Sabine and his men and to
require of Hartman, and all who might follow
his lead, theadoption of some conspicuous badge
by which they should be distinguished from the
rest.
"The bald Eagles plume" said Hartman,
" shall be our device"
BE it So" answered Clovis. 6 Three hours
hence, as Cuff says, the Philstnes will be upon
you. will take care of the dogs; but do you
see, Rolph, that no one approaches the kennel
after my departure"
Having but little time to spare, Clovis hurried
away to the hut OF Mrs. McDermot where he
met the good-hearted dame and Alice.
"My duty, Miss" said he to the latter, in a
tone of marked respect and kindness, after some
preliminary civilities had been exchanged be-
tween them, "my duty, Miss, which sincere
regard for your own happiness and welfare i'm
poses, requires that should request you, as
speedily as may be convenient, and before take
my departure, which must be directly, to re-
move to the Hall, or such other underground
apartment as may best accord with your wishes
there to remain until further orders. ! as
sure you, my dear lady," he continued in an
undertone, as he observed on the countenance Of
Alice a look expressive of doubt as to his pur-
pose, it is for your own good that require it.
Dear, dear lady, for your own sake, don't dis
trust me; don't delay"
Alice turned toward Mrs. McDermont as il
still in doubt. Clovis observed it,
"Oh," said he. with look and tone imply
ing internal anguish, how much sharper than
atwo-edged sword are doubts and misgivings
from those we love. Yet of what else could the
history of my life assure me?
Alice was convinced that the predominant de-
sire in Clovis heart was for her own welfare.
Bu1 she was not ready to admit that he could
determine 80 well as she could, as to what would
contribute most to her present happiness or her
future well-being. She regarded him as way
ward, sensual and mpusive; and she did not
comprehend that her own teachings, example,
and the sweet influence she exertcd, had made a
deep and lasting impression on his heart She
knew that words fitly spoken are like apples
OF gold in pictures of silver; but her enticing
modesty forbade her to perceive that she was
endowed by nature, and early culture, with the
art to adorn her language with such attractive
ornament. Neither had she any adequate con-
ception of the almost sovereign power with
which her words thrilled through the chambers
of Clovis heart. Besides, there was in his pro-
posal mystery which made her desire to Judge
of the pfopriety and expediency of acccding to