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

1T is no reproach, and even were it, who is
conscious of the revelation you made in your
letter to me-
Who, Mark? Do you ask who knows
this?"
+" Yes, who will ever know it?"
=" YOURSELF Mark that is sufficient to decide
me-"
s'Sulhcieut, Mabel Did you but know how
little care for this, or the worlds opinion YOU
would yield to my wishes in this thing"
I " Mark, if were to ask you question. you
would not your feelings outweigh your judg-
ment in the answer?''
II would not, Mabel
=" Were it true that my father was guilty Of
the crime alledged upon him, would it not make
difference in the views you entertain upon
this subject?"
" confess, Mabel, that were it thus, it
might change my views somewhat, though the
reproach of the parent should cast no stain upon
his childrens name.
:" 1T should not, yet your views in regard to
an alliance under such circumstances, would be
just believe my father to have been inno-
cent of the crime, yet the stain still rests upon
his name'
In few minds, Mabel, there exists, per-
haps. belief in his guilt, but not in all. My
own parents believe him Innocent"
It mot Tf bn ia tba
describe him to be. he would never consent to
our union
"Can nothing change your decision, Mabel p
Nothing, Mark"
"Not even if my parents were to sanction
our union 20
mo, not even that"
Mabel, exclaimed Mark, seating himself
by her side, and taking her hand within his
own, " do you realize how much | suffer when
you say this?'
"If can judge of your affection by that
which | feel for you, know, Mark how great
the struggle is"
Remember, Mabel, that this decision is for
life. There are no circumstances which can
transpire hereafter to alter it, unless your
fathers innocence is proved
That will only be in another life," said
Mabel, sadly.
= I" Heaven grant that time may soften the ef-
fects of the blow to us BOTH life of un.
happiness for the performance of an imaginary
duty "
"The scenes you are destined to pass through
will t,nd to make you forget our intercourse
Time will eiface my image from your memory
pray, for your happiness, that it may be thus. :
Never" exclaimed Mark. This is nc
boyish passion which time will eface from my
heart. But Imust bid you farewell
MARK, Mark, can it be that this parting il
forever?" said Mabel, tears filling her eyes.
Forever, in the light of aught save mere
friendship, unless you recall your decision
"Let it be thus then,' she said in voice o
forced calmness.
Farewell then," said Mark clasping her il
his arms.
Z" Farewell You will come again."
81 know not, and yet may" He turned
from her with heavy heart, and left the cot
tage. He had not dreamed that Mabel would
adhere to the decision she had made. He haC
walked on for nearly mile, with bowed head
unheeding all around him, his mind occupied
by thoughts of no pleasing character, when h
heard stepbehind him, and voice pronounced
his name. lie started suddenly from his reverie
and laid his hand instinctively upon his weapons
" Who are you?" he demanded, as he turn
ed and confronted the man who had 80 suddenly
disturbed his meditations.
" My name is Thomas Rand, sir.
Z" "Ha " exclaimed Mark. " You are m,
prisoner, them
Perhaps SO, sir" replied Rand, producing
small bugle {" should say that if choose
you are mine
I" You are the man who captured my Scout.
II captured him, as | should do again if
was to find him as did before
"More than this, you would have seen hin
hung but for his timely escape
"No, sir. l should not, though he was mad
to believe that if he did not show us tho way t
your camp, this would be his fate.
You are my prisoner said Mark cockin
his weapon. "Will you accompany me to m
camp peaceably, or shall use force"
Il" Do not think came here unprepared On
blast of this bugle would bring dozen me
around you, who seek your life. wish you
harm, Mark Lincoln.
"What proof have you Of this? You d,
ceived my Scout, and would attempt the sam
with me-
g would not. Your Scout was sent as
, spy to our camp, and it was my duty to prevei
him from obtaining our secrets. IF | had wisht
| could have easily secured you. My eyc h,
not been off from you since you left Mr.
Archer's."
g Then you have been dogging my foo
steps?"
AYE, dogging them that might assist, i
stead of injureing you
Z" In what manner %
It p" | would tell you Of Palmer"
v Palmer Do you know him? p
+ Know him uttered Rand, in a hissi
tone, while a fearful look cleaned in his ev,
5. "know him? Yes, as the blackest villain tn
y ever breathcd the pure air Of heaven, as all tn
is base and mean"
:, 81 have seen you before" said Mark, as
gazed upon the passion-marked features of Ran
f Aye, you have seen me. You saved my /
l. once"
is 81 remember it now, when the Maniac W
about to shoot you