Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-10-07

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Skirting one Of the roads which during the
Revolution ran through the State, was dense
Forest extending back for miles, not even broken
by single clearing. The trees were large frs
or cedars, with giant oaks intermingled, and
the branches SO interlocked as to form a screen
almost impervious to the rays of the midday
sun. On the opposite side of the road the signs
of civilization were everywhere apparent, and
the well titled fields and neat cabins told of the
thrift and industry of the settlers.
1t may seem strange that two tracts of land
in such close eontiguity to each other should
present such different aspects; but no oneseemed
desirous to undertake the clearing of what was
denominated /" The Swamp" while near it were
large tracts which would far better repay their
toll. And thus, at the opening of onr tale, this
tract was left almost wholly unexplored, save
occasionally by some trapper who penetrated its
depths in quest of game. There were wild
legends, too, connected with it; though for
these there was little foundation, and they only
served to deter the less courageous of the settlers
from exploring its hidden mysteries.
Yet the swamp had it's paths of ingress and
egress, and occupants too, aside from the beasts,
who were supposed to be its only inhabitants.
Two miles from the travelled road there was a
large clearing, of perhaps fifty rods in diameter,
of q somewhat circular FORM In the centre of
this there is a fire, and lounging about it are
some thirty mon. Most of them are past the
period of manhood, and the locks of portion
of the group are interspersed with threads of
silver caused by the storms and tolls of three
score years They are hardy-looking group
men of stalwart forms and strong arms, and
their countenances bear the index of an unyield-
ing spirit.
Standing near a large tree, leaning upon his
rife, isa young man of perhaps twenty-five
years and as he is costumed like the rest, we
will describe him to the reader. His dress con-
sists of loose tunic or frock of blue homespun,
confined at the waist by broad leathern belt in
which the handles of brace of pistols are re-
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his knees, where they are met by stockings,
while his feet are encased in moccasins of richly
ornamented deerskin A closely-6tting cap of
black velvet covers his head from which floats
a long white plume. We said he was attired
like the others, yet there was one difference-a
long, heavy sword hung gracefully by hisside, a
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| figure he was rather above the medium height,
his form symmetrical, and betokening great
physical strength. Bis face belied the thought
that he had passed many of life's rough scenes,
for it was fair and delicate. A broad forehead
pair Of deep blue eyes, finely-chseled nose
and chin, together with the lightly-curling lip,
formed physiognomy we'll calculated to inspire
confidence and esteem.
Such was Mark Lincoln, the leader of the
group of men around the fire, which he now
stood gazing at, while a look of pride rested on
his features when he thought how implicitly
they obeyed his slightest command.
Horton" said Mark Lincoln, approaching
one of the group, " is it not time for Watson to
be in?"
"It isl replied the man addressed. j" He
should have been here two hours ago, unless
some accident has detained him.
81 can think of no accident ne could have
met with. cautioned him, and particularly
about being too ventursome.
II know it, Captain but the SINNERS are
all over the region about here, and if they get
him I'm afraid-I'm afraid" and the man
shook his head, as if not desiring to finish the
sentence.
"Afraid of what, Horton? Speak out, man,
if you can throw any light upon his unaccoun-
table delay"
"They may make Watson reveal the Re-
treat"
"Watson turn traitor You are wrong,
Horton. There's not man among our rifle
men I'd sooner trust"
i "When he's sober, Captain, you may trust
him with all the the secrets of the company
but liquor plays the devil with him."
{" Too true, too true, Horton. Strange that
he cannot abstain from its use, when have
threatened to dismiss him from the company il
he was found intoxicated again.
II thought heard his signal an hour ago
r but probably was deceived. Hadn't you better
send some of the men out as far as the road ? -
"Yes, Horton, will do So You can take
, six of our company, proceed to the road, aud
, should it prove as fear it has, give us the sig
5 nal, and we will join you. Donot let them dis
$ cover you, if Watson is not among them
f 4" Arm yourselves, arm yourselves, men y
shouted IA man, springng into the opening.
" Watson, how is this :? ~ exclaimed Lincoln
sternly. Have you allowed our enemies tt
: track you here?"
r son my soul, don't know, Captain.
Q thought I'd given them the wrong scent, bu
s am afraid some of them saw Inc enter th,
n woods
# "Who, Watson? Sp,4k and tell us who W,
h are to contend with"
!. "Sknner and his gang
+, The man above all others to be avoided ius
If at this time " exclaimed Mark.
% " Hark cried Watson "Therc aro tn
1t footsteps"
ie " Arm yourselves, men-all Of you, shoutc
t. Mark, and secure tree, if possible ere tbes
re dcsperadocs get fairly into the Retreat.
is worse comes to worst we will give them war;
n reception. >
m The cracking Of underbrush was now di,
ly tlnctly heard, and q voice ever and anon utte,
1T ing what seemed to be maledictions upon til
DIS obscurity and denseness of the path.
"Cuss the thing-ef hadn't been do,
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