Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-12-23

we do not get what we want tonight"
" trust we shall, for of all foes the one to
be feared most is the enemy who secretly plots
the ruin of cause he processes to love-"
9 That's gospel truth capin', and by the
mother that bore me, I'd like to pepper the ras-
GALS"
'' No, Hopkins, that would not be expedient.
There may be, and doubtless is, Others engaged
in it, and the fact that such conspiracy exists,
once in the possession of Washington, and he
will speedily bring its leader and all concerned
to justice"
" 1t makes me mighty oneasy to think ont.
You can't well fight agin such things"
"We at least shall know something of this
:" If we can't do it any other way what dye
say to using this ere arguments" Hopkins
pointed in a significant manner to their weapons
1t will never do Hopkins. Stratagem is
our only hope of accomplishing the end in
view"
"Maybe you're right"
Mark now led the way and followed by the
Scout they proceeded in the direction Of the Inn
where they expected to find the men who Hop
kins had seen in conversation An hours walk
brought them in sight of their destination, and
before entering, Mark stopped and turned to-
wards the Scout.
g Is it not best to reconotre?" he asked.
GA good idea. You watch the house and
see that there don't any one come up, while I
take peep into old Harding's bar.room"
} g Be cautious IN your movements, for every-
thing depends on not exciting their suspicious. .
Never fear If anybody comes in sight Jest
break dry stick, shall hear that, and it
wouldn t do to make any other signal"
} " will be careful to do as you wish"
) Hopkins proceeded with steady footsteps,
keeping in the rear of the Inn until quite near
l it, and then securing himself in the shadow of
the building, he neared the window through
which view of the bar-room could he obtained.
Raising himself from the half recumbent posi-
| tion he had assumed, he gazed through the win
7 dow so that he could see the occupants if there
l were any. But the objects of his search were
not there. There was no one in view save the
host, who sat smoking his pipe by the fire
place.
e turned.
Can't tell yet They amt in the bar-room
but they may be in the house for all that
e Come let us 60 in.
8 I" Is it not best to agree upon some mode Of
operation ere we venture?"
d =" No; when we are inside we can tell better
IT how the land lays, and act accordingly. I've
II an idee that it wont take long to find cut wheth
er they are inside or not.''
e "'Tis best not to question the landlord direct
h ly upon the subject, or we may excite suspi
cion."
is "If you'll only back me up in what say
o I'm bound we II find out what we want TO-
It Lead the way, then,' replied Mark
"Good evening, Cap'n," said Hopkins as h
n entered.
| o"ou OFohihS, ohio, Iopiicu buc uooe "
this salutation, gazing with scrutnizing lool
s. upon the new corners.
Rather late for travellers, pose you think
IS but we heard this was the only loyal tavern il
these parts and SO we come ten or dozen mile
70 further purpose to stop here"
You take it for granted that favor tn
K;nr in, tb;s ot,,rcla IA u,,d;,m
We were told you did, sir" replied Mark
D. speaking for the first time. /" If it is not thu
we do not wish to trouble you"
IN Mark arose and took up his weapon.
IN Yes said Hopkins, following Mark 8 eS
ID ample. 'If this isn't a loyal tavern we'll b
going. I'd as live sleep in a pest house any da
at as in cussed Wing tavern
Stay, gentlemen - exclaimed the host
rs " You are not mistaken in my chararter Thes
Ii are perlous times, and we hardly know VIII
en- our friends are
ut Z" am glad we were right, for of truth,
lp little fancy further march tonight"
81 agree with you, there, Colonel, said tt
GU Scout, emphasizing the last word. "Bring N
NJ a mug Of flip for the Colonel, landlord an
some of the pure Jimaky for myself You 81
on he can take the raw stnf for his palate new
d was tckled with anything short o Maderia
It dozen years old.
n The last sentence was spoken in low to,
en- by Hopkins, who had approached the bar whe
I'D tba land ard WAS cnnotntinr tb. ,,ot;o,., L. L.
nd ordered. The host gazed at Mark as the SEQ
said this, and setting down the glass, said
&C If the gentleman would prefer, have
go few bottles of choice wine which are at
nd service
Hopkins gave Mark significant lock.
lg IL should prefer it, sir. The Sergeant G
enjoy his Jamaica while sup your wine. .
To- " The plan works well, said Mark in a l.
tone as Harding left the room. lie evident
to thinks we are loyal subjects of King George
ind Z" But he's smightily mistaken. Howsomev
lth it's the only way to get the secret out of him
The landlord now returned, bringing glas
lis and bottle of wine, which he sat down ol
,os- table before Mark.
the I" Can't you furnish us with toast +? " asl
OF the Scout, as Mark poured out glass of wi
Sc " Certainly, if my friend, the landlord, he
hat will consent to drink it with me-
ETA With pleasure, SIR" replied Harding, t
yed ing the wine which Mark proifered him.
orn Mark poured out a glass of wine, and hold
Ime it up before him, said
cial Here's to the success of our cause.
T. Heaven grant that its opposers may be rou
and into subsection, as am confident they will h
rder { That's the trus sentiment, said the Ia
tole m setting dawn tho nloas 6. Tho WI