Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-11-25
MAT WARD;
THE TORY'S DOOM.
A Tale of the Days that Tried Mems Souls
Nv the Author OF rhe Scout OF the Lake. Waldo, or
Life on the Border" &c. &c.
CHAPTER TX.
BoYDEN.

{. What is to be done?" asked Mark, as the
horses came rushing up to the place where they
were standing.
Done?" exclaimed Hopkins. " Fasten
the horses to the trees till the men come out.
This was soon accomplished, and it was
found that they had secured twenty of the
beasts, the rest probably being rescued by the
Tories.
Hopkins" said Mark Lincoln, "asl was
about to enter the path which leads to the Re
treat, was confident that my actions were
watched by some person concealed in the bushes
here, and"
Then why in thunder didn't you drive him
out?"
For the reason, if I am correct in my sur
miss. he has baffled my skill to find him"
'rwont d. to hev anybody watchin when the
men C nns out
"Fl,rs is no danger there, for they are com
ins by the north opening
s'That ar's lucky. hut eff thar's anybody
skulkn' in these ere bushes, I'm bound to find
it OUT and the Scout plunged into the thlcket
pointed out by his leader.
1t was but a few moments ere he again joined
Mark
You are unsuccessful? ?" he said.
.Ycs but thars been chap in the thick
ct, and not long ago either
"a cannot conjecture who it could be unless
"The Maniac ?" suggested Hopkins.
s'Ycs.' replied Mark; "bat if it were him
see no reason why he should attempt to evade
us.
THAR they come " exclaimed the Scout,
pointing up the road which led to the Inn.
/" They are in time" said Mark joyfully.-
Now for a blow for the cause of liberty
The battle is not always for the strong, and in
nv soul believe that God is with us in this
struggle"
lie is, young man-lIis favor is always
with those who are valiant for the right, SAID
deep voice by his side.
Mark Lincoln started quickly, and as he
turned he saw before him the form of stran-
ger. He was man past the prime of life, and
his lonr locks had already received the whiten-
iny frosts of time He was dressed in the sim
ple garb of a hunter, carrying long slender
rias. upon which he was leaning as Mark be-
held him, and his athletic form gave plain in:
dieatiyns that nature had endowed him with nc
small degree of physical strength. Mark gazec
attcntively into his face for u moment. There
was something in is which Interested him, being
far different from that of the men with whom
he Ass )ciated. The whitened locks swept bacl
from high and massive forehead, which wa
tho index to mind OF no ordinary stamp. Tn
features were symm ,trical and the deep blu'
eyes beam with such frank, genial expires
sion, that seemed at once to command his con
iidence and esteem About the well-forme'
mouth there were lines which told that whel
their p)ss ,ss1r had once determined to acc IN
plish d,sred end, it were difficult to deter hin
from his purpose.
"Do you feel what you have spoken, sir, o
were they merely idle words?" continued tn
stranger, seeing Mark did not speak.
"Feel them, do you ask? Aye, the words
havo spoken come from my heart. The caus
in which we are engaged is a righteous one-w
must and shall triumph
Ri sht, sir. My enquire your name
I" You are a stranger, sir" said Mark hest
tating.
i" "Trde. am but look at me-, Do you b.,
liey9 would ask it for the parpose Of injurin,
your"
IL, fastened his eyes steadily upon Mark, an
awaited mis- reply.
g. do not; my name is Lincoln, sir. mi
b, wrong, hut believe You are not actuated
m,tiv.s Of wrong ia asking my name.
i" rlank you, Mr.. Lincoln; thousan
thanks. You have trusted u stranger; YOU
c,nhd,nce snail not bo misplaced There is IN
hand as one who prays for tne ascenlancy of IL
Am .ricdns in the contest which is now goin
on
Mark took the prof3red hand, and the star
ger continued
81 should have revealed myself to you who
you attempted to discover me, ye wished
ascertain whether WIS among friends or foes.
g Then it WAS yo.rself who was concealed
the thicket."
alt was. You have asked no proofs of II
sincerity, or even my name, and now will g
you b1th'
lie drew a pistol from his bosom, and pres
ing his finger upon the trigger, without aviI
previously cooked it, small roll OF parchme
fsw from che barrel and fell to the ground
picked it up and handed it to Mark Lincoln
Tne latter took it, and read it, and as his @
rostel up,n the signature at the bottom,
exclamation of surprise fell from his lips.
i" Israel Putnam he uttered. Show ii
to any one who loves liberty. and you will ha
friends. And yet, there are some among I
Boydm. who would give purse of British Z
to read this
I" know 1T, sir : but in this receptacle tn