Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-11-11

| AHDIo hlS Ol W u uUItu HooSSo yOh1oi. !.
what's been stole from settlers hereabouts, in
less n week.
"There amt a hoss in the troop but what's
bought, and paid for. -
" Eff you want one of the pack, should lay
that ar up agin you, but seein' lying comes nat
raj to Tory, they amt alters tew blame tor
it,"
Do you mean to say that I've lied, 'exclaim-
ed Rand fercely."
Ontie my feet, and I'll let you know" re-
piled the Scout.
"They'll never be united. Them ar cords
wont never be took off till you've been under
the ground long enough for the worms to eat
'em in two
81 should say you's nightly deceived thar, 4"
replied the Scout nonchalantly
I" Time will prove that aint," and Rand be-
gan to move off.
" Aint you going tcw give chap nothin
tew eat 20
|" No" replied Rand sharply. L" Eatin Edon't
NN ih"h any 5oOu, WIltte hdlHG SOb huJ luhROl
to live than you hev.''
"Ef was tcw tell you how to get into Mark
Lincoln's camp, Ireckon you'd let me hew Il
bite"
That ar would be different thing. Would
you do it if give you something to eat, and
another bottle of the Jimaky?"
"Darn the Jimaky Fetch on the yictals,
and then we talk about it.
You can t hev 80 much It's mouthfull, with
out you promise to tell me how ken find Mark
Lincoln's camp"
a." It's a bargain if you'll fetch on the provis-
ions till git through eatin'"
:" EFF you don't tell, veil hcv you strung up
less n an hour Rand proceeded to the cap
tain's tent. and having procured some bread and
venison, placed it before the Scout.
/" Civ us yer knife. can't no ways git at
this ere meat without one
Thomas Rand hestated for moment. Bound
as Hopkins was, yet he feared him. At last he
drew his knife from his belt, and banded it to
the Scout. He thought the Scout could do no
harm, as long as his eye was upon him, and he
determined, not for moment to remove it from
his person. The Scout eat for some moments
in silence, and then ceasing, looked wishfully
around
" Have you finished ? " asked Rand
g Finished CALCULATED Hopkins in sur
prise, (" haint only just begun. was looking
for some water Cant you put me a dishfull?'
Thomas Rand turned his head, to summon
one of the men, when, quick as thought the
keen edge of the knife was placed beneath the
cords which bound his feet, and with one move.
ment of his hand, they were partially severed,
:, SO that the least exerton would snap them in
twain, yet to the eye they appeared whole as be-
fore When Rand resumed his former position,
the Scout was busily engaged in his repast. A
large gourd full of water was soon brought,
which was quaaed by Hopkins, who then con-
tinued eating.
"Now" said the Tory, as Hopkins finished
and returned the knife,' I'm ready to hear how
we are to find the way to Lincoln's camp
I" Who do you mean by us
"Skinner's company
81 didn't make no sich agreement as that,
said the Scout.
" And you aint going to tell, after all, ex.
claimed Rand. starting to his feet.
81 didnt say Iwant goin' tew tell | didn't
agree tew let the hull company into the secret
and what's more, won't 50 you'd better sci
down agin and not go to frettin' yourself wher
there aint no need ont"
The Tory seated himself again facing thu
Scout, and waited for him to speak.
"Now," continued Hopkins, " eff though
you d tell soul about what I'm goin' tew tel
you, wouldn't open my head for all the gold il
the British camp"
You needn fear. I'm mum if you say
So"
A scarcely perceptible smile passed ovel
Rand face as he thought how easily he wa
deceving Hopkins, and he began to think Mari
Lincoln had been sadly deceived in regard t.
the shrewdness of the man to whom he entrust
ed his secrets.
/" Not even to Skinner? y continued the Scou
a earnestly.
" Not even him" added the Tory
" Eff you should only tell him." said Hop
kins, hositating, Z" 'twould be sure death to m
;, if Lincoln should find it OUT
"Come, go on You can't back out now al
o ter you We given your word" said Rand, feal
full the Scout would not reveal the desired secret
i "I'll tell you what I'll do said the Scou
o after pause.
g Let's hear it then, for Tn getting sleepy
y Ef you'll only let INC off Il give you fv
guneas, and jine the company to boot
n "No, not for fifty, nor hundred 50 b
i quick about what you are going to say"
e "Im tarnal sorry agreed to dew it, bu
n when once give my word, [ never back out
a After them chaps there, are all asleep,
you II cut the cords off o my legs and give III
It my rifle, IL show you clean into Lincoln
d tent. Thar, I've told you how it can be don,
and though hate nightly to dew it, I'll sho'
,e you in if you ray So.
Thomas Rand ground his teeth with rag'
e and his eyes shone like two living Goals of fir,
!, He drew pistol, and would have ended the e,
J. stence of the Scout upon the spot had not I'll
weapon been struck from his hands. He locke
u up and beheld the Tory Captain.
SIS it thus Rand, that in u moment Of al
/, ger you are to destroy all hopes of accomplish
IA ing our plaus?" he said sternly.
1t " You are right replied Rand. 81 ow
c | was hasty, but to be fooled by him is tt
much to bear and he pointed to Hopkins wi