Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-01-06

Palmer hesitated Yet, you would see her
die"
g / would. Place that woman out of exis-
tence, Ward, and will give you five hundred
pounds"
For some moments Mat Ward fixed his eyes
earnestly upon Joel Palmer's face, while express
sions of varied meaning crossed his features
At first his lips curled with contempt,-but
now strange light shone in his piercing eyes.
At last he spoke in slow measured tone.
"Joel Palmer, you have made me PROPOSE
ton which no other man coul haye done, and
lived. 1t is true | am an outc.st upon the
earth without home, and not ewes place to
lay my head at nlght-saye as l7ssttSe hos
pitality of the settlers, who avGalways kindly
welcomed me. 1t is true l am a maniac an
object upon whom men bestow their pity. Yet,
as Heaven is true, would not change places
with you this moment You have the heart of
demon to titus plot that woman's death-the
heart of demon to plan, but that of a coward
to execute"
''Hold, Ward, you have said eneugh. If
you wish to prove my courage, waive the diff
ference in week, which exists between us, and
offer to fight you on equal terms" shouted
Palmer, in rage.
Wait, sir. till you hear me through I
said you had the heart of demon to plan this
deed, but on certain conditions will perform
the work you desire, -
Had he been insane, his words would not have
seemed so strange to him, but rational as he was
he knew not what to make of them"
." You say that on certain conditions you will
put an end to this woman's existence?
81 will"
" "Then who, sir will be the greater villain p ,
You may well ask that question, Joel Palm
er. Do not think that have no pangs of con-
science in committing this deed-do not deceive
yourself with the idea that justify the act
Even should | strike the blow, should curse
myself for doing it.
i" And yet you will do it?"
"Yes, sir, on the fulfllment by you of the
conditions which may name''
g You have some motive in this. Ward?"
Aye, so have, but that does not concern
you."
" Name your conditions.
You have some influence in the British
camp, think?
81 have
And if it could be proved to you that a
certain one of her Majesty's officers 49, guaty
of crimes which deserve death, you would use
your power would you, to bring him to jus
tice?"
" Assuredly would
My condition is simply this. There is in
the British camp an officer who has by indirect
means caused the death of one who was near
and dear to me as my own life. Swear to me
that you will use all your influence, fairly or
} unfairly, to bring that man to the gallows, aud
| will do your work.
:" But if he is guilty of no crime3"
You see | can easily bring some charge
against him which, if substantlated. will bring
; about the result seek"
} You would not have me falsely accuse a
man and bring him to the gallows?"
"And yet you would have me kill a oOman ?
} replied Ward with a sneer.
; " Iagree to your conditions
"Will you swear it?"
YES"
Repeat after me the words I shall give you
3 then, and in a slow distinct tone Ward be
gan. 81 do Solemnly swear that | will us,
every means In my power to briue about TIN
death of the man whom Mathew Ward Eshal
4 name, and were he to meet me, and chanc
given for accomplishing his death, would no
: fail to accomplish the deed, provided was conf
dent could avoid detection"
There, sir, repeat that, and the condition i
fulfilled in part
- joel Palmer repeated the words without hes
tation, for he was confident that otacrwis
+ Ward would not do his bidding
d Now, said Palmer, aus he concluded. ,.ta
mo the mann. of tI,o man who's. Js,,, ...o ...,.
n 8. Not at nros.or sir Whom ,r. r.en.
INV .,,,,e,,a1t ,..,. .l.ll +r,., 1....l..I....
~ fulfill yours
70 o.. And y.D,.o Win ,..,.l...... .........
woman aab9,
.Assoon as the deed f. ...-... ..- r..
come to- vaa
w HFH E'NHA'e dome I0s' a shall
We ''
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