Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-01-27


After partaking Of the repast which was set be-
fore him, Skinner. as far as possible, removed
the evidence of the usage he had received at
Marks hands, from his face, and having given
a few hurried directions, mounted his horse
and rode swiftly away from the camp. The
shadows of evening had began to fall ere he
returned. His demeanor was wholly changed,
and smile rested upon his features. Firmly
bound, Mark had been conveyed to his own
tent, and to this he repaired, having dismount-
ed and given his horse in charge of one of the
men. The old lock Of hate and revenge dwelt
for moment upon his cOuntenance, as he beheld
his captive, but with an effort he drove it away,
and a conciliatory smile rested there.
| "You are uncomfortable here, said Skin
ner. as he saw the position in which Mark was
placed.
Somewhat" replied Mark, glancing at his
captor.
| Circumstances of the last few hours have
materially altered our relative positions, |
think"
They have? You outnumbered US; but
give me a force equal to your own, and l will
drive you from the Province"
Perhaps so; and yet you are destined never
to command another party against u.s."
"Plans, sir, are sometimes overthrown in a
moment, and in manner least expected" was
Marks reply.
"You fatter yourself that there is possi-
bility of escape from my power One of your
men escaped us, and we shall be more careful in
future. However, am disposed to make you
as comfortable as can" and bending down,
Skinner severed the cords which bound Mark s
limbs
" If you are willing so to do, why not re-
move these cords from my hands, and place a
guard 50 as to prevent my escape?"
You are of too much consequence just at
this time, said Skinner, with an evil smile,
'"to give you that freedom. You ought to be
thankful that your limbs are free"
81 am indignant that you have dared to
bind me, or at least, that should remain in
this position through the day without food Of
any kind"
81 ordered food; if the men have neglected
to supply you am not to blame
"You should have seen that had it, instead
of leaving it to Others"
81 need no advice concerning my duty in thil
NATTER replied Skinner, somewhat nettled.-
81 have proposition to make you, by accept
ing which you can regain your liberty"
81 am willing Go hear it,
'' You do not appear to realize the fact that
your life is in danger, said the Tory, provoked
by the Indifferent manner in which Mark ad.
dressed him.
" In what manner, sir?"
" The men can hardly be restrained from tax
ing your life, without even the semblance.of i
trial.
A samblance Of justice is something which
your victims do not usually receive. expect
ed-did not some fortunate circumstance relieve
me from your clutches, knowing your unparal
leled ferocity,-that should be condemned t,
die but d. not approach me with an apparen
desire to shield me when you, not your follow
ers, are the one have most to fear"
8" am tempted to hang you before morn
ing! exclaimed Skinner, as he saw how clear
ly Mark had read his purposes.
81 do not doubt it,
"You do not seem to value your life highly,
said the Tory, wondering at the cooness wit
which Mark regarded his threats.
"My life, confess, is not SO dear to me as
has been many times previous to this hour; ye
if you are disposed to grant me my liberty upo
honorable conditions, am willing to acced
to any proposition you may see fit to make"
Mark thoughts turned towards Mabel Archer
Life indeed seemed less precious to him when b
realized that the prize he had 50 fondly covete
was beyond his reach just as he was about
claim it as his own.
cit is rumored that you are about to form
connection with family in the Province by IL
. name of Archer
"Rumor, sir, replied Mark, g is not alwa,
to be credited"
"But in this instance think may be. Am
n Correct .
r Mark hesitated for moment. A suspiciC
that the man before him was but an nstrumel
n in Palmer's hands for the accomplishment
Il some nefarious scheme crossed his mind, al
when he remembered the strange absence
10 Skinner from the camp, it amounted almost
y certainty.
g "Am right3" continued the Tory.
l. II do not choose to answer, sir"
d "As you please, then. Your refusal is g,
y dence enough that were you to do SO, 1t wou
y confirm my conjectures"
h You were about to make proposition
% me concerning my freedom. Ishould be pleas
- to hear it,, said Mark as Skinner was about
4. continue.
+ 1T was in order to do this that asked "
d concerning your connection with the family
id have mentioned.
ID "lf the proposition cannot be made uni,
as you receive an answer from me, we can have
At further action in regard to it..
D. "lt can and yet ere proceed would kn'
if am right
10 !" You have my answer, sir"
is "If you will relinquish your claim to
hand of Miss Archer, you are free once more
h, refuse, and you risk your life
n, Taking it for granted that have any cla
. to Miss Archer's hand, how do you propose
Or proceed in this matter y asked Mark, will
k, to draw from his eaptor, POSSIBLE, the motif
he which actuated Skinner to this step.
eff Here are materials, said the Tory, prod
v. cling pen and some paper. 60 lust write n.