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

powerful help, being on the right side, and
when the Wings win, l wouldn't be in the
place O. these sneakin' Tories for the crown O
King George"
You are right, Hopkins. Oh, what a fate,
should the Colonies gain the ascendancy in this
struggle, to be pointed out as one who fought
against the country of his birth. And yet,
there are some noble ones among them-my
friend here has proved SO to me.''
81 reckon his better feelin' S are gttin' top o.
his Tory principles.
Il trust they are."
Come, said Rand, entering the loft, g let
us proceed to action. The men have come in
with the litter
Thomas Rand procured some blankets, and
having spread them upon the litter, they pro-
ceeded to assist Boyden to descend This was
soon accomplished, and under the guidance of
Hopkins they started to leave the cabin. As
they were going FORTH Boyden turned to Rand
I'VE must part now," he said, reaching out
his hand, but if my life is spared, shall
meet you again. May Heaven bless you for
this"
The Tory shook the Spy's hand warmly but
did not reply.
" Strange how such things unman INT" he
muttered in husky tone, as he re-entered the
cabin. 9" l half believe there's some good LETT
in me yet but 'tis hard to retrieve the past,
such are the feelings the settlers hold towards
me- And so the Companies have met once
more. On my soul, hope Lincoln's Riaemen
will drive SINNERS cut throats to quarters
And yet, they can hardly do it. I must away
now, and have an eye on this struggle. Per-
chance l can be of some service to Lincoln
men,"
Leaving him to himself, we will for moment
glance at the two Companies which were SO
fercely contending for victory.
The day had already began to cast a faint
light over the scene Of conflict, and as it dis
PEELED the shadows of night, the bloody and
begrmmed countenances of tho men were re-
vealed
Mark followers stood firm and collected, and
as they once more came in contact with their
foes, the unerring precision with which the
blows were aimed, told with fearful effect upon
the opposing ranks. Tt was evident that Skin
ner had but part of his men in the affray, and
yet they were nearly double the number with
whom they had to contend. Thicker and faster
fell the blows, and the fierce lmprecatons of
the Try leader contrasted vividly with the low
yet ern words of command that issued from
Mark Lincoln's lips. Occasionally man fell
beneath the weapons of their adversares, but it
was only to ncte them to more vigorous efforts,
and with renewed zeal they sprang to the con-
fict.
There was n momentary cessation in the
strife. and leaning upon their weapons, the two
Companies gazed at each other with feelings in
which there was but little of friendship mingled.
"Mark Lincoln, said Skinner, stopping for.
ward, SIT is useless for you to continue this
struggle. Already your men are falling
around you, while we have nearly double your
number here. What, think you, will be gain
ed by prolonging this strife till the remainder
of my men arrive?'
=" 1t is useless for you to attempt to intimi-
date us, replied Mark, in a stern tone; "w'
know your reputation. s. long as there is 9
man by my side, we'll fight you.
- 'Tis only sheer madness for you to think o
holding out against us. Yield now. and yo,
shall be treated as prisoners of war. Resist
and not man of you will be spared to see tn
close of day"
Your words smack of confidence, VILLAIN,
replied Mark in a voice of irony but the
have no more effect upon me.than the wind
to your hands but to receive an ignominou
death. You prate about treating us as prison
ers of war! When did the oppressors of tn
: Colonies commission you to fight against you
country? Liar, you have none save your ow
passions to empower you to do do the work {
the devil whom you serve. On, my men Ono
InUre W tl6 CuubtSt LOU no GCttCil biiCu VIA
blood, nor rapne. are the motives that go'
ern u.s.
Again the fight went fercely on, but as bio
: after blow FELL no decided advantage was ev
dent to either. Suddenly, by we'll ldlrecte
blow, Marks sword flew from his hand, an
y the next instant one of the Tories raised h
r weapon to strike. 81 eager had Mark been thu
he did not notice that he was partially separate
from his men, till now, and look of despa
7 crossed his features lnstnctvely he raised h
arm to ward off the blow, but the , fort w
not needed. The sharp report of a rife brol
a upon the air, and the Tory fell without groa
e prayer Of gratitude asconded from. Mark
y heart, for this timely interpostion from an
" known source, and seizlng his sword, he on
more urged on his men.
II "Who-w whoop!" exclaimed voice at IL
u moment, which sent thrill of joy throu,
le Mark s frame. " Pitch into the beasted he
thens. Ilooray for a skrimmage-a reg'l
id fight. with small chaince O. gittin chaw
to up by the sneakin' varmints,' y and dlschargi
his weapon, the speaker approached Mari
side.
Hopkins he exclaimed eagerly, ~
n glad you re here, for we need every man now
"And thar aint but small hope o. whippi
the thieves, reckon?"
o I" There is not. Should their rcinforceme
come up, we must retreat"
That ar would go agn my grain, but
id vast comes to wust, | suppose wei hev
it show EN- our heels =
A loud shout was now heard in the distan
a accompanied by the discharge of weapons.