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

|
| am sane now, if you have any business, but do
not begin by trying to implant feeling of fear
in my bosom for you can never do it,
Palmer gazed some moments at the Maniac
eyes intently fixed on those of the man before
him.
81 do not wish to terrfy you, War& but
you can bring no proof of the truth T what
you have just stated. Who told you of this?"
No mytter, sir, whepa obtained my ihfor
nation. 1t is sufficient for me to know that it
is true
You speak confidently upon this point.
81 speak of what know, sir
"You can enjoy your own opinion, Ward
neither deny nor affirm the charge you have
made. Now for the business wish you to un-
dertake. l have been waiting an hour for your
presence y
81 cannot help it, sir. Other business in
terferred to prevent my coming at the appoint
ed time
MAY ask what business?" said Palmer,
as he thought he detected slight agitation in
Wards voice.
Certainly, sir, you can ask, but I decline
reply" said Ward coolly.
The tone in which this was uttered grated
harshly upon Palmers nerves, and he exclaimed
passonately;
Ward, it will be we'll for you to act in a
more respectful manner toward those who are
your superiors."
"My superiors " sneered Ward, glancing at
Palmer, the whole expression of his counte-
nance indicative of contempt. Joel Palmer
ma superior Pardon me, sir, if am 80 OBJ
tuse as not to recognize in what this superiority
consists.
81 will tell you," said Palmer, his passions
kindling, L" that a poor maniac is not to be
classed with one in my position in society,"
We are the children of common parent,
but God has afflicted me by destroying at times
: my reason. am not to answer for this; then
why are you, who would attempta cold-blooded
murder, my superior? You may be, sir, in
8 wealth, but the time will come when you
/, would give all your gold to change position
0 with me.
We have both been hasty, Ward. There
g is my hand-let this conversation be forgotten
6 i was wrong, but your words aroused my
a passions"
: i" | accept your apologies, sir, and now am
70 hoo ubo 70 " 10
You know all the inhabitants for some
@ miles around here, think?"
}. &C Yes, sir, have spent the most of my time
e for the last six months in this region"
g And in your wanderlngs have, no doubt
It made the acquaintance of a widow lady, by the
e name of Archer
h Archer, Archer, repeated Ward. "Thert
h is something familiar in that name, and yet
g do not remember where have heard it,
&" | cannot tell you the precise location of the
A. spot, but it is not far from where the Tories en-
sr camped short time since"
~ ''Can you describe the kind of dwelling sht
to occupies?"
er "Yes. If | mistake not, it is Of one story
re and quite large upon the ground floor She ha'
re daughter,-sh being confined herself most o
1, the time, | believe, to the bed"
of 81 recall to mind the place now. have seer
in the daughter you speak Of, but the woman ha
a. always been in the adjoining room
j. There is no one else save a negro servant
as who lives there, SO you could not mistake you
We aim"
ch Mistake my am said Ward, gazing cen
nd ly at the man before him. Palmer started sud
he denly, as he became conscious of his words ant
on said:
,s That was a mere slip of the tongue, Ward
a was thinking of something else. meant tina
he you would not mistake the woman, if were t
send you there"
NJ 81 think | could find her, sir"
g The message wish you to carry is pecJ
liar one, and want you should promise invi,
liable secrecy before we proceed farther
" never make such promises, sir If yo
nd are afraid to trust me without promise yo
cannot expect that merely my word will bin
his me to regard the confidence placed in me v
But, Ward, this is something known by ,
>. one save myself, and millions would not teml
in me to reveal it, Were not confident you won
no never let it proceed from you to others. Simp
ma. give your promise of secrecy, and | am sati
M fed"
ho NO, | will make no promises to bride il
tongue. You say that the words Of al mani
~, can have no influence, why then do you fear
~ trust me 80 Surely no one will will give cr
- dence to my statements"
!, =" " care not for this, Ward 1t is a sec,
> p" which would work to my injury heard from Al
=, lips.
'' a. There IS nothing to alter my decision, +
If you do not wish to reveal this thing to me
t. am content to let it pass
rust Promise me, - said Palmer, after a nome,
You hesitation, - that if you reveal what tell y
ness to night, you will Immediately come to t
tell place, and tell me that you have betrayed
tur- confidence
that That is strange promise which you leQu
to Of me, Palmer Were / to batray your col
denco, would not the same disposition prom
mar me to break my promise
" 1t matters not-all ask is your word. -
have " Well, then, give it, From my own
man you shall first hear that betray you.
That is sufficient, Ward. In order that
may fully understand my object in sending ,
'rta to Mrs. Arohers, shall be obliged to tell ,