Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-02-10

Would you have failed to do this, in like cir
cumstances ?"
"We would not" was the reply.
clam in your power, and you can do with
me as you will, but have one favor to ask:
would leave this place unmolested."
&c.," said one of the men coming forward
and handing Rand his rife, "go, and we'll moi
harm you"
A grateful look passed over Rand's face as he
received it.
"Thank you, q thousand thanks for this. I
am sorry I have injured so many of your COM
rades, but could not well avoid it. A few
words to you, Sir leader, ere | 60. You see the
influence of one who is true to the interests o.
your Company beware how you deceive them
me you will never deceive again." and with q
farewell look at the men, Thomns Rand passed
from the Inn, and striking the road, moved
away. He was not long in reaching his cabin
and having fastened the door, and fitted the
blocks to the windows once more, he sought his
bed in the loft.
Skinner in reality had but little power over
the men when Rand was present, and the supe-
rior mind of the latter had SO operated upon
them, through his earnest thrilling words, that
almost ere they were aware that he had proved
an enemy to them by releasing Mark, they had
permitted him to pass unharmed beyond their
reach. Yetsuch power was but transient, and
this the Scout realized as he carefully guarded
against an intrusion, for once absent, revul-
sion of feeling might take place, melted by
Skinner, and his life was not safe from their
vengeance. The morning sun had long been
shining through the crevices of the cabin when
he awoke, for the scenes of the night had ex-
hausted his strength, and after hastily partak-
ing of his simple meal, he left the cabin and
proceeded towards the Highlands.
A period of some weeks had elapsed ere
Thomas Rand again returned to his home. He
proceeded to the room in which we have seer
him exhibit such strong emotions, and having
possessed himself of his sisters miniature, he
left it never to enter it again. He moved from
the cabin in the direction of Mrs Archer's, and
as he neared the spot where the conflict had
taken place which resulted in Mark Lincoln
capture, he heard the sound of footsteps near
him, and looking up, he beheld Hopkins.
"Wall, now,' exclaimed the Scout, I" this
eres lucky. was jest starting out to trail
you
"To trail me ?" "queried Rand
" Yes; we've tried to learn of your where
abouts ever since that ar row up to Hardings
and was about starting out agn."
I" | escaped Skinner's men unharmed."
"Then reckon, if you're agreed, we'll go
in to the Retreat"
care you not afraid to trust me with a
knowledge of the mode Of iugross to yonr
camp?" asked Rand, with smile.
" Nota bit. can't noways see your mo-
tves, but I'm bound to believe you re on our
side''
81 am. Lead the way and will follow you,
for l would see Mark as soon as we can penetrate
this swamp"
1t will take hull hour to go in by the
north opening for it's against our rules to 60 in
by eother, if thar's more than one, for 'twould
leave too big trail" At the expiration of
the time stated by the Scout, they reached the
Retreat.
RANDI" exclaimed Mark, I" 1t gives me
joy to find you safe. What shall DO to re-
turn the service you rendered me?"
Nothing unless you permit me to join
you"
Gladly, and yet would tell you how CRATE
full am.
" You saved my life once, and l told you I
would not soon forget it,"
I" You have not, Rand"
Boyden, how is he p"
Nearly recovered. A few more days and
he can leave the Retreat
"You are not engaged now upon any scheme
against Skinner"
"No; why do you ask?"
" Let us retire farther from the men, and you
shall know Mark and Thomas Rand retired
short distance from the men, and having seat
ed themselves upon fallen tree, the latter con-
tinued
"You remember, Mark Lincoln, our meeting
near Mrs. Archer's?"
:" Yes"
"And l told you to beware Of Palmer pow
er"
"Aye you did, and my men have been in the
vicinity of the cottage since that time.'
How long since they have been there?"
&" Until the time you RELEASED me so oppor-
tunely at the Inn"
"Then we are too late."
"Too late. Rand 2"
"Yes. Read that misslve, and see if you can
comprehend its meaning" Rand handed Mark
a folded note. As he finished its perusal it fell
from his hands.
Grand, is it possible this villain has thwarted
us?"
81 cannot tell you. l trailed him to his
Fathers on the Highlands thee days ago. and
there lost his track. Again found it and
followed him to the vicinity of New York, and
once more lost all clue to his movements. IT'S
evident though by this letter to Skinner, that
he has been to the cottage ere this"
" How long have you had the missive in your
possession :"
I" / found it this morning, in the vicinity Of
Hardings"
"0h, pray Heaven you may be wrong in
your conjectures, and yet the letter hardly bids
me hope. Rand, you have proved friend ere
this--you will not fail me now?"
"No, Mark Lincoln, and if the plots Of
Palmer have been consumated, bitterly shall he
repent the day, when he laid his foul hands up
on Mabel Archer. Should not Boyden know Of
this ? That man NAV aid us ~