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

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CHAPTER XXI.
THE sKNNERs FoILED-A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE.
"What discoveries have you made?' asked
Ward, as Rand came up.
sMark Lincoln is in yonder room there are
six men around him, Offering every insult that
their minds, infamed by strong drink, can sug-
gest."
ssAnd must we stand here idle while this
goes on?"
"No! Another hour shall see Mark beyond
the reach of those villains, or perish in the at
tempt to save him."
81 am with you in this, Rand. We can
contend successfully, 1 think, against these
drunken jewellers. But you have not taken
into consideration the probability of the others
coming to the rescue"
" Yes" said Rand, his eye flashing; " they
are in the room above, but am going single
handed and alone to meet them, and snatch
Mark from their power"
"No, Rand, you shall never enter the Inn
alone. 1t would be miracle, at least, were
you to oppose them and come forth unharmed." !"
yet | shall do it. You can be of no benefit
to me. l have dealt with these rufdanse ere this.
You have your pistols Ward ?"
Yes"
I" 'Tis well, for you will need them, think,
before this affair is over. As soon as enter
the Inn, proceed to the spot where the horses
are confined, and have three of them ready for
US. If should not join you, mount and ride
for your lives. Don't let any circumstances
prompt you to come to my aid, for it will only
peril your own life. while it cannot benefit me. ="
With a bold step Thomas Rand approached
the Inn and entered the room where Mark was
confined. The latter would have spoken as he
saw him, but a warning glance restrained him.
Where are Skinner and the men?" asked
Rand of the leader of the group.
"Above."
"Why are you here at this unreasonable
hour?" continued Rand.
You can ask Skinner if you wish to learn
that"
But l don't choose to ask him--I put the
question to you."
And tell you that I will not answer any
questions, replied the man surlily.
Forney! " said Rand, q light-which caused
the other to misunderstanding in his eye, " wo
have met before, and under different crcum-
stances from what find you in tonight. 1t is
but a short time since a man was found below
here, shot, and if
"Spare your words, Rand, and you shall
know what you wish
81 thought that spirit could be easily broken.
You should have known me better, Forney,
than to think to thwart me in obtaining rea-
son for your meeting here tonight"
Come" said Forney IF you wish to
learn all, let us retire"
"No; choose to learn it here"
In his presence? asked Forney, glancing
at Mark.
Aye-what harm can it do? You do not
fear he'll betray your secrets?"
~ will not reveal it, at all events, if you
will not leave the room"
81 asked buta simple question, as I have
right to do, holding the position do with the
troops. Again demand to know why Skinner
and the men are here. Do not mistake me- For.
ney. You know, think, my power. Others
haze felt it, and shall not ask this question
again"
There was no mistaking the import of these
words, and after moments hesitation, Forney
replied:
" We have come here for the purpose of exc
outing the prisoner"
To execute the prisoner? Has Mark Lin
coin had trial?"
" Aye, and been found guilty"
Guilty? May ask what crime he has
committed, for which you condemn hm?"
8" know not. 1t is enough that he has been
condemned"
{" l will tell you, then, since you do not
know. He is condemned for protecting the
settlers from the unholy war you wage against
them"
90 You have never done it " muttered Forney
in sneering tone.
"Aye; but that is past now. So you would
consent to the prisoners death, would you?"
Yes; he's an enemy to the cause | serve,
and no effort of mine shall save him."
Thomas Rand neared the other, and ere he
was aware of danger well-aimed blow sent
him reeling to the floor. With an oath the
Others sprang forward, but their progress was
checked as their gaze fell upon the muzzle Of
weapon held by the Scout.
Hark ye, my men, he exclaimed in voice
which awed them. II have no wish for your
ives. We have labored in common cause,
but move toward the prisoner, and the first
dies
There was moments hesitation, hasty
consultation, and then the men once more moved
forward. With bound Rand sprang for
Marks side, and severing the thongs which con-
fined his hands, whispered
"Quick, Lincoln, for the horses in the rear"
Mark was not long in using the freedom
which had been so suddenly given him, and lev
cling with blow the foremost of the rufians.