Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-02-03

our last meeting at Harding's, am confident
my footsteps have been dogged, and once think
detected some one watching me-"
- Did you obtain view of his features so as
to recognize them -
3" Put imperfectly yet am confident that it
could have been none other than Mat Ward" :"
i" The Maniac?" uttered Palmer.
" Some are pleased to apply that term to
him, though I doubt the justness of the ap-
pellation. 1t is strange he has such hold up
on the confidence of the settlers here For
aught know to the contrary, he may be spy
from our enemies, assuming this plea of insani-
ty that he may the more efectually shield him
self from detection
The elder Palmer arose and began with quick,
nervous strides to pace the room. His son gazed
with wondering look upon his sudden excite
ment.
81 hardly think you are correct said Pal
mer at length, seating himself, and turning to
his son. 'Those who have known him for
years, tell me he has exhibited this alteration
at times, then would be perfectly sane, and
again wholly devoid of reason
" You seem to takea special interest in regard
to him. SAID the son, watching his fathers
features.
81 have, it is true, placed sufficient confidence
in him to entrust to his care the transaction of
some important business replied Palmer, after
Il moments hesitation.
Concerning the scheme We have been dis
cussing? " rejoined the younger quickly, while
a shade of anxiety rested upon his face.
"No-mercly private affairs. And yet,
Should he see fit to betray me, have the salts
faction of knowing that he cannot injure me,
for no one will give crederce to his statements. "
GA business which, if public, might prove
injurious, should, think be entrusted to those
who are known to be faithful to your interests. y
'''Tis such as would care to trust to but
few hands, however faithful. You need ques-
ton no farther, as it is an affair which can in
no way concern you,' continued Palmer, seeing
the inquiring look upon the face Of his son.
There was a knock upon the door of the
room in which they were sitting at this mo-
ment, and bidding the applicant enter, Palmer
beheld, as the door swung open, the form OF
Mat Ward pallid look overspread the fea-
lures of both father and son as they saw him.
Perchance he was listener to the conversation
which had been going on, and it was not
strange fear of the consequences, were this
the case, took possession Of their minds But
if the occupants of the room were excited at
the appearance of one who bad so recently
formed the subject of their remarks. their feel
ings were not destined to be allayed when they
witnessed the emotion which moved the Maniac
as his eye rested upon the features of the
younger Palmer A marble statue could have
been no whittier than his face, or more apparently
rigid than his form, as he stood with those two
piercing orbs fixed inteutly upon the counte-
nance of the man before him
" Perhaps am an intruder here," he NUT
tered, turning to the elder; 90 if So will re-
tire, and we can transact our business at some
moro suitable time
You are no intruder, Ward. My son,
sir.
"A fit representative of his sire. He is worthy
of you, sir, replied Ward, sneer breaking
over his face, as coldly drawing back, he re-
fused the hand proFared him.
| Won in nF rnnOda Ward
said Palmer, as he noticed this movement.
You are wrong, sr-I am sane to-day.-
Your son does not seem to recognize me- yet
think we have met before
81 know you not, save as | have heard you
spoken of through the Province
Time often obliterates countenances from
the memory, but yours, sir, is stamped as indel-
IDLY upon mine as if it were burnt there
81 will retire, sir, as you have some business
with my father. My presence seems to excite
you, and may, perchance, bring on your insan-
ity again"
Heaven grant you may be out of my pres
ence when the fit does come on. am not ans
werabe for my acts in moments of insanity
Perchance ere go you can inform mt
where we may have met"
Not now, sir. shall SEQ you again, and a
word even, will recall to your mind time, place
and circumstances.
The younger Palmer left the room, and Ward
remained alone with the elder.
"Well, Ward, long time has elapsed since
our last mceting-longer by far than judged
would pass by ere | should see you again.
81 deemed that should visit you ere this
when our last interview took place, but various
circumstances have transpired to prevent my
coming"
'.It matters but little that you have delayed
so long il YOU have hut to I'll me of the sue
cessful prosecution of the work ! sent you t,
perform. You found the place to which | di
rectel YOU /? "
"I did, sir.
} "And but little to prevent you from doin,
your work 2"
"On the contrary, there were several difficult
ties to be overcome ere could do your bid
I ding"
, 1.-The daughter had to be enticed by SOM
means SO as to be absent from the cottage?"
: :" mo, sir; she was not present when enter
{ ed the dwelling of Mrs. Archer. :
" The negro, them chanctd to be there 2"
Y "iou are wrong again, sir. The house wa
e devoid of occupants save the object sought. +"
j 9 | do not comprehend, then, the dificulte
: you have referred to. Can you inform m
y what they were2"
g g / can, sir. The first was, a conscienc
that told Inc that to do your bidding was sin
Y ming against both Human and Divine Laws.