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


now, for they're preparing to fire again.
"Retreat! - said Mark in low tone to his
men. Make your way to the north opening,
and don't halt till you reach it. I'll join you
at the Retreat
Obedent to this order, the men turned from
the spot, and as they did SO, another volley was
poured upon the Tory ranks. Unfortunately
for Mark, his order for a retreat from the con-
test came too late. A ball from the rife of one
Of the Yagers, missing its intended mark, struck
him just as his men were disappearing from
view. He attempted to rally and Join them,
but the effort was vain one, and INK help
less to the ground. The result Ees not un-
noticed by his enemies, and with a shout Of tri-
umph, they approached him.
So The time has come, at last, Mark Lincoln,
when you can no longer brave my power. Dr.
der retreat he continued, turning to his
lieutenant, and let our foes give up the chase,
or follow, as they choose. You did not think
of this moment, Mark Lincoln, when you re-
fused my offer to treat you as prisoner OF
war, said Skinner, with look Of fendish
malignity, as borne by his men, they hurried
Mark from the scene Of the conflict
Il did," replied Mark firmly. 81 took into
consideration this moment when | refused your
offer. My situation now is no worse than it
would have been then. You dare not injure me
unless you are content to meet the retrlbuton
which will follow"
"' Dare not?' What think you, rebel, pre-
vents me from ting as my Judgment dictates
in this matter "
Nothing. perhaps; and yet, fate similar
to my own is sure to be neted out to you.
by whom?"
"The men who, with force but half as
large as your own, have so nobly withstood you
to-day"
DO not deceive yourself, Mark Lincoln
The day is coming, and that speedily, when
every man in your troop will own allegiance to
King George. This war cannot last long-'tis
idle for a few raw militia to attempt an opposl-
ton to the best the Mother country can pro-
duce."
"I am not deceived The sun Of liberty will
dawn, and that Of oppression set in gloom, ere
many vears-perhaps not one shall have passed.
Then, for the men who follow me and every
other leader in this struggle, who fights for JUS
tice and equity, there will be a reward richer
than tho Sovereign of England caf bestow-
the prayers of those whose homes and lives We
have helped protect; and for you---dcmon, the
crowns and emoluments you and youS follower
expect, will vanish like mist before tire morning
sum- and when peopl mention your name, II
will be but to curse it."
at i'll becomes you to be thus free OF
speech, exclaimed Skinner angrily as Mark
stinsing remarks fell upon his ear. 8 YoI
do not realize that your life is iu my power.
Ave, sir, do realize it but whle | have
the liberty of speech, shall utter what senti
ments choose, even though they fall unpleas
antly upon your ear
discretion should tell you that such word
will not tend to lessen the severity OF your lot.
Perhaps, sill Tory, that it should, yet &C
copt not your advice. The record of your whol
career is black with crime, and envy you no
the curses of the widow and the iatherless---'
> "Hold!" shouted Skinner interraptinl
! Mark. " Ne more, sir, if you wish your life
much less, your tongue spared you"
f Mark was but slightly wounded. The bal
i had barely grazed his head, depriving him for
!, moment of consciousness, yet he had lain passiv
e as child in the arms of his captors, while the
deemed him incapable of effort. His sword yt
!, remained in its sheath, for so weak had the
Y thought him that they neglected to remove i
= Putting forth his utmost exertions, he thre'
off the grasp of the men who held him, an
is drawing his sword, confronted his captors. L
l. felt conscious that he might die in the strugg
e yet it were better to perish thus than by the i
If nominious death that awaited him.
n "At him, my men !! +" cried Skinner. Il
'f cannot hold out against you long. Spare h
,e life ts too easy death for him to die by yo'
lt weapons"
v g You tempt your lives, if you advance
sad Mark. 1.-The first man who comes with
W reach of my weapon dies, and the next. fe
L you not"
I'd Heed not his words he, ~ but sing gle mi
I'd against three of you. On, say, or you sha
is rue it,
at 1t was evident that the men little liked Il
I'd prospect before them for remembering the her
ir ism which their opponent had exhibited in Il
rs conflict Just terminated, they feared to encou
as ter him. But the words Of Skinner inct
ke them to action and clubbing their rifles, tn
n. sprang forward. Grasping his sword firmly
,'s the hilt. Mark dealt the foremost a blow viii
n deprived him of further effort, and raised it
&c ward off the attack of his second adversary.
Fearing like fate might be meted out to hi
lls the man advanced with caution, and by a Dc
5h trous movement, Marks weapon was snapp
"a in twain as it met she others rife. This 4
ar not escape SINNERS eye, and ere Mark h
ed time to draw his pistols, the Tory leader "
ng upon him. With an oath, he aimed blow
rs Mark, but parrying it, the latter seized his Q
ponent, and they fell together to the EARTH
m " Now, villain, it is life or death to Q
:" Of us, said Mark, as Skinner made vigoru
in effort to gain the ascendancy.
"Ayei" missed the Tory between his tcet
mt I" tits life or death, but not here, Mark Lnco
not here. A rope is only fit for snch as you
if The struggle was now Of short duration,
to the Company reached the spot and soon Maj
bound hand and foot, was hurried towards /
ce, Tory rendezvous. Traces of the struggle br
A as it had been, were visible upon Skinner's bro