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

bing his rife, disputed the passage of the re-
mainder, who yainly attempted to seize Mark as
, he went.
Beware!" /" muttered Rand, in stern tone.
Beware, if you value your lives. would
not harm you, yet attempt to pass, and you IL
regret it,"
" Cowards " shouted Forney, who had
arisen to his feet. is it thus that you fear to
attack single man. Seize him, or your heads
shall atone for the prisoners escape
Thus urged, the two men who remained at
tempted to execute their leaders bidding, but
to fall beneath the well-aimed blows of the
Scout.
Now exclaimed Rand, turning to Forney
I" tell your master that ere he deceives me again,
let him count his COST" and with these words he
loft the room.
/ A moments delay, however, had proved fatal
to his safety, for at that moment the horde of
Tories from the room above came rushing down,
and incited by Forney, thrust Rand once more
into the room he had Just loft.
"The prisoner" F." exclaimed Skinner, as his
eye ran quickly around the room. "Speak,
Forney, and tell me where is the man you was
left to guard
Escaped" uttered Forney, trembling.
Escaped? Do you dare tell me Mark Lin
coin has escaped your"
"Aye; but could not prevent it.
"Could not? By the rod you shall rue it,
then " and Skinner aimed blow at the others
head
Hold p" said Rand, seizng the descending
arm. Harm him not, villain. 'Tis to me to
whom you are to look for Mark Lincoln's es-
cape.''
You?" shouted the Tory Captain. "Is
this your work." he continued, pointing to
the fallen men.
"Aye, mine, Skinner. You thought to de-
ceive me, and the result of your base scheme is
) before you"
c. Yes bnt you We sealed your doom, Rand
As live, you shall suffer the fate that we were
about to mete out to Mark Lncoln.''
" Never, villain. Yours is not the power to
hang me. Beware how you excite the passions
that dwell within me-"
Take him, my men, and a dozen of you
but no, tits useless. Mark Lincoln, ere this, is
safe in some of his secret hiding places"
Back " said Rand firmly. "Do not touch
me if you would live. Is it thus you would
seize me at your traitors command, without
cause? ?"
On, my men He has released one of your
most bitter enemies
"Aye," added Forney. "Look at our COM
rades, who have fallen by his hand. Let us
punish him as he merits
Would you meet their fate {? :" asked Rand,
fixing his eye steadily upon the men, as he
sprang for corner of the room.
Cowed for time, they hcsitated but it was
only for moment Once more they neared
him, and the foremost fell.
81 warn you to desist from this attempt
Do you wish to take me? Fall back, then, and
will deliver you my arms"
"Do not trust him; tis only to gain new
ground" muttered Skinner. " A dozen guineas
to the first who seizes him.
"Fools " exclaimed Rand, tossing his rifle
among the group, and folding his arms. "Will
you still do his biddng?"
In an instant, those who had been most eager
in the afray, fell back, and gazing at the groups
Thomas Rand spake:
Comrades, shall l have the privilege of
speaking to you, or will you throttle me at
SINNERS beck, as if l were beast -
No, no." let him speak, came from those
who had not been participators in the ARRAY.
81 thank you for this" said Rand, with
grateful look; ; I" and now that you have given
me chance, will tell you why have releas-
ed your prisoner tonight. 1t is long that we
have been together, and can any of you say
that ever proved a trator?"
"No! " came from nearly the whole group.
"Have not endangered my life for your
safety, when your craven-hearted leader feared
to do his duty?"
"Yes, many times"
"Cease 81" shouted Skinner, in rage "This
is treason
Treason said Rand, casting look of
whitening contempt upon Skinner. "Shall
speak, men!"
"Aye, speak, Rand"
81 am Commander here, and if yon traitor
speaks, you shall suffer-
Go on-we'll hear you," muttered the
group, casting angry glances at Skinner, and
closing round tbs Scout
"The face of the Tory Captain was livid with
rage, but he spoke not
81 have periled my life for your safety, and
did ever have sovereign that was not shared
with you?"
"No."
"Now hear me,' continued Rand, as he saw
the effect of his words upon the men. 81 had
sister once, whom loved better than nv own
life, but there came one who ruined, and then
deserted her. Would you suffer such an one to
go unpunished ?"
A loud murmur of threats, mingled with
negatives, was the answer to this appeal
The spoiler was suffered to go unharmed,
and my sister died. He came to your leader,
and offered him five hundred pounds if he
would take Mark Lincoln's life, and have yeu
seen any of the gold, comrades?"
mo"
"And yet you were to do the work."
eyes," muttered the men, glancing al Skin
ner.
The man you weuld have hung, saved my
life oncc, and when he was taken | begged a
trial. 1t was promised, and promised too, that
! should he present; but after breaking his