Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-01-20

" He fed at your approach"
In which direction?"
Yonder,' replied the wounded man.
Rand gazcd in the direction pointed out, and
started up as he did 50.
You recognize him ?" queried the stran-
ger.
fNo; but there is a way by which can per-
chance learn his name He has stopped, and
thinking himself concealed, is watching US
Let me fix a support for your head, and then 1
will endeavor to ascertain his name.
Rand withdrew the hunting frock which he
wore, and supporting the mans head, cooked
his rife, placing it in readiness so that he could
throw it to his shoulder at moments notice.
Scarcely minute elapsed ere he raised it quick
ly and fired, and then springing to his feet, he
started for the spot where the man had been
concealed.
" He has escaped me-" said Rand, rs he re-
turned although the traces of blood upon
the leaves show that did not miss my mark
1t was too dark to be certain of success at SO
great distance. Now that he has left us, let
me examine your wound Where did the ball
strike you?"
Here" said the wounded man, placing his
hand upon his breast. The Scout tore open the
hunting shirt, and examined the wound as well
as the feeble light would permit,
What do you think of it?"
The ball, | perceive has passed out at the
shoulder, and from its direction I should not
judge it to have tpuhced vital part
Z" Can you save me? Can you not get me to
some spot where my wound can be dressed?"
The nearest place is my own cabin. If you
can but walk, could get you there, and then
procure assistance -
" Bind up my wound, as well as possible, and
by your aid think can walk there
" You do not fear, then, to trust me ~
"No, you have proved yourself friend, and
may Heaven bless you as do" replied the
man in grateful tone.
4" You shall have all the care | can bestow
and when you hear the name of Rand, the rene
gade, mentioned, tell them he has a heart to fee
for those in Distress.
" Your actions have proved it. Oh, you shall
never regret your Kindness
With careful hand, Thomas Rand bound vi
the man s wound with remnant of his hunt
ing shirt, and then asked him how he felt.
60 Easier, sir; but | am very weak
THAT is natural-as you have lost larg
will soon enable you to recover from this.
will assist you to rise if you feel strong enough.
With Rand's assistance the man arose
" Can you walk? If not, | shall be oblige'
to obtain assistance"
"0h, yes, by your aid"
A half hour elapsed ere they reached til
Scouts cabin.
81 have but poor bed to offer you," sal
Rand, ''and that in the loft
at matters not. The ground is often IN
resting place.
After carefully closing and securing the door
Rand struck light.
You are cautious, see. Do you fear a
intrusion here?" asked the wounded man
look of concern passing over his face
81 know not what may take place, and it
best to be prepared for emergencies. One thin
wish to know Are you a Whig or Tory?'
"Why do you wish to know this?"
That | may the better serve you. If yo
know me you know that am a Tory, but, |
you one or the other, am your friend
. | am in your power, and you can do wit
me as you will 1t would be unjust to barbl
suspicion against you after what has take
place. am Whig.'
cit is enough. Though in reality fgl
against my country, yet pray that the tin
may come when the arms of the patriots sha
repel every invader from our Shores
" Expressing such sentiments, why do yc
: serve leader whose name is coupled with Il
most desperate crimes?"
Z" No matter now, sir. We are talking tC
long, and your wound should be attended to in
mediately. know something Of the healiu
art and will do what can for you. The woul
= needs careful attention to prevent inaammatic
taking place, and then with some one to sta
Q by you for short time and attend to yo
wants, all will be we'll"
Grand" said the wounded man, gazing
the Tory with u searching look, as he assist
!, him to the loft and placed him upon be
l. 4" why is it that you take this interest in o
d who is an liter stranger to you?"
J. Why do you ask? Because l am in
!, mood to do it, There are times, sir, when L
Is better nature rules me-'tls thus now."
II " But the name you bear is not mention
- with such deeds as this
is "No it is not, and oft when word wor
e save me, they drive me by their taunts to N
e deeds of violence. But, sir, when have p
e formed good deed, the act in itself is rewa
l. enough
0, The wounded man watched Thomas Ran
: features as he proceeded to dress his wound
Is There was no mistaking the truth OF what Ri
uttered. The task accomplished, Rand gave
1t patient some slight stimulent, and again
er quired how be felt.
Much better. think by your aid, st
u. soon recover from this,'
ct " You will, sir, if -" The Tory hesita
as if doubtful whether to proceed.
d, What, sir? If there is any danger to
Q. aprehended, let me know the worst
in ~ have no fears for your recovery, if we
n, left unmolosted, >
I'd = What mean you?' asked the mana Il
Of eager inquiry passing over his features.
w words were hardly uttered, when he sank b,
a. with n proan