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

With the first beams of the morning sun,
Thomas Rand approached SINNERS tent His
eve rested on Mark Lincoln as he entered, and
the latter with difficulty restrained an exclama-
tion of Of joy as he beheld him. The presence
of Rand inspired ray of hope in his heart.
You are in season. said Skinner, as he
looked up from his writing.
Eyes; is your message ready?'
"Itis;" and producing it, Skinner handed
it to the Scout "You will not fail to observe
the precautions have named"
"No; your message shall be delivered safely
into the hands of the person to whom it is ad-
dressed"
As the Scout left the tent, he turned towards
Mark, unseen by Skinner, and uttered in low
tone
Do not fear the result. Your trial is de-
layed until return Hope for the best"
Mark returned grateful smile, and Rand
departed from the camp. Leaving him to pur-
sue his way towards the Highlands, we will pre-
cede him, and once more glance within the
room where the Maniac formed the strange COM
pact with Joel Palmer to accomplish Mrs
Archer's death. There are two occupants o
the room now-father and son. The son is but
a type of his sire, and the strong unmarked
points of resemblance are visible to the most
casual observer.
"You have been long absent from home,
said the elder, as he looked up from some papers
upon which he had been engaged.
True. sir; but it was impossible to leave
my command until the present time. Ever
now my duty calls me back, and l am only
waiting to hear from friend with whom have
some business here in the Province, ere | re
sumo the charge of my Company"
"And the prospect, think you, is brighten
ing; and ere long King George will reign
without opposition, in these Colonies?"
ave; the time cannot be far distant when
even with the force now occupied in this strug
gle, the rebellion will be named as an event thai
is past. And should the forces at present oc
cupied in the work of sabjugating the Colonies
prove inefficient, We have promise of arenforce'
ment which will sweep everything before It,
1T will be glorious event, for those who
have proved loyal to the interests of our mos
gracious Sovereign, when His Majesty shall es
tablish his government here. He will not fai
to confer honor upon, such as have maintained
his cause"
"Or disgrace and ignominy upon the oppo
sers of his law, added the son.
Yes centianed the elder, his eye kindlng
4s the lea ders of this accursed and fanatica
usurpation of lawful sovereignty, will most bit
tsrly rue the day when they identified them
selves with an undscplino1 rabble.'
Proud, indeed, must the leaders be of thu
men who follow them. Yet it is true they ex
hbit courage which is wholly unaccountable
and unexpected to our troops. 1t partakes
however, much Of reckless daring, and few
unsuccessful battles will destroy the ardor will
which they entered into the war;
"I think you are right. They have beel
wrought up to an unwonted pitch of enthusi
asm by the incendiary speeches of the leaders
and it only remains for our well diciplined vet
Grams to teach them few lessons which vii
give them different view of the case. How
comes on the scheme which you detailed to m
at your last visit concerning the junction ant
. .,'ration of those of our supposed enenie
w.., having seen their error. wish to serv
their lawfal King
~ cannot tell you aught definite in regard t
it," returned the younger, an uneasy loo
dwelling upon his countenance as he spoke
"Since saw you, have hal an interview wit
Hicks, and everything seemed to augur tn
most gratifying success of our plans. He pos
sessed passes from Tryon, Washington, and GU
own leaders, so you perceive he has access
the several parties with whom he has to comniu
nicate, without exciting suspicion
"Your looks do not indicate so successful
state of affairs as your words would warrin
one in believing exists said Palmer, gain
keenly at his son. " While furnish the mon
ey requisite to carry on this scheme, shoal
know fully the progress which has been made.
Ido not hesitate to reveal to you all til
minutiB of this plot from any desire to kee
you in ignorance of its real aspect, but ther
have some circumstances transpired of lat
which cause some apprehension in my min
concerning its success. | have not relate
them, as | did not wish to afford you IN
grounds Of fear upon what after all, may
only idle speculation
" Being personally interested, wish to kno
even the least cause for fearing the ill-succsss
our scheme
I" The circumstances alluded to are these
is several days since Hicks promised to meet n
Mt given point, and he has neither appeart
nor given me the reason of bis strange delay
Heretofore he has been punctual, aud kno
not what construction to put upon his abson
at our appointed time OF meeting"
"Many things may have interviewed to pr
vent his obtaining a leave of absence Can
be possible that rumor Of this has reach
Wsshington's sars2 :"