Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1860-03-22

sound of her voice should tell tales of her where
abouts, she tapped the marc gently with her
whip, but she paid no attention to it, she
struck harder, but it made no difference. Kate
stood as firm as though hitched to a rock.
As Mrs. Howard became accustomed to the
deeper darkness, the dim outline of q man
could be seen at the horse's head.
"D0n't be Uneasy, missus," he said at the
same time. i" Better keep yerself good-nater-
ed, and larn to bear these little mishaps kind
O. cool. It's an almighty deal the best way, on
tho whole. We amt goin' to hender you much
only minute or SO. Don't be bit afraid;
nobody amt goin' to hurt you. Nick's jest
goin to take the money whilst I hold the pony
for you to git out. Nick "
Yes; in a miuute," said Nick, who was
only few feet from the carriage. " have
been listening back here little for Travellers
Your money, if you please, Mrs Howard, - said
he with the utmost politeness
"Oh, don't, DON'T! " she exclaimed. ''0h,
what shall do?"
"Don't be in the least alarmed, Mrs. How
ard" continued the man, standing almost def
erentially by the side of the wagon. '' We
always use our customers well. Will you
pass me the cash ?"
"Oh, you will not, you will not do it
can not give it up, said Mrs. Howard earnest
ly, fearing the loss of the money quite as much
as any personal danger.
"Beg your pardon, my good woman, but the
money we must have, replied the man coOlly.
We always treat customers we'll, and expect
from them the same in return We are little
impatient, sometimes, and beg you to recollect
that people are liable to be passing here in the
road at any time, which would make it very
disagreeable for US, you know. shall give you
one more chance to accommodate us, and but
one-will you give me the money!"
"Oh, what shall I do, what can do?" she
said to herself. 81 am wholly at their mercy.
How can you take my money!" she said inn
ploringly to the wretch who stood with so
much sham respect before her. {" You know
, my name, and you must know that there are
thousands that can spare it better than I. Oh,
if you only OOuld-"
"We are no respecters of persons" said the
, other quickly, making movement to get into
the wagon.
Perceving that there was no possible way to
escape or evade his demand, she drew the purse
| that was of such priceless value to her, and
: handed it to the inexorable robber
: "Thank you, madam
d Mrs Howard made no reply.
: Shall l assist you to alight?"
"Oh, is it not enough-,OiH you not let me
}, 60 now?"
" {" Certainly; but you must walk, of course
;. We have got business for the team. Com" "
e " Do you mean it-tUiH you force me tC
|, walk through this terrible place three miles TO-
IT night? Why don't you murder me Pit would
l. scarcely be worse"
n "Shall I help you out?"
rs Old Kate, guided by the man at her head
l. began to back, cramping the wagon to turr
Or round.
% "Qulck, my good woman" said the man
ID reaching up to take her hand.
10 Seeing that they were bent on taking th'
IN team, too, she leaped quickly out on the othe
az side, and fed with terror through the dark for
'e est, towards home.
BE kind enough to recommend us to you
as friends, Mrs. Howard" :" continued the wretch
ne We never fail to give satisfaction, and we ar
~ nightly in want of customers just now. Goot
nj night" and with these remarks, spoken in
kind and respectful manner, as much so
ne though their meaning was real, and not all
'e- farce, the two accomplished highwaymen step
ne ped into the carriage, and drove back toward
OF Delevan.
as Mrs. Howard almost frantic at the loss q
ne her money, and feeling an overpowerng desir
'es to reach home, ran with astonishing rapidit
1T through mud-holes, and over log cause-ways
ID, tearing, and bespattering her clothes with mud
at for mile and half, to the first house, wher
d. she stopped few minutes to rest, and get cal
ID, ried, if possible the r,st of the way home
ng The good people to whom she told her misfol
IL tunes, hardly knew whether to credit her story
tut or believe she had gone insane. In either cas-
1t they concluded 1t would be the best policy
Die comply with her request, and carry her hon
ar- Immediately. Accordingly. to her intense SO
hit isfaction, she soon found herself on the wa
home, in the company Of strong man, give
III to fast driying-.for the timo, at least.