Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1860-02-02


reaching the road, walked carelessly along, like
any ordinary traveller, for couple of rods, then
turned, exposing a small pale blue light on his
breast and walked back. After walking back
and forth several times, another light appeared
coming down the hill from the tavern, and
then both disappeared, and the two men, who
MO Manelli, met opposite the store house, fell
upon one knee, and pronounced at the same in
stant, the word
Braniue."
Then they went and leaned up against the
end of the store ehouse, where they cOnversed in
a whisper for q few minutes, and then stealth
lily entered the building, let themselves down
into the Dark Hole, struck light, and seated
themselves upon some rude benches, constructed
for the purpose, and proceeded to discuss the
business that more Immediately concerned
them.
&" Important ne,cs said Manelia, thinking
Of Socum's letter. Well, spit it OUT
Ye-s," said Slocum slowly.
"Come, come, what is It'll?
POSSIBLY was mistaken
Tell better when hear it, answered Ma
nelli.
Yes" said Slocum again.
"What do you mean, 81 ?" asked Manellia,
slightly annoyed at Slocum's tardiness. Why
don't you set it running out Of you .
"I've changed my mind"
Whd?"
"Ive changed my mind, repeated Slocum.
"What about?" said Manelli, little irri-
tated. :" hope you know me.
Yes"
"Snon Slocum, look here; if you've got
any meOs for me, want it. Do you under
stand?"
81 think do yes
Well, sir, what does this sseda, Mr. Slo-
cum said Manelli, Eisiss Have ever
abused YOU 4
No, you've used mo- HSiocum.
Manelli opened his eyes
" How %
d" You have used me, repeated Slocum slow
ly.
Manelli understood his position perfectly,
and pursued the course which he thought the
tbest.
"D-n my eyes must bear this?" ex.
claimed Manelli in passion, "Do you knou
me 2"
"I think we know each other ;-yes.'
By the Gods, l hope you understand that
you are in my power
"I understand that we are-guits," said
Slocum, rising.
{" 'Sdeath, I'll cut your heart out > said
Manelll, drawing large knife.
" And I'll blow your brains out " said Slo
cum firmly, drawing and cooking large pistol
Manelli was put aback at the strange con
duct of Slocum. lie found he had undertaken
to play the wrong game, and lkened himself
en- pasSdnt, to Alberto in the cavern some hours
before, and recollected that the same pOwe'
which gave himself confidence in the presence O.
Alberto, gave it to Slocum in has presence The
advantage was all on Maneli's side, in the one
case, and upon Socum's in the other, for thu
very good reason that whatever might be said
Manelli really held the pOwer against Alberto
and Slocum against Manelli.
Slocum, what do you mean?" asked Ma
nelli, little calmed g Have I over misuseC
you ?"
"You have used me, Antonio"
8" don't understand YOU
"Let me explain: I have put into you
poo ct, in the course of the year, seven thou
sand dollars"
- Impossible "
q Here's the figures
Slocum produced small memorandum book
which Manelli examined, and was forced t
confess that Slocum was right.
T Its even so," said Manelli. !" You hav
done me good service, and am the more sur
prised at your present conduct"
And you have paid me -
How much?" said Manelli, as Slocur
hesitated.
f Two hundred and twenty-five dollars"
(" Yes, double that.
: "Not any. Not single red, over two hun
, dred and twenty-five dollars have received
! See for yourself said SloCum, holding ou
0 the aforesaid memorandum book.
f." Antonio didn care to look,
/" Yes, Slocum, you have done remarkabl
we'll, and shall pay you better Tor the time