Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1860-01-19

Doat' ana the parties with whom he sailed,
there can be no doubt but it is the very canoe
that went up day before yesterday, and was
seen at daybreak, this morning, hugging the
western shore, with the same two men aboard.
My theory is this: that when the storm came
on, the canoe was driven against and over the
rocks, and that this skowger was thrown out
when the boat upset, as it doubtless did, and
lost his hold, but succeeded in climbing up the
rocks while the fishermen, being more expert
enced in the matter, clung to the boat and were
drifted over the rocks, and into the calm sea be-
yond Hedgehog point, little below which they
were first seen this morning"
." Very well. But supposing you knew this
to be the identical stranger, with his five hun
dred dollars in gold, will fifty dollars apiece
pay for the dangerous precedent of breaking
one of our long established laws, and running
the risk of capture which breaking that law
pre-supposes2" said Manelli, apparently look
ing with displeaSure upon the enterprise, in any
light.
But, Antoine, be you blind? Don't you
see we can make it tOo hundred and fifty dollars
apiece, as we'll as ffty!" said Alberto.
I" Be you, that cove Captain!''
" To say truth, Antoine, am. Not with any
other hawk, however; but the fact is, we have
done double, and, for that matter, quadruple
what any other Of the hawks have, and if we
can make a couple of hundred on a private
speculation of our own, why, here's my hand
on the operation" said Alberto, extending his
hand.
And here's mine," said Manelli, warmly,
grasping the extended hand of Alberto. 81
go in for all such lifts, without further ques-
ton"
In fact, Antoine Manelli had from the first
only seemingly opposed the suggestions of AL
berto, through motives of policy and necessary
precautiOn. Really, it was the consummation
Of plan which he had long labored to accom-
plish
The Captain went to cupboard in the wall
and brought out glasses and decanter of bran
dy, over which they pledged themselves to fideli-
ty and mutual assistance
"0ne little thing, had like to forgot" said
Munelli carelesaly, " and which really is Of no
consequence. yet would like to be humored in
the matter, if you have no objection"
"Of course, have none Name it."
I" If the skowger should really be John How
ard of st. Aubiu, just leave his disposition to
me, as have little interest in seeing him safe
y cared for, that's all" said Manelli, in the
same careless manner.
" A little interest! What possible interest
can you have in John Howard p asked Alberto,
in surprise.
"The interest of ambition" said Manelli,
laughing. "T The truth is, you command every
thing here, and want at least one cove to obey
the snap of my thumb. However, as you
like"
by all means, if that is all. Certainly if
you think there is so much pleasure in COM
manding, relinquish all claim to the sEOwger
on tho rocks" said Alberto Believe me,
though, you will find the pleasure but poorly
pays the trouble" U
Antoine, however, had an object in view
which the Captain never dreamed Of Cunning
but treacherous, his connection with the Night
Hawks was for an object broader and more viii
lainous than he cared to have known.
"What's the weather, outside, Oap'n?'' asked
Maneli. 1ta t.-'s# ttt
"Rough.''
"What craft?'
"Comet. Bring her round
Manila did as directed, and in fifteen min
utes the rough sea between the island and their
destination was passed, and they stood on the
rocks with Howard
"What think, you, Manslli," raid the Cap
tain fin low voice, after looking for moment
at his wounds and listening to his heavy breath
ing, +" is he insensible ?"
81 think not, Cap'n. His wounds are not
deep and have not bled very much, as is evident.
They are nothing any way. Only overcome
with exhaustion and very fast asleep is all, !
think, +" said Antoine in the same guarded voice.
1T 10 safest to consider him so at all events,
replied Alberto, "and now while stand here
between you and the lookout, just you ease him
off the -"
Lower, speak lower" said Manila, inter
rupting him, "don't wake bin for the world, "
at thesame time cautiously inserting his hand
in the sleeper's pocket, and drawing out a heavy
purse e mI.7 na s,,