Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1873-04-11
Ritfraturf.
A HIGHLAND STORY.

him the more the more he was spoken
against for, like Absalom, Allister was very
handsome and unlike him, had a passionate
attachment TO his father and mother. Neith-
er Of them could believe that their son
Alhster was the sort Of man he was Judged
TO be by the whole country side. Allister
became involved in some love affair, and il SO
happened that his rival, who excellod him in
riches, and alas! in character also, was found
but not robbed, on lonely moor.
Such grave suspicious were excited against
Allister that warrant for his apprehension
was issued. The poor father heared the sad
intelligence, and Allister fed from his home,
and betook himself to a cave far up among
the huge rocks Of a wild long CORY. The
officers Of Justice discovered his retreat but
when approaching it they were told by
Allister that he had q double-barreled gun !;
that he never missed even deer that as he
was an innocent man, he would not disgrace
his family by being brought to trial, and that
he would sacrifice two lives ere his own was
taken. The horror Of blood felt by High
landers, induced them TO delay their attempt
to seize him until they communicated with his
father.
When the old man heard the news he was
bowed down with great agony. But recover
ing himself he said, Guilty or not guilty, he
will be brought to trial, over my dead body"
He asked the officers of justice to accompany
him, as slowly and silently he assembled the
mountain and reached the cave-a wonder
full stronghold for defence, as it penetrated
deep into the mountain, and was hid by
masses of fallen rock He asked the officers
Of Justice to remain near while he went in
alone. "Allister, my son. shouted the old
man as he entered the cavern. There was
no reply. He went lettering on from the
light at the entrance into twilight, which was
rapidly leading into darkness, ever and anon
repeating the name of his son with some
endearing Highland epithet attached to it
" Allister, calf Of my heart. hear me ~
4" Allister son Of my old age hear your ia.
Their !"
At last faint cry was heard from dark
recess as of one moaning in sorrow" am
here, father" Soon the old man stumbled
to the spot whence the voice proceeded, and
fondly put his arm round his sons neck,
drawing his head to his breast What
want you with me, father | am hunted like
a fox"
You know, you know, my boy, what
your enemies say Of you; and if it's true
if-if-but no, it cannot be that my Allister
shed the blood of man the son trembled-
I" but they must prove it, and you must be
tried. This foul curse and disgrace must be
taken off your name and mine"
What do you want ?" asked Alister
uneasily.
40 give yourself up to justice, Allister.
Never" said the young man, starting
up. "I'll die first"
No you won't; for I'll die first if you
don't yield" said his father.
al have this gun, said Allster. ;" LII
shoot the first, ay, and the second, too, il
they dare to come near me-"
"You speak, indeed, as have never heard
you speak before, and as | never believed
you could speak. You speak as man who
loves blood more than justice, the death Of
others more than your honor and mine II
was not my Alister that spoke, but some
devil in him."
What do you want-whai do you want
father ?" he asked impetuously. 81 an
sick and faint. My heart is breaking
have had no meat for three dnys-my
strength is gone.
Calf Of my heart, you are strong enough
for doing what is right. Come with me
come; if we live We live if you die | die.
Where are you bringing me to, father ?
Give me your gun, my SON.
II see it ALL" replied Allister. TIL,
kings officers are Watching and they hav,
sent you to bring your boy to the gallows
Fine work indeed, for them and you If yol
want to hang me, why should | care for life
| suppose my mother will be spinning tn,
fax for the rope
The old man groaned in agony. Goo
help me have mercy on me pity me kll
me were some of his low muttered excla
nations or prayers The gun, my SON"
There it is to you, father"
But after handing it to him he fired Of
both barrels, and the thunder roared through
the cavern and attracted the attention of Tia
officers Of justice, who were eagerly watching
near its entrance. Fearing some terribl
result they rushed up.
" was afraid" remarked AIlster, tina
| might be tempted Now do as you like.
As they came into daylight they met tn
officers, who were about to rush on Allistei
when old Malcom with his noble figure an
white hair stepped forward and said
" | command you to stand back and listen
There he is" he continued with tremblin
voice; there he is--my first, my only borr
give him up-he gives himself up, that tn
truth may be known, and all suspicion take
off our honest family, who never did deed O
lshonor.n
Cowardly fellows :" said Allster.
don't give myself up to you, nor to a doze
better men you dared not have seized me
Even now, weak though am, would fgt
the three of you, would defy you to cate
me if | now fed or even to shoot me, fc
you could never hit house. give mysc
up to him." he said, pointing to his father.
And |, in Gods name give him up t
YOU" said the old man; but bind him no
hand or foot, touch him not, for he has give
me his word, and lie he never did nor will
As he spoke he wiped his eyes with Co
ner of his tartan plaid, and waving his han
to Allister, disappeared among the rocks
join his wife in their lonely and sorrowir
home.
To finish my story-Allister was trie,
The jury returned u verdict of "Not proven
Allister never returned to his home bl
about year after the trial was killed by Il
explosion of blast while working in
quarry in Fiieshirc. Very soon after o.
Malcom and his wife were sleeping togethC
in the picturesque Highland burying- plac
in the glen where standing by their grave
heard this story more than a quarter Of
century ago-GOod Words for The Youa
A Kentucky editor received the lolowir
note from subscriber, asking that fall
notice Of his death might be corrected :
A." Sir, notis few errors in the obituary
myself which appeared in your Of last wen
1oU | Was horn in praanun IN not 90 |,