Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1876-09-29

trouble in the peaceful hamlet of Cot
tenville.
| was indignant, and yet alarmed. A
stranger caught under such circumstan-
ces, without credentials, was in an ugly
fix. True, | could telegraph to the city
| came from but in the excitement of
the hour | might be denied even that
privilege. Mobs never stop to reason.
However, resolved to face it out bold
ly, and, walking up to my judges, re-
sumed my chair.
General Booms and Judge Miggs
arose simultaneously.
" If agreeable" said the Judge, =" the
General and myself would like to see
you privately for few moments"
Certainly" l replied. Will you
walk up to my room !? F"
The invitation was promptly accepted
and, ascending to my chamber, we were
soon engaged in highly interesting con-
versation.
"I think l am justified" said the
Judge, seating himself with a judicial
air, :" in saying to you, sir, that circum-
stances combine to place you in a very
unpleasant position"
Proceed" said /.
"The citizens of Cottonville, sir, are
inclined to regard you as-as era sus-
picious character. We anticipate seri-
GUS complications with our colored pop
ulation, and your strange conduct -
your reticence and so on-lead US to be-
lieve that your business here is of an un-
lawful character. Have you any ex-
PLANTATION to make, sir !"
As / didn't know exactly what ought
to be said, contented myself with the
mild remark that the citizens of Cotton
Vile were set of unmitigated idiots.
You hear that. General Booms F"
said Judge Miggs, excitedly, =" You see
our suspicious are completely confirm
ed"
Hold on 4" / cried. al you think
that | am going to tamely submit to in
suit and indignity from a committee of
jackasses, you are very much mistaken.
You will find my name on the hotel reg
ister. If you suspect me, telegraph to
Governor --. He will inform you OF
my standing as a citizen. But if you
attempt any tricks l shall defend my
self You see l am prepared, and !
drew six shooter.
He's trying the bluff game" said
General Booms,
But the sight of my weapon had a
good effect.
1t is possible" remarked the Judge
that we are too hasty; but in times
like these we cannot be too cautious"
And vigilant," suggested old Booms
And vigilant," )" added Miggs. "But
l am willing to give you a chance. The
Niggers are to hold a secret meeting to
night, in an old cabin about mile from
here, and some of us are going out tc
arrest them. Will you join us ;"
hesitated. 1t was possible that some
foul play was intended but l felt an
absorbing curiosity as to the truth Of
the insurrection rumor, and the expedi.
tion smacked of adventure.
Enough said," | replied. "I will
accompany your party with pleasure"
Then it's time to move" said the
General, marching out of the room. ]
followed, with the Judge acting as sort
of rear-guard, and descending to the pi.
azza, we found some thirty men assembled
all armed with shot-guns and pistols
They seemed little surprised at my
appearance but few words from my
two companions reconciled them to the
situation and our little army was soon
on its way to the 'front.'
There was very little talking on the
march. The CottonvilliaDs were in dead
earnest They we're honestly convinced
that their colored neighbors were plot
ting an insurrection and the worst evils
we're anticipated. could see that the
men watched me closely; but when /
thought of the conviction under which
they were laboring my indignation van.
ished and | felt that was truly one OF
them.
The old cabin which was supposed to
be the rendezvous of the conspirators
stood in an open field, some distance
from the road. As we cautiously ap-
preached, we could hear voices inside
and occasionally a round of applause.
My companions halted moment to lis
ten. General Booms ordered several
men to station themselves at the doors
and windows, and requested me to re-
main by his side.
Just as | thought" he muttered.
" They are making their incendiary
sneeches in there and if Yva l;sts,, avyb;Ia