The Lamoille news. (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1877-1881, 1877-09-05
THE PIONEERS.


unteers, assembled to the terrace, where
the latter began to express their con-
lectures of the result, and to recount
their individual services in the conflict.
But the sight Of the peace-makers, as
cending the Tavine, shut every mouth.
On a rude chair, covered with I'M
dressed deer-skins, they supported a
human being, whom they seated care
fully and respectfully in the midst OF
the assembly. His head was covered
by long, smooth locks, of the color OF
snow. His dress, which was studious-
" neat and clean, was composed of
such fabrics as none but the wealthiest
classes wear, but was threadbare and
patched; and on his feet were placed
pair of moccasins, ornamented in
the best manner of Indian ingenuity.
The outlines of his face were grave
and dignied, though his vacant eye,
which opened and turned slowly to the
faces of those around him in unmean-
ing looks, too surely announced that
the period had arrived, when age
brings the mental imbecility of child
hood.
Natty had followed the supporters
of this unexpected object to the top
of the cave, and took his station at a
little distance behind him, leaning on
his rifle, in the midst of his pursuers,
with a fearlessness which showed that
heavier interests than those which af-
fected himself were to be decided.
Major Hartmann placed himself beside
the aged man, uncovered, with his
whole soul beaming through those eyes
which so commonly danced with frolic
and humor. Edwards rested with one
hand familiarity, but atfectionately, on
the chair, though his heart was swell
ing with emotions that denied him ut
torance.
Alleges we're gazingintently, but each
tongue continued mute. At length the
decrepit stranger, turning his vacant
looks from face to face, made feeble
attempt to rise, while q faint smile
crossed his wasted face, like an habit
sal effort at courtesy, as he said, in a
hollow, tremulous voice
"Be pleased to be seated, gentlemen.
The council will open Immediately.
Each one who loves a good and yirtu-
GUS king, will wish to see these colo
MES continue loyal. BE seated
pray you, be seated. gentlemen. The
troops shall halt for the night"
This is the wandering of insanity !"
said Marmaduke; "who will explain
this scene"
"No, sir" said Edwards, firmly,
:" tbs only the decay of nature; who
is answerable for its pitiful condition,
remains to be shown"
"Will the gentlemen dine with us,
ay SON.? said the old stranger, turn
ing to a voice that he both knew and
loved. "Order a repast suitable for
his Majesty's officers. You know we
have the best Of game always at our
command"
"Who is this man" asked Marina
duke, in hurried voice, in which the
dawnings of conjecture united with
interest to put the question.
"This mani" returned Edwards
calmly, his voice, however, gradually
rising as he proceeded "this man, sir,
whom you behold hid in caverns, and
deprived of everything that can make
life desirable, was once the companion
and counsellor Of those who ruled your
country, and, Judge Temple, he was
rightful proprietor of this very soil on
which we stand. This man was the
father Of"
"This, them" cried Marmaduke,
with powerful emotion, "this, then, is
the lost Major Efingham !"
"Emphatically so" said the youth,
fixing piercing eye on the other.
Sand you! and you'll" continued
the Judge, articulating with difficulty.
81 am his grandson"
A minute passed in profound silence.
All eyes were fixed on the speakers,
and even the old German appeared to
wait the issue in deep anxiety. But
the moment of agitation soon passed.
Marmaduke raised his head from his
bosom, where it had sunk, not in
shame, but in devout mental thanks
givings, and, as large tears fell over
his fine manly face, he grasped the
hand Of the youth warmly, and said
solver, I forgive all thy harshness
all thy suspicious. I now See it all.
l forgive thee everything, but suffer-
ing this aged man to dwell in such a
place, when not only my habitation,
but my fortune, were at his command"
"He's true as ter steel" shouted
Major Hartmann "titn't | telPt you,
lat, dat Marmatuke Temple vast a
frient dat woult never fail in ter dime
as of neet?"
sit is true, Judge Temple, that my
opinions Of your conduct have been
staggered by what this worthy gentle
man has told me. When / found ii
impossible to convey my grandfather
back whence the enduring love Of this
old man brought him, without detec-
ton and exposure, l went to the Mo.
hawk in quest of one of his former
comrades, in whose justice | had de.
pendence. He is your friend, Judge
Temple, but if what he says be true
both my father and myself may have
judged you harshly."
''You name your father !" said Mar
maduke, tenderly-'Was he, indeed
lost in the packet?"
Gle WAS. He had left me. af1e