Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1881-11-23
DREADFUL MASSACRE.

1t was sunset. A gallant tribe assem-
bled with much state and clatter. They
spoke together in their own tongue pleas
antly and peacefully. They had plenty
and to spare of fine things 10 eat. They
lodged in excellent houses they brought
up their families with care; they harmed
nobody; they were good and innocent.
There was Il grand feast that evening;
their costumes were rich with the luster
of satin and bright with scarlet color. The
young futtered about gayly, and were
happy fond and foolish, and the old looked
on with calm content. Then all went to
their comfortable homes and to rest.
The night crept on-dark, dreadful
night; the owls went hoot toot, and the
frogs went kerchuck, and the beasts
roared iu the forest, and ugly bats flew
about, and the wind whistled in at cracks
and over bleak fields. The ghost and
goblins and wicked things all came out
and walked round and round, and the
whole world eemed groaning and weep
ing before the dreadful deed.
What dreadful deedp asked Christine in
q whisper.
Hold your tongue and you'll see, said
Charlie, very much interested.
Then came stealing across the country,
Jack went on. with intensity, a band of
armed men- cruel men with wicked clubs
and great long knives, and they came TO
these peaceful homes where everybody was
asleep
Wath they buggerlarthP interrupted
Flossy.
Not burglars but mur.r-dere ers, answer
ed Jack. his Voice growing deep and roll
ing in the style Of muffled drums or distant
thunder.
Said one to another, growled Jack, with
melo-dramatic breaks and starts, shall we
take 'em alive or shall murder them
aslt epp
Mur.r.der 'em, stab EN- strange 'em
old and young alike; spare not one. was
the answer from a great man, braudishing
"A naked blade. SO they stole along. he
explained, suiting the action to the word,
stoopng and cruuching and whispering
and exchanging signs, and then all al
once theV burst into the houses. Here the
story teller grew loud and wild, his arms
flew like wind sails, bis eyes stared hor-
rbly. Oh, but there was fierce strug'
gle Strong fellows walked from sleep
thought desperately for life. mothers de-
Tended their little ones TO the last; but the
murderers slashed right and left. They
strangled and cut of heads, there were
wild cries and flying forms and confusion
and death, and blood-blood everywhere
roared jack. with awful power. Till every
child troubled and Tot began to curl bel
under lip.
WHY didn't somebody help the poor
"a: inHiupautlu
I'd have helped 'em, added Tom, eager
ly.
Why didn't you do it then' said jack,
with stern displeasure,
J Where did it happenT said Tom. stunG
by the reproof.
, Here-here. in this very town.
Here! exclaimed the children. shiverine
, and looking over their shoulders hal
scared, for twilight was falling.
! Yes, here, groaned Jack, and only
! Yesterday. Innocent creatures struck dowr
. in the midst of life. mangled and cut In
+ pieces. Oh, children, pointing with |
. terrified face, see their ghosts OUTSIDE
1 the window there. Hush Are you afrait
of ghosts? If you are don't look round
don't look round.
, amt afraid OF EN-, said Tom weakly
: still he didn't look round. Flossy shreked
Maud shut her eyes, and Tot. who oouldn'
, understand the story, was crying hard il
sympathy, while Jack stood like dread
I full enchanter in the midst of the trembling
group.
Send the ghosts away, Cousin Jack
suggested Charlie, very humnly.
= Children, spoke Jack, in sepulchra
tones, you've been very ormenting to MI
to day, and I've a mind TO run and leav
, YOU. Prim Maud clutched at his coat
But on one condition III light the gas anC
. not scare you any more.
What is III
} Will you obeyl
Yes, Cousin Jack.
Then cover up your eyes, every one
3 you, tight; don't dare look out OF a corner
| You 100, Miss Csrrington.
a All the eyes were duly covered, half IL
(? genuine fright at the story and the twiligh
=. and the ghosts, halt in play.
Now say, every one OF you you tot
a Miss Carrington-JackI love you!
d The children yelled in chorus, but Jac
a only listened for one voice and that not
It shrill one.
/, Heads down. eyes shut moment more
= he rosred. Don't look up for your live