conversation, which had now, for some time, been lagging,--"father, I
think you promised us, on starting from Bennington this morning, not
only a fair day, but a safe arrival at Westminster Court-House, by
sunset, did you not?"

"Why, yes, perhaps I did," replied the person addressed; "for I know I
calculated that we should get through by daylight."

"Well, my weatherwise father, to say nothing about this storm, instead
of the promised sunshine, does the progress, made and now making,
augur very brightly for the other part of the result?"

"I fear me not, Sabrey," answered the old gentleman, "though, with the
road as good as when we started, we should have easily accomplished
it. But who would have dreamed of a thaw so sudden and powerful as
this? Why, the very road before us looks like a running river! Indeed,
I think we shall do well to reach Westminster at all to-night. What
say you, Mr. Peters,--will the horses hold out to do it?" he added,
addressing the young man of the repulsive look, who had charge of the
team, us before mentioned.

"They _must_ do it, at all events, Squire Haviland," replied Peters.
"Sheriff Patterson, here," he continued, glancing at the hard-featured
man before described, "has particular reasons for being on the ground
to-night. I must also be there, and likewise friend Jones, if we can
persuade him to forego his intended stop at Brattleborough; for, being
of a military turn, we will give him the command of the forces, if he
will go on immediately with us."

"Thank you, Mr. Peters," replied Jones, smiling. "I do not covet the