Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1883-07-05
he lost caste among the under gradu-

After completing his studies at
Harvard, Guy spent two years
abroad, yachting in the Mediterrane-
an, with young scions of British no.
bility; idling in London, Paris and
Rome, and rambling over the Cont
nent. Then he returned to his ma
tive town, Edgecombe, and began to
read law in languid way in the Of
fee of his uncle, Judge Greeley.
Possessing some culture, plenty Of
money, the polish of man of the
world, Guy was quite popular among
those who were unaware of his lack
of principle.
Charley, meanwhile, was hard at
work assisting his father in the man
agement of his extensive granite busi-
ness.
The morning of the day Of the
pic mic dawned bright and beau
tiful. Charley ate his break tast in
moody silence, and started for the
ouarries. He was in no mood for
joining his friends at the lake, and
preferred to spend the day at his GUS
tomary vocation.
BY nine O'Clock carriages began to
pass the quarres for the lake. There
were barges drawn by two and four
horses, full of merry children stylish
turnouts with happy young couples,
and family vehicles of all descrip-
tions. 1t was the annual excursion
and picnic of St Marks parish and
Sunday school, and the attendance
was always large.
In one of the carriages Charley
caught glimpse of Guy and Mabel
as they drove past the office. Mabel
gave him bright smile and nod of
recognition, which he heartily &C
knowledged, and Guy bowed tri-
umpLantly as he touched his. horses
glossy side with a whip, from which
hut,ered "A iaunty blue ribbon-Ma-
bel 5 tiivorite color.
Charley shut his teeth grimly to-
gether, and worked away doggedly at
his books. But it WAS with the ut
most difficulty that he could conccn-
trate his mind upon the task before
him. There were mistakes in the
footings, and more than once he de-
tected himself making wrong ell
try.
The day dragged slowly by, 1t was
intolerably hot and oppressive in the
little office, and Charley thought
with bitterness of the cool, ripping
lake and the happy pic-nickers.
Five o'clock in the afternoon came
at last, almost time for the return of
some of the excursionists
Up the road, the workmen were
preparing blast. How still it was
that July afternoon Not breath
of air was stirring.
Charley could hear the steady ring
of the hammers upon the steel drills,
and the creak of the great derricks.
All at once the hum of ofindustry ceas-
ed, and he knew the workmen had
laid down their tools and were stand
at !; safe distance to watch the explo-
sion.
"Boom !" went the powder, with
muflled, heavy report.
Following the detonation came d
shrek, and the cries OF men. Char
ley rushed to the door of the Office,
and his cheek blanched at the sight
which met his gaze.
Coming madly down the road was
a black horse, attached to stylish
buggy containing one occupant-a
Woman The horse had evidently
been frightened at the explosion, and
was running away.
Should the wheels Of the carriage
strike an obstruction, or the woman
be thrown out among the sharp, jag
red rocks on either side of the road,
death would be the result
"Heavens It's Mabel - exclaimed
Charley, as his swift glance discover.
ed the identity OF the occupant Of
the buggy
His decision was formed in an in
slant. He had been a noted athlete
in college, and now he counted upon
his strength and agility to save Ma
bel from her doom.
yJe ,ashed out mo he road, 1ooL-