Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1892-01-28
A NIGHT on TERROR.
O. +. YOUNG IN GOoDALL'S SUN.

Pheasant out lOnoly HUE HouSe d "Io
and half from the slaal) village of
Gibbsborough. 1t was late in the au-
tumn and the weather was cold and
gloomy, while the nearest neighbor
was nearly mile away yet they were
never lonesome, for their honeymoon
was scarcely over and they were still
very fond Of each others society.
Mr.. Gibbs. Sr., lived at Glbbsborough
and the two families were on the best of
terms. The young people were very
comfortably situated, as Freeman owned
bis farm, free of incumbrance, and had
lust sold his interest in a manufact ur-
ing enterprise at the village for three
thousand dollars in cash. So the fu-
ture outlook was exceedingly bright for
the young couple.
The money for the quarter interest
in the factory was paid over to Mr..
Gibbs at his house one forenoon late in
November. Before he had time to take
it TO the bank driving snow storm set
IN, and he concluded to wait until the
morrow rather than face such temp.
est, although he realized that everybody
at the village probably knew there was
a large sum in his possession. A rob-
berry had not been committed in the vi.
cinity for years, and besides that Free
man Was a courageous fellow who al.
ways kept revolver within reach :; 80
he had no fears for the safety Of his
money.
The storm increased in violence as
the night came on, and by dark there
were eight inches of snow that the wind
was rapidly wbirling into great heaps.
MIR. Gibbs and his wife retired quite
early, and, lulled by the roar of the
storm without, they were soon sleeping
as only light hearted young people can
sleep.
1t was almost midnight when thun.
dering knock at the door aroused them
both. Thrusting his head out of the
window, Mr., Gibbs called out:
Who is there:
Lewis Jackwood,' was the answer.
Your father has just had a shock and
cannot live till morning, If YOU wish
to see him alive, come immediately
Lewis lakewood was his father s
nearest neighbor, so Freeman never had
a doubt Of the man s indentlty or the
truth Of his tidings. Of course anxiety
for his stricken parent at once overcame
all fear Of the terrible storm.
Dare you stay alone and let me 60,
Nette {? SAID lie to his wife. No team
can get through so it is out of the qnes'
ton for you to attempt to get there in
this bitter tempest. AS for me, | feel
as if must see my father once more
Poor father
Certainly I dare was the ready an
swer, for Nettie Gibbs was no coward.
No one will get ont in this storm to
trouble me, and you will be back early
IN the morning. Will sit by the fire
and read. 80 you need have no fears for
me-
Thus encouraged Mr.. Gibbs was soon
dressed and at tie door, but when he
opened it ne was greatly surprised to
find that there was no one there. The
midnight messenger was gone.
His tracks were plain upon the steps
however, and without an lnstant's hest
tation Freeman plunged into the black
ness Of the howling storm. His fathers
health was of far more Importance tc
him than Lewis lakewood 8 abrupt and
unexpected departure.
His progress Was necessarily slow fol
the snow was already deeply drifted
Step by step lie fought his way through
it, but more than all hour went by be-
FIRE he reached his destination. An
other surprise awaited him there, fol
the whole house was dark and silent
There was not even gleam of light in
it from garret to basement.
He speedily aroused the whole house,
hold, only to learn that his father was
in his customary health and that Lewis
lakewood had been gone away from
home for two days. Then Freeman re-
membered the money and trembled fol-
his unprotected wife, alone in the dark
ness of midnight and that terrible
storm. With just word Of explanation
he started out on this return, if posi-
bic more anxious and alarmed than
when he came. a...
But he got along slower than ever
and 1t was not long before he found all
trace of footsteps oblitsrated by the
driving snow. Yet he still kept plung'
ing on in frantic attempt at greater
speed, becoming more aud more alarm
ed with every successive movement.
When Mrs. Nettie found herself alone
that stormy night with three thousant