Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1894-08-02
4
Qllgea:D1ll1g,
BY JOSEPHINE A. BOW EN-.
CHAPTER III.

Dtains. Here we had none Of this
but instead the Undesirable colors OIL
the great range; the golden splendor of
the sun shining through an atmosphere
like amber wine. 1 breathed balsamil
odors, ] walked oyer fragrant beds Of
pine needles, and searched for the latest
Rocky mountain wild flowers unequal
ell in all the northern world-and
dreamed of my love. No matter
what her father might be, I remem bel
that her mother had taught her to pray
and believe me, Jim, it is the mother
who makes US what we are.
My own mother, who died when I was
a child was passionate loyer of beauty
I have seen her kiss the early flowers
that l used to bring her; haye seen
b tender blue eyes watch the sunset
with look of longing in them as if she
were tired of her hard life and would
be glad to 90 where there was rest
Had she been alive | would have asked
her to come, and | would have placed
my lcye in her motherly arms and felt
that she was safe. But l had no one.
While sitting in my cabin waiting
for her l was startled by rapid steps, a
rush of the dog and in she came painting
and white as death.
What Is it, Carol? What is it,chlld?'
l cried. sprlnging toward her.
oh she frightened me so-Mannella
She found it out that l came here, and
she and Jose were talking last night
and they said that must be put out Of
the way! Oh, Mr.. Won Ranke ! where
is it they would put mc?'
They shall not harm you.' l said as
calmly as | could, for l wished to quiet
her. l did not take her in my arms, az
| wish that | had, but we are not Sc
bad us the erotic school Of noveIists
point us--at least some of us are not.
know that to me standing there in her
helpless, unprotected innocence seemed
so sacred that felt it would be pro-
fanation to lay my hands upon her
even In the tenderest love.
Tell me Carol, l said, If you know
why they wish to put you out of thu
way. You are safe now, don't be
frightened, but try to think
oh, / KNOW she said, bursting mt
tears they haye my mothers money
her jewels-all that was hers-and they
think that I will want them. The,
think that l will tell some one who vii
take them away
All my irresolutlon, my miserabl
dallying, was now at an end. Here wa
a case for the Vigllantes. l would x
at once and lay the matter before them
and | would also 90 to the legal author
tiles, if any could be found, and haye
guardian appointed for my loye. Foo
that | had been, to sit dreaming owe
her portrait when her sweet life was a
stake.
Carol said |, can you stay her
with your dog while | go to Helena
You must never 60 back to your home
You are my little girl now, and l must
find another home where there is SOM
good, kind woman to take care of you
Dare I leave you? You have Knight
and you see there are strong bolts OF
the door and window shutters
She gave me a look that will go witt
me TO my grave. Alteration and graft
tude shown from her eyes, drowned al
they were in tears.
4 am not afraid today she said, tor
Mannella and Jose are drinking SO hard
and they expect some friends,and they
will dance and eat and drink and forget
all about me until they get sober again.
But they are watching your
'Manella never remembers anything
when she is drinking
Very we'll, then. If you do not like
to shut yourself up in the dark while
am gone put Knight on the watch and
watch yourself. You can see Ear down
the gorge, and there is no other way
for them to come. Keep strict watch,
Carol, and if you see anyone bolt the
door and window. Keep your dog with
you and you will be safe until | can
return-so good-by tor a little while !;
[ shall not be gone moment longer
than can help. You are used to being
alone, Carol?'
oh, yes; knight and are not afraid
n your house, she said, and we haye
he other Carol, my twin, to keep us
company