Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1895-02-21
THURM0NT Frederick County, Maryland Thursday February q, 1895.
We never spoke of such things, said

IhaC q neither mere nor Cherel Oo
you intend to marry her or do you not?
Numbered Mr.. Montgomery.
u do not replied Percy folding his
arms and standing proudly erect, though
CHASTITY paIlor spread suddenly over
his naughty. handsome face.
Y think I understand you,' said Mr..
Montgomery pointing toward the door.
IN that you are mistaken. You do
not understand me, you m'sinterpret
everything. l will 60 but first wish
to speak with Freda.'
Not one word; do you hear? Not a
word shall you speak to Freda today or
any other day. Do you see this revolver2
l give you three minutes to leave the
premises. If I eyer see you here after
that time III blow your brains out
of course I will 90. am unarmed
aud at your mercy
One evening Mr.. Montgomery opened
the door in response to knock,an Was
confronted by the muzzle of a revolver
in the haod of Percy Leeling.
Hold up your haudsF said Percy.
Mr.. Montgomery obeyed as men gen.
orally do in like circumstances.
Y have no desire to harm you, but I
have news for you, and l didn't want
to give you the chance to shoot me be-
fore ] told it; so took this way to make
myself safe. l happened to overhear a
conversation today from which l learned
that this house is to be entered at ~
o'clock tonight by some robbers who
believe that you keep gold at home. I
will remain here until that hour, and
afford you all the protection and assist
ance in my power If you will accept
help from me-
u have 40 faith in your story. 1t is
only trumped up to get an evening with
Freda. There are no robbers 10 this
country said Mr.. Montgomery.
u beg you will. at least, send FredA
across the hills to visit Miss Marsh. her
teacher, oyer night pleaded Percy.
And let you wait for her along the
road and fill her ears with nonsense?
No, Just take yourself away, and III
trust the rest of the world said the
obstinate old man.
Percy withdrew Immediately.
He had another plan to pursue if
this failed, and midnight found him
with the sheriff and two deputies fol-
lowing close, spurring his horse through
a pass Of the hills. riding toward the
Montgomery AS he never rode before.
rroo late. Oh, Freda, Freda" burst
from Percy's lips like a groan.
He had heard the firing in the cabin
Just as they reached the yard-gate
the cabin door flew open, and two men,
alarmed by the tramp of horses feet
rushed out and disappeared in the dark
ness pursued by the sheriff and depu-
ties.
Upon entering the cabin, Percy found
Mr.. Montgomery lying on the floor in
pool Of blood. and Freda kneeling beside
him trying bravely to bind his wounds
No use, child mo use; I'm past saving
I wish l had listen to the warning
received. What made the robbers run
without my gold-your gold after to-
nightT
The sheriff, father; Percy brought
the sheriff.
Always Percy! He is a better man
than l thought. Are you there Lee
ling"
Just here. Let me lift you upon the
bed
No time; I want to talk before-the
breath-leaves me. Forgive follist
old fellowv
Most heartily
Y wish you had wanted to marry
Freda. | wish you-had loyed her.
u did; I do love her, but she would
never believe in my love for her, mol
would you haye believed, neither, if
had seemed driven to marry her at th'
point of a revolver. Besides, when
learned that you had a mine. that wa
bar because was poor BIT my llf'
hassuddsnly changed. have received
an inheritance and if I knew that Freu'
loved me-
Freda slipped one hand in his.
Shall we promise ourselves to eacl
other in his presenceT Whispered Percy
The little hand chung more tightly t.
biz, and Frada flashed bright smile a
him from between her tears.
III knew-that ycu-would-tak'
care-of her came family FROM th'
lips Of the dying man.
twill. DO you feel our hands claspee
over yours? Freda will be my wife
loved and hoLored to the end of m,