Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1898-03-31
No 50

"That was the plan when the Strongs
were running the Martin family"
There was revealing bitterness in
his tones. Liza pressed her hands more
tightly against his breast
II know now that man, that liel
Adrien Strong was the one and the
other. Is it not so?'
He was spared the necessity for an
swering. With scream of terror she
suddenly clasped her hands over her
eyes and leaned against him, trembling
"Lizal In the name Of heaven, what
ails you?'
He seized her hands and drew them
away from her face. 1t was white to
the very lips. Her eyes, still wide and
dark with fright, turned timidly TO-
ward the window
"Horriblel A human face with the
gaunt, wolfish stare Of starved wild
beastt Oh, Strong, look for him! Pity
himp'
"Where? What did he look like? Do
compose yourself, Liza. There is moth
ing to be nervous about. Was it man
or a boy?"
"a boy perhaps; only starved into
the likeness of an old man. Such a tat
tered, forlorn pair of shoulders under
the yellow, haggard facee
Strong was hastily turning over a
pile of newspapers Oh the table.
"Does this fit? Yellow, did you say?
Listen:
"Ran away from the Laurel Dell plantation,
boy, 10 years Of age-snall for his years-grif
in color. Answers to the name Of French Abe
Suitable reward for his detention or his re-
turn to Laurel Dell.
rs. B. FoULKs, Manager.
"Does the description fit?" Strong
asked, laying the paper down.
II don't know" said Liza, gazing
absently toward the window.
"Do be sensible, Liza. You certainly
saw the scamp"
"Only pair of hungry eyes and
ragged shoulders: nothing more"
(which way did he go?"
II don't know"
"Confound it! wish you had not
screamed. I have promised Foulks to
keep O lookout for him. If it is Ran
Chambliss' Abe, I could have given
him word of comfort. Ran wants it
given out that he shan't be touched.
He is q sort of pet of Chambliss' and
Foulks is anxious to get him back. II
you were not here, would ride over to
Laurel Dell and tell Foulks. Ipromised,
If heard anything of him."
"Go. I am not afraid"
Fl had best make sure first. Foulks
says he could wear Rams shoe.
He passed out through the front door
and around to the one window. Liza,
leaning over its ledge, saw the small
bare tracks left in the damp soil by the
fugitive. Strong was laying brass
bound footrule in them.
"He would wear about No 8. l
reckon it was Abe
"What did he run away for, Strong?'
Nothing, according to FoulSs. The
boy is fancy darky Ran Chambllss
picked up in New Orleans one winter
and generally takes travelling with him,
but the boy had the measles when
Chambliss started on the last trip and
was left behind. Mrs. Chambliss told
Foulks to put him to work-to keep
him out of mischief-in the field until
Ran came back, ald the spoiled cub
took to the cane. He has been out over
two months"
"He did not look like a fancy darby
nor like anybody's pet.
Strong was sending a searching glance
up and down the face of the cliffs.
, II should like to let Foulks know, as
| promised. The scamp is not likely to
come back again imagine he thought
| had gone out to the river. I generally
am there this time Of day and he hoped
to cajole Viney out Of dinner
"Is Viney here?'
"Viney? Why, she runs this estab-
lishment, with me thrown in. She is
out yonder in the shed room. She is as
autocratic as ever"
"Then am afraid to stay here while
you are gone. Seer' She held up the
second finger of her right hand. 1t was
capped with golden thimble II told
mother was going to overhaul your en-
tire wardrobe this morning. Please go,
Strong. Don't mind my nonsense about
Aunt Viney.'
"And you will stay until l come
back"
81 will be here when you come back,
if Viney has not devoured me i'll the
meantime.
He was out Of the room by this time,
and q very little while later she could
hear the soft thud of his horses feet on
the dirt roud carrying him away at a
Gathering pace.
He was going around by the wagon
road. She got up and walked to the
door. If only she could see that gaunt
face once again She would like to give
its owner that comforting assurance
about his returning without fear to his