Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1900-05-10
II in PoticsDevoted to Literature Local and General News
THURMONT Frederick County, Maryland Thursday May TO- 1900.
We never spoke Of such things said

you intend to marry her or do you notT
thundred Mr.. Montgomery.
v do not replied Percy folding his
arms and standing proudly erect, though
a CHASTITY pallor spread suddenly oyer
his naughty, handsome face.
u think understand you, said Mr..
Montgomery pointing toward the door.
In that you are mistaken. You do
not understand lne, you misinterpret
everything. I will go but first l 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 revolver?
l give you three minutes to leave the
premises. If | ever see you here after
that time I'll blow your brains out
>Of course will go. am unarmed
and at your mercy
One evening Mr.. Montgomery opened
the door in response to a knock, and was
confronted by the muzzle of a revolvee
in the hand of Percy Leeling.
Hold up your handsv said Percy.
Mr.. Montgomery obeyed as men gen.
orally do in like circumstances.
u have no desire to harm you, but /
haye news for you, and l didn't want
to give you the chance to shoot me be.
fore told it, so l took this way to make
myself safe. / happened to overhear a
conversation today from which learned
that this house is to be entered at 12
O'Clock tonight by some robbers who
believe that you keep gold at home. l
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-
1 have no faith in your story. 1t is
only tlumped up to get an evening with
Freda. There are no robbers in this
country said Mr.. Montgomery
I beg you will, at least, send Freda
across the hills to visit Miss Marsh. her
teacher. over night, pleaded Percy.
And let YOU wait for her along the
road and fill her ears with nonsense?
No. just take yourself away, and I'll
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 sher-
if and two deputies following close,
spurring his horse through pass Of the
hills riding toward tho Montgomerys'
as he never rode before.
Too late Oh, Freda, Fredap burst
from Percy's lips like groan.
He had heard the firing in the cabin.
Just as they reached the yard gate
the cabin door few open, and two men,
alarmed by the tramp of horses feet,
rushed out and disappeared in the
darkness pursued by the sheriff and
deputies
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, no use; I'm past saw
ing | wish | had listened to the warn
ing l received. What made the robbers
run without my gold--your gold after
tonight?
The sheriff, father Percy brought the
sheriff.
Always Percy He is better man
than I thought. Are you there, Leeling9
Just here. Let me lift you upon the
bed
No time; want to talk before-tht
breath-leaves me. Forgive foolish
old fellow,-I wish you had wanted te
marry Freda. l wish You had loved her.
L did; do love her hut she would
never believe in my love for her, mol
would you have believe d if had seemed
driven to marry her at the point of ,
revolver. Besides when | learned that
you had a mine, that was bar because
was poor. But my life has suddenly
changed. I have received an inherl-
tance and if l knew that Freda lovec
me-
Freda slipped one hand in his.
Shall we promise ourselves to eact
other in his presence? whispered Percy
The little hand clung more tightly t(
; his and Freda flashed bright smile a
him from between her tears.
If l knew-that you would take care
of her. came faiutlY from the lip'
of the dying man.
Twill. Do you feel our hands olaspec
over yours? Freda will be my wife
loved and honored to the end Of my life
Are you satisfied
Thank God !
These were the last words Of Mr.
Montgomery.