Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1900-04-26

and she gladly assented prepared my
canvas and waited lmpatiently for her
next visit.
It was autumn by this time-autumn
gloriously beautiful as it can only be in
these mountains. Not with the splen-
dor of variegated forests, although they
are very beautiful too.
You know how short lived this beau
tiful time is in this latitude.
I breathed balsamic odors, l walked
over fragrant beds of pine needles, and
searched for the latest Rocky Mountain
wild fowers-unequalled in all the
northern world-and l dreamed of my
love. No matter what her father might
be I remember that her mother had
taught her to pray. and believe me, Jim,
it is the mother who makes us what we
are.
While sitting in my cabin waiting for
her was startled by rapid steps, rush
of the dog and in she came painting and
white as death.
What is it, Carol2 What is it, childT
cried, sprineing towards her.
'Oh. she frightened me so-Manella !!
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 me?'
They shall not harm you,' l said as
calmly as l could, for wished to quiet
her. l did not take her in my arms as
| wish that l had, but we are not so bad
as the erotic school of noyelists point US
at least some OF US are not. | know
that to me standing there in her help
less, unprotected innocence seemed SO
sacred that l felt it would be proclamation
to lay my hands upon her. even in the
tenderest love.
'Tell me. Carol I said, If you know
why they wish to put you out of the
way. You are safe now, don't be fright.
ened, but try to think
'Oh. l know she said, bursting into
tears; they have my mothers money,
her jewels-all that was hers-and they
think that l will tell some one who will
take them away
All my irresolulon, my miserable
dallying was now at an end. Here was
case for the Vigilantes. | would 60
at once and lay the matter before them,
and would also 60 to the legal author
tiles, if any could be found, and have a
guardian appointed for my love. Fool
that | had been to sit dreaming over
her portrait when her sweet life was at
stake.
Carol, said |. can you stay here with
your dog while l go to Helena? You
must never go back to your home. You
are my little girl now, and l must find
another home where there ia some good,
kind woman to take care of you. Dare
l leave you? You have Knight, and you
see there are strong bolts on the door
and window shutters
She gave me look that will 60 with
me to my grave. Alteration and graft,
tude shown from her eyes, drowned as
they we're in tears.
v am not afraid today she said, for
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 you?
'Mannella never remembers anything
when she Is drinking
Very well, 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 far down
the gorge, and there is no other way for
them to come. Keep strict watch, Car
oil, and if you see anyone bolt the door
and window. Keep your dog with you
and you will be safe until I can return
so good-by for little while; shall
not be gone moment longer that can
help. Your are used to being alone
CarolT
'Oh, yes; Knight and are not afraid
in your house, she said, and we have
the other Carol, my twin. to keep us
company
She tried to smile through her tears,
and I turned and left her.
ran half the way to Helena. l was
a good pedestrian in those. days, and my
feet seemed winged, like those of Mer-
curry.
When I reached town and hurriedly
told my story there was intense excite
ment. Deserved to be hanged your
SELF growIed some one whom they
called VIZ" If you knew that this
Cleaves WAS in the vicinity WHY int God s