Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-09-17
CHAPTER XII.
Continued.

Useless" said Nancy, shaking her
head. 81 have already examined Dan
iel. He says when you'employed him.
more than year ago, you directed him
to procure just such thing as she is
old, strong, of weak mind, and avari.
cious. Fan was an old apple woman,
whose miserable stand was near the
Bowery Theatre. Her home was den
under ground in the Five Points. Dan
lei thought she would suit you, and Sc
engaged her. He knows no more
about her"
Hammond folded his arms and
knitted his heavy brows in bitter
thought, but at length he struck his fist
upon the table saying:
81 do not know who she isl do moi
wish to know. Nancy Harker, it is bet.
ter for lis not to know"
$50 be it," said Nancy, as she rose.
"Henceforth and forever, let her be
who she may to us. she is
"Old Fan! Nothing more" ex.
claimed Hammond. "Now, how are
our prisoncrs?'
Doing WE'LL" replied Nancy. Dan
lei PAGES the hail.
And Stephen?' asked Luke.
Sleeps. 1t is his turn"
A bell tinkled below as Nancy spoke,
and she continued:
''The front door bell, Who can it be
10 o'clock. too"
why do you trcmblc so, Nancy"
asked Hammond. surprised at her ter
ror. 1.-TWO days ago, nay. yesterday,
an evil spirit might have walked you in
the dead of night. and you would not
have Quailed. Now the slightest noise
makes you start and shiver as If a NOR.
tai sickness seized you
81 know 1t, Luke. / know 1t toe
we'll" said Nancy, "and it warns me
that l am near my death"
"Rah.' laughed Luke. you are
thinking Of Harriet Foss."
81 thought my nerves were iron"
said Nancy. Il thought | was as
strong of heart rs you, Luke, but de.
ceived myself. While Harriet Foss
lives am near my DEATH"
"Why more than I?'
81 am not"
"Then be assured that you will live
to share the riches of Henry Elgin with
me-" said Hammond. BE bold and
brave again, Nancy. T want no COW.
ards around me. Listen. The bell
rings again. Stephen sleeps; Fan will
not bulge a step unless commanded;
go answer the bell
Il dare not" said Nancy. Il dread
to open the door, lest fierce and terri
Bile woman shall dart in upon me and
stab me to the heart, crying:
Murdercss OF my sister! I've
found you at last"'
you are fool, Nancy" exclaimed
Luke. Turned coward after being
brave for years. l will go. Is the hall
llghtcd?'
"Yes--be careful, Luke; if you should
perish, what becomes OF me?'
Perish. l! Woman, you will make
a coward of me yet. Men have struck
at this breast and failed. DO you think
fear woman! Bah''
And unlocking the door he passed
out, just as the bell clattered again.
He strobe on until his hand rested
upon the doorknob at the veStibulc.
Then he paused for Il moment, and
when he opened the door his right hand
grasped Il cooked pistol behind him as
he muttered:
"A cunning man OF woman must he
or she be to surprise Luke Hammond
The form in the vestibule stepped in
at stride.
John Marksw eclaimed Luke.
"Close the door. Bolt, bar it strong,
Out with that light" cried Marks. u
am watched Harriet Foss knows you
are in New York"
His advice was hurriedly followed,
and Luke led the way to his library
with trembling limbs.
After all his bluster he feared, as
Nancy Harker feared though he
showed it less.
Here is some one whom you know,
John Marks" said Luke, as Nancy
rose to meet them.
Man and wife, long separated, mutu.
ally la ting, gazed upon each other long
and steadily.
"Yes, it is, or was, my wife," said
John Marks. "Grown older than years
could make her. bring you brave
ncws-what is your name now
woman?"
"One l have right to bear" replied
Nancy. II married after divorce freed
me from you, and my husbands name
was Harker."
Wasp sncered Marks. "Then he is
dead?"
Yes. he is dead. That is nothing te
John Marks" said Nancy. "What news
is this you bring?"
I'll tell it after my own fashion,
replied Marks. "But first, can this
lght be seen from the street?"
mo. why do you ask?" said Nancy
growing white as she glanced toward
the window
"Some people," said Marks. sitting
down, "are very bold in seeking fol
others, that's all. If house is darl
and shut up such people might rathes
pass 1t than disturb its inmates wi6
sharp questioning"
| Nancy Harker kianoed from him t,