Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-10-22

"Yes, Fam" began Kate, for she mad
overheard every word that had passed
between Hammond and Nancy while
she feigned delirium.
But as Kate began to speak the
watchful Hammond sprang upon Fan,
and seizing her by the shoulders
swung her headlong forth into the
hall.
Away! to you bed, old hag" said
he. But for you this trouble had not
happened"
Fan gathered herself slowly and tot
tered away, while Luke returned to
Kate.
"Monster." said Kate. "Shc is your
mother"
Il deny it, All my life I will deny
IT, SAID Luke.
"NIiserable lar!' replied Kate, With
a scorn that made him quail. Il heard
every word you and your sister there
spoke. Your fathers name was Nicho'
las Dunn, and ! thank the great God
of heaven that you are not my uncle.'
"You know too much for your own
good, Catharine Elgin," said he stern
lv. II am not your unclc-know it,
since you believe it, But tremblc to
think that, as am not your uncle, l
may become your husband:
With this terrible threat-morc terri
bic to Kate Elgn than all he had ever
said or done--he strobe away.
Mercy on me. what can that man
meanw exclaimed Kate.
"Tll tell you what he means, Miss
| said Nancy, with a triumphant leer or
iiendsh malice. Luke Hammond has
a son, but that son may refuse to
marry YOU. and then Luke will marry
you himself
May | die ten thousand deaths rath'
err" exclaimed Kate.
bah! you may wish and want
snC2red Nancy, but Luke always has
his way in the end. Your pride will
be all shame if youresist much longer"
such v!lainy is dreadful to imagine
terrible to know said Kate, aston
| ishcd at the calmncss of the evil wom-
| an near her.
Eyes, you were proud, Catharinc El.
gin" said Nancy, "and your eyes
hashed-your lips curled-whcn | used
to speak to you. But, let me tell YOU
my blood is as rich as yours
"Bloodw said Kate. scornfully. "In
this country blood is rs rich and red in
the poor mans veins rs in the million
aires, ] know now you are not of us
w blood or birth. Nor was it prid'
that made me despise you, Nancy Iar.
ker. but hate Of the evil | saw encom.
passing you as Il garment. You are
we'll worthy to be Luke lIammond's S
SiSter-Luke Hammond. indeed! He
has no right to the name. lie is an
impoStar, And be sure that time will
discover his villainy and yours,
wretched woman
Don't taunt me, Catharinc Elgin.
You may rcvilc Luke. but you shan't
revilr Nancy IIarker, I'll tear your
proud eyes out of your head for you,
you mink" screamed Nancy, opening
and shutting her long, lean fingers and
distoriinG her evil face with rage.
Il verify believe you would, Nancy
Harkcr," said Kate. Quietly. and not
shrinking Il hairs breach. being his
sister what better could you be than Il
| She Wolf"
Nntn,. cur,1IaI with opH
would have rcjoccd to dig her sharp
nails in that beautiful and Seornful
face, but the bell near the door tinkled
and she hurried to the speaking tube
ut is near morning; you had better
try to sleep" Were the words that
came to her ear.
Nancy replied:
Il will tell Daniel TO bring bed into
the ante-room and will sleep there"
How is the prisonerE' asked Luke.
in his den above.
"Stft-neciieG as ever, said Nancy.
BE wary; she is plotting" said the
tube. and Nancy left the room to seek
| Daniel, but did not fail to lock the door
| after her.
When she returned Kate was asleep
| IN the chair, for fatigue and excitement
had oyerpowercd her.
You are ndS0mc-handSolne as a
| May morning" thought Nancy. gazing
npon the unfortunate, avehcarted
! girl. Il was once as handsome as you
and you'll fade -. ha. fade before
Luke tamcs you
Then shaking her fist at the sleeping
iii she locked the door and lay down
upon the bed Daniel had brought into
| the anteroOm.
In the crimson chamber Henry Elgin
once more slept.
In the hall Daniel paced to and fro
| In her den near the kitchen old Fan
shivercd and mOaned, dreaming of the
dead.
Far down among the foundations of
the house James Greene lahored and
hoped. And in the little library slept
| Luke Hammond in his chair, with his
cooked pistols on the table before him.
|