Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-07-09
CHAPTER I.

IN the city Of New York, some year
ago, when Luke Hammond, a none.
broker, entered his house ON Blanl
street. and proceeded to his library
He was a tall. thin man, full fift!
years old, and with hard, dark face
deeply marked with care and schem
ing.
Seating himself at his desk, he be
gan to read from paper which he ha(
drawn up with great care during TIN
day, when he was disturbed by the en-
trance of his housekeeper.
"YOu might have knocked, Mrs. Har
ker," said Hammond, snappishly, ant
sliding the paper into Il drawer.
Il came like cat, that the mict
might not hear" said Mrs. Harkcr,
thin and sallow-faced woman, speaking
in whisper that did not hide rh'
natural sharpness Of her voice.
Come, speak plainly" said Ham
mond, wheeling his chair to face her.
"You remember the young carpente
who repaired that dSsk!" replied Mrs
Harker.
"Yes-you mean James Greene. Wha
Of him? Has he come for his hammer
Why didn't you give it to him? l tolf
you--'
"Won't you wait, Luke Hammond?
said Mrs. Uarkcr. You're a hast,
fool, with all your smartness. janet
Greene hasn't been here to-day for hit
hammcr-he's forgotten all about it,
suppose. But don't you think some
thing else than hammer might draw
him hcrc?"
what else? Tell me what you want
and then go about your business sale
Hammond.
isn't there something IN this hous'
q young man would like better than {
hammer? There's Miss Elgin, now,'
whispered Mrs. Uarkcr.
"Ah. You don't mean to hint tha
Jamas Greene has been here today t'
see my niece" said Hammond, rising
quickly and growing white.
"That's what mean. James Green,
has been here this morning and III
and Miss Elgn had long talk in tho
parlor.'
He has. The impudent rascal
What can lie and Miss Elgin have il
common? Why did you let him in
Why didn't you turn him out?'
"I'n tell you what they have in com
mon,' whispered Mrs. Iarker, drawing
nearer, and pushing her sharp face
close to Hammonds. Miss Elgin ha'
taken a desperate fancy to Jamc'
Greene and he to her. Size let him il
at the front door->ha must have beer
watching for him, for he was in the
parlor talking to her before | knew
anything about it."
Il will not believe it. What, Katt
Elgip, my niece, take a fancy to {
poor carpenter-a journeyman, too" eE
claimed Hammond. "Why, it's onl.
three weeks since he repaired tha
desk, and Miss Elgin saw him but fo'
moment
"Shc's met him often since, ant
don't you speak SO loud, or they'll hea
you"
They? Who?' demanded Ham
mond.
"James Greene and Miss Elgin
They're In the pnrlor now," said Mrs
Harker.
"Fool. why not tell me so at once?
exclaimed Hammond. "I'll go and or
der him out this nstant.'
"IIasty again, Luke Hammond sai(
Mrs. Harkcr, placing her back to tM
door. Hadn't you better creep oI
them, ard see if they aren't talking
about something else than love mat
ters?"
Mrs. Harker's eyes seemed so full O
mystery that Hammond paused, ant
grew as white as sheet.
"About-something- he STAN
mcred.
Eyes; l heard her tell him she want
ed his aid in finding out what make
those groans and noises in the eastern
part of the house sometimes.
"But she has always believed tha'
! part of the house haunted. have mad'
| her think So" said Hammond.
well, James Greene has too mucl
sense to believe in ghosts" replied
Mrs. Harker. Miss Elgin has tolt
him about the strange noises, and ht
has laughed at the idea of ghosts ant
such like, and so they are putting thei,
heads together to master the mystery
Now, if they do that, Luke Hammond
you and l had better begin to loob
for hiding place"
Hush! woman; walls have ears!
said Hammond, greatly agitated. "li
| Miss Elgin Is once alarmed, she will
never stop until she has satisfied her
self But come-we must hear wha
they are saying"
Down, round by the back stairs
this way" whispered Mrs. Harker, al
she passed into the hall. "They ar
sitting near the dining-room door. TIL
door is shut and locked, but one o
the glass panes is broken"
"They must have heard me come in,
whispered Hammond, as they crep
down the stairs.
''Not q bit--I didn't hear you and
was listening for you. You know yo
always open the front door and stea
up to your library as IL you eSpecte
O surprise. 80 do l." ...-----.~~.-.-.,-.,..