Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-10-15

uShS VI IL We 'lC iAot w pSS ~ 49, AASA
think 1t vision of her own"
"And If she proves to be ourmother?'
"Proof Is impossible. We can only
conclude, imagine, suppose, unless she
avows that she is Ellen Elizabeth, once
the wife Of
He pointed at the name written on
the white mating in blood red lines.
"And then, Luke?'
"And then-and then-well, we will
talk about that afterwards" said Luke,
placing piece Of gold in the centre Of
the great d of the name.
"Wby put that money there?"
"That she may find the name and
not be told to look for it," said Ham
mond with grim smile of cunning.
"Old Fan can smell gold as rat
smells cheese"
"Yon are lavish with your money"
"My money" laughed Luke. "Henry
Elgin's money, and l use it to gain the
wholew
Here Kate Elgin advanced and said
in a plaintivc voice.
"plcase tell ME If James Greene has
called. - l. am sick and cannot. meet
him. When lie comes let me see him"
"Certalnly," said Hammond. would
you like to see your fathcr?"
'He is in heaven, with my mother"
said poor Kate. "Who are you?"
Don't you know me, Catharine?
am your uncle, Luke Hammond"
you're man, are you not. sir?"
asked Kate, but combing her long
curls with her fingers, and looking at
the ceiling.
Eyes, | am man."
"Then you are not Luke Hammond,
for he is Il serpent!' screamed Kate,
ticrccly, and again pacing the room.
"She is quite crazy just now," re-
marked Nancy.
80 much the better" said Ham.
mond. But l hear Daniel rolling
Henry Elgln hither Remember that l
cannot have my eye on old Fan; watch
her yourself"
II WILL" said Nancy, as Daniel rolled
the inyalids bed before the door of the
ante-chamber.
! Henry ElGin was lying upon 1t with
an expression Of scornful apathy upon
his pale and wasted features, but when
Ills bed was halted so that his eyes
could sweep through the ante-chamber
into the white and gold, and as he saw
his beloved child sitting in a chair fac
ing him he utter Il cry Of mingled Joy
and anguish.
kate; my darling! dear daughter"
said he, as Hammond held q lamp near
Kate Elgn's face to show the father
the beloved features. all wan, Worn
and wasted. She raised her eyes TO
his for second only, then said to
Hammond, but looking at old Fan,
who stood behind her father:
II thought you were leading James
Greene to me-"
D Old Fan shuddercd, and looked be.
hind her, as If she expected TO see
James Greene rushing at her from the
deep. dark we'll
"Merclful powers"' cried ElGin, my
child does not know me. She is madw
Kate began 90 sing Il sad and mourn
ful song, but laughed wildly ere she
finished, and said:
This Is too sad for bride to sing"
"Lukc Hammond" cried Elgin, rails.
ing himself upon his elbow, may
heaven blast your soul for this work.
"IIcnry Elgin,' said Hammond
"hlamc your own obstinacy. You are
the cause of this, and tell you that
until you obey my desires Catharinc
Elgin shall suffer"
"Oh, merclful hcayenw groaned the
unhappy father, take me - let Thy
wrath fall upon my hHad-the sins of
my youth merit Thy punishment-but
spare my child"
OF what use are your prayers?"
sneered Luke. "Your own hand can
end all this punishment you speak Of"
II pray you let me embrace my
child,' said Henry Elgin.
His voice, so sad, low and mournful,
seemed to touch some chord of re.
membrance in poor Kate's mind, for
she suddenly burst into tears.
Hammond hesitated for old Fan was
creeping into the white and gold apart
ment. and he longed to watch her. He
glanced towards Nancy Harker.
Nancy sat near the bed, her hand
hiding her eyes, but Luke knew those
eyes were riveted upon the movements
and features Of old Fan.
II pray you to suffer me to embrace
my child" repeated Elgin.
Hammond took Kate by the hand
and led her towards her father
Daniel" said Hammond, fearing
the scene might soften even the stony
heart of his accomplice, "go to my IL
brary-here is the key-get writing ma
terials ready, and when l call for them
bring them hither."
, Daniel nodded, took the key and de-
parted. Hammond had made a good
selection OF a villain, for Daniels heart
was as hard as his own.
My Cnlld, my haty-ny poor glrl.'
said Elgin, taking the cold, damp hand
of his daughter in his own and press
ing it to his lips, "do you not recognize
your beloved fathcr?"
Kate seemed deaf, blind and dumb to
all around her. She shed many tears,
but her eyes were fixed upon vacancy.
"She does not know you" said Luke.
"Blame yourself, Henry Elgin."
Liar! Monster!' said Elgin.
He gazed with fearful eyes upon his
child who stood passively by the bed,
while Luke Hammond turned his head
aside to watch old Fan.
Fan had reached the doorway Of the
white and gold chamber, had crouched
down near the door.