Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-07-16
CHAPTER Ii.

Luke IIululuOlu palc iiSh> h"h"
slid into his bosom. and there was
murderous intent in his eye when Kate
sprang between.
James, no violence! Mr.. Hammond
Il call you uncle no more-is 1t pos
sible that your hand Is now graspng
q concealed weaponT
Hammond seemed to wither In the
scornful fire of Kate's rebuking glance,
and his hand fell to his side as If sud-
denly paralyzcd.
LET James Greene leave this house"
said he, hoarsely.
First let me tell you," said James,
that l was acquainted with this lady
many months before l repaired your
desk. Ours Is no sudden love, but the
growth Of time. l knew her father.
and he befriended me much. have
not stolen into this house to win Miss
Elglns love. She has honoted me in
kiying me her love without solicitation
on my part, and l have returned that
love honorably and from my soul. I
loved her and she loved me long before
either Of us recognized mutual affec.
ton. You have insinuated that have
sought her hand for the fortune 1t
may hold. You do not know me, Mr..
Hammond. We're she as poor as she
is rch-and for her sake, thank heaven
she is not-I would love her as much
as do now. I do not acknowledge
your right to stand between us, for she
ls in her eighteenth year, and has wis
dom to guide her in the choice of a
husband. l do not ask you to consent
to our marriage; your opposition Is
mere shadow to ME and to her. l leave
you. but tell you l intend to make
Miss Catherine Elgin my wife so soon
as she shall name the day
And that will be when you may APP
point, James," said Kate, boldly.
mot SO fast, young lady" said Ham.
mond. "By the conditions of your
fathers will you cannot marry without
my consent and keep possession Of the
estate
Then I will marry without either"
replied the high-spirited girl. ut will
be a relief to me to escape from your
presence, and from those dismal night.
noises"
That reminds me-" said James, "to
tell Mr.. Hammond that he has played
anything but an honorable part in fill
ing Miss ElSin's mind with ridiculous
belief in ghosts and haunted houses
DO you, James Greene, leave this
house this instant, or | will summon
those who shall soon throw you into
the street." said Hammond, savagely.
There is not power enough in this
house to force me out" said James,
"and should you summon the police |
would take refuge in the eastern wing
OF the housc-the haunted part, Mr..
Hammond
Luke Hammond started slightly, hut
made no remark, while James slowly
rIoved into the hall with Kate.
Good night, my love-" said James
exchanging kiss at the vcstibulc
Since your uncle carries so high
head will fathom his mystery, though
violate one OF the rules of my life
which reads, Let every man mind his
own business Still. cannot presume
to asl; you to wed me- and so cause
you to lose your fortune. | have never
heard OF the will of which he speaks
All think yoEr father made no will"
Luxe Eammond-do not call him
my unc,e." replied Kate-"says he dis
covered the will few days ago, and
that be Is preparing to have it proved
In court
You know. dear Kate, am depend
ent upon my industry for my support
said James. "and 1t will be very wrong
In ME to induce you to wed poverty"
Health. honesty and industry are
not poverty, dear James," said Kate,
pressing his hand. you have them, 50
have /. am ready to be yours, rich
o. poor"
You are an angel. Katy" exclaimed
James, rs he gazed into her bright
brown eyes. II have heard so much
oe Luke Hammond's sharp dealings,
bo.h rs broker and lawyer, for he
has been an attorneJ-that ! begin to
suspect that he Is deccving you about
the will. But at any rate we are de.
tcrmfned to marry, rich or poor, and
so here is 4 kiss for goodnight. If
YOU wall; out tomorrow evening ut
seven 1 will meet you, and We will
appoint q place and time for our we'd
ding"
The lovers parted, and Kate returned
to face her cn:agad uncle, while James
Greene hurried to his home.
He lived alone for SO far as he knew
he had TO Kindred. When Kate re
entered tie par!or she found Lu.(
Hammond pacing TO ard fro, and NUT
tarinS Curses upon James Greena
Kate had DO desire to quarrel, and as
she feared Hammond's violent tenn,
Der. che turned to 60 to her room,
when be cried out:
"Stay, Catherine Ilcln! l have
something to cay to you
"Spea; rs a gentleman should, and
Use Il gentlcr tone. Mr.. HamEond, il
you desire Inc to lie to you,' said
Late.
Ia! your champions love has made
yon bold, Miss E!gin," snrpred Ham
mouj. folding his arms, and gazing on
her with n stare meant to aDaSh