Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-11-05
CHAPTER Xxx.

JOHN MARKS TELLS A SECRET.
Midnight found Hammond in a fever
Of impatience. For nearly an hour
he had been counting the minutes. and
when the little bronze clock struck
twelve he sprang up, saying:
"'Tis time! And with all his faults,
John Marks was ever q man of his
word to me-"
AS he spoke lie heard his fierce dogs
bay loudly for a moment, and then as
suddenly cease.
"They are coming! l shall see my
SON! My Charles" exclaimed Luke,
more excited than he had been for
many long year.
He was wicked, fierce and cruel, but
he adored his son.
Soon a tapping at the door and be
sprang to open it. He opened it with
a Jerk. A tall, handsome youth, OF
twenty-four years, leaped into his
arms, crying: @y,,4. a+Sss,s.sl =.
"Dear father" ',"''''
"N1y boy! Ny darling boy" ex-
claimed Hammond, and then father
and son were silent with emotion, as
they gazed upon each other.
Stephen entered in his sneaking way,
and then came in Marks. with his long,
sweeping stride. His clear, deep voice
called for Hammond's attention.
"You, Hammond" said Marks, "now
feel that joy that hope to feel. You
are. embracing your only child"
"Ha! John Marks, are you there?'
said Luke, extending his purse as If
for reward.
Marks put the offer aside. He
seemed to spurn it.
keep your gold, sir" said he, stern
ly. II serve for higher reward than
that. have something now to live for.
A hope. Its realization shall make
John Marks better man"
Earn it, then" said Hammond, cold.
ly; for the changed tone of Marks
pleased him not at all. Then address
ing Charles, he said:
"You Look we'll. my son. You wrote
that you were in i'll health, and in
tended to try a voyage before the mast.
You have stood it WELL
"Henceforth a life on TIC sea shall
be mine" said Charles.
The little bell over the desk tinklcd
nerrily.
"Ah! what's that?" asked Charles.
"We have sick friend in the house."
said Hammond; and he continued to
Stephen: $50, attend the call"
Stephen grinned and hurried away,
= Considerable conversation upon vari-
Gus matters not pertinent to our story
ing which Marks smoked his cigar in
silence; yet as Hammond ever and
anon glanced towards him. there was
an expression on the dark features
Of Marks that made Hammond feel
uneasy.
Twas too soon to unfold all to
Charles, yet haste was important.
ut is late, my son. said Luke. at
length, land you must be tired. Sup
pose you retire to the apartment / have
prepared for you"
"But this mystery" said Charles.
"Mr. Marks has been talking mystery
to me all day. And"
you shall soon know all, my boy.
In the meantime l wish little private
conversation with Mr.. Marks"
"Ah! Then I'm off at once," said
Charles.
But you have never asked word
after your handsome cousin, Kate"
said Luke.
Charles turned very red. and John
Marks puf1ed at his cigar until it was
aglow.
'Is she very handsome, father"
"Very-and charming. But You shall
see her tomorrow, my son, and judge
for yourself
Thine enough" said Charles, care
lessly. But l am more anxious to
hear about the mystery, father
Yes, yes! you shall hear all about
1t, my son." said Hammond. lighting a
lamp. And now, my dear boy, fol-
low me-
"Good-night, Mr.. Marks" said
Charles, extending his hand to Marks.
Marks grasped it warmly and the next
moment was alone in the library.
He laughed q low, dry laugh as the
father and son departed. and muttered,
as he lighted another cigar:
"Now there'n be blow-up! And l
have that to tell Luke Hammond which
will make him stare. III he plays me
false about my son--"
His face grew darker. and his white
teeth cleaned beneath his heavy mus.
tache, as he said:
Luke Hammond shall lose his son,
or his son shall lose Luke Hammond.
But l suspect"
Hammond soon returned, and locking
the door, said:
"And now, John Marks, begin at the
beginning"
"No. Do you tell me about that sick
friend,'" said Marks. "By Jove! ]
will not open my sack until you dc
yours"
Il am ready now to do it," said
Luke; and then rapidly told of his two
prisoners in the eastern wing.
Marks smiled darkly as he listened.
always cunning daredevil" sad
Marks. But how did you deceive
Henry Elgin's wife?" ...--.-.---l--...,.-...