Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-12-17
CHAPTER XXVU.

TRAP FOR LUKE HAMMOND.
Luke and Nancy aoQp reached the
white and gold chamber. and Nancy
unlocked the door and entered with
out ceremony.
"Mr. Hammond w,shca t. see you.'
said Nancy.
HE is n villain wearing .he name of
an honest man. haze 10 desire TO
see him. was the spirited reply OF
Kate Elgin. Who was pacing the floor,
still firm and strong.
The knowledge that her lover still
| lived and was escaping, as we'll as the
food she had taken in her fathers pri.
son, upheld her amid dangers.
"Sill untamed. my lady said Ham.
mond, striding into the room, and
wearing his grim, exultant smile.
Nancy. what did I say when we start
ed hither:"
you said. Come. .e.'s so visit the
BRIDE" said Nancy.
II am to be a BRIDE said Kate, but
not yours, sir. may even become the
bride of death, but never hope to call
! me wife"
| mo? You are confident sneered
Hammond But. fortunately for my
happiness, Miss Elgin, you mistake. l
intend to marry you this coming night.
/ All. you have slipped your handouts.
But that is no matter. Mrs. Harker.
be so kind as 10 retire into the hall.
Your presence may embarrass my WOO.
| ing
Kate grew Nlry pale and her heart
beat thick and fast. but she said moth.
Ing as Nancy Harker went out.
Now, Catharine Elgin." said Ham.
mond. assuming softer tone than she
thought so bad a man could use. "let
me tell you something you may not be-
lieye, but swear L is true
Come not near me. wretch" cried
Kate. as he seemed about to step near
er. Since ! must hear what you nave
to say. speak, But swear to nothing.
for will believe nothing you can say
"Ca,harine Elgn. my son. IN falling
| in love with a woman before his return
to New York has done me service. l
love you"
"SileIce, base, villalnous wretch.
cried poor Kate. growing alarmed as
Hammond's eyes seemed to blaze.
Yes, by my soul, Catharine Elgin.
adore you l began this affair from
love of gold. was rapidly verging
into hopeless bankruptcy. and 10 save
myself from ruin and disgrace. con
! ceived the plot to gain the fortune
Henry Elgin intended for James
Greene. Love Of gold was then my
only desire. But since have known
your character. and because my son
will not advance his suit for your hand
am no longer in love with gold. l
am in love with you"
"Oh, detestable villainr' said poor
Kate.
so much do love you" con n'inued
Hammond. that were ten times your
fathers wealth now mine I would
cast it away to call you my wife.
love You. and am willing to set your
father free. and TO risk his anger, to
dare the law. il you will consent to be
my wife"
Never" exclaimed Kate
Consider your situation. Catharine
Elgin iou are wholly, hopelessly in
my power. Your father is more in my
power than you are, for the world
thinks he lies mouldering in his tomb
| in Greenwood You have your choice.
Consent to be my wife. or see your
father die before your eyes"
His calm ferOcity of look, and his
air of iron. Interchangeable will, awed
Kate more than his words. And Luke
! Hammond was in earnest He was in.
fatuatcd with Rates great beauty as
much as he loved her fathers wealth
Kate remembered her fathers cav
| tiOn-t0 gain time.
will you give me one day more to
| reflect:" she asked.
"One day more" repeated Hammond
looking at her eager face with his
keen, gray stare. There is something
in your face I do not like, Catharine
Elgin, all lovely as it is. I see that you
ask for time, hoping to be delivered
You need not hope. told you yester,
| day, think. that the days of mira cles
had ceased. You are in my power. and
| yet suspect plot to escape. You
have already slipped off your mana,
| cles"
NO: starvation has reduced the size
of my hands," said Kate; "the hand
cuffs fell off with their own weight.
Grant me another day to consider"
| Hammond reflected for long time,
but as be had told Nancy he scented
danger in the air.
NO, l will not grant it," said he,
looking at his watch 1T Is now 2
o'clock. You shall see me at IL to-
night, and remember that l shall come
to make you my wife"
"Can you find man so villainous as
to degrade his holy office by going
through ceremony at which ! shall
cry Nay" even IL my last breath goes
will my dsnial?" said Kate
Te hs seatluusd,