Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-12-03
&3a1a
CHAPTER NXIF.
Continued.


"They fear may tell her what l over
heard, and that the half crazy old
woman will attempt to destroy them,
Have you ever tried to bribe Daniel
or Stephen or Fan?'
Repeatedly. and n vain," said Elgn.
"They fear my vengeance should l re-
gain my freedom"
A few minutes passed i'll affectionate
conversation. and then Nancy unlocked
the door and came in.
"Catharine Elgin," said she. you
must now return to your ROOM"
"Say prison. cvil-hearted woman"
said Elgin. Farewell. my dear child.
and heaven guard you
"And you, too, my poor father" said
Kate.
Come. come said Nancy, stamping
her foot. We've had enough of that
nonsense"
Father and child separated, and
Henry Elgin was again alone.
He heard Nancy lock the door of the
crimson chamber and then that of the
ante-roOm.
He waited until he heard the well
known tramp of Daniel sounding i'll
tie hall. and then looking up the Chin
ney, called out:
"Work, my son. ! watch for YOU"
Greene began his toilsome work once
more. He had first to remove the
strong iron work, and then to pass
through some thirty feet of tiue before
he could hope to stand upon the roof.
Leaving him at his dangerous task,
let us follow Nancy Harkcr.
She conducted Kate to the white and
gold apartment, locked her in. and was
lingering in the hall when Daniel ap.
peared.
What news. Daniel?'
"Wcll, We saw the young gentleman
aboard the cars, aud his baggage, TOO"
replied Daniel He seemed very
gloomsomc like. and never spoke
word after we left Mr.. Hammond up
stairs"
Did you wait until the cars left|
asked Nancy. eagerly.
NO; we left him wrapped up in his
cloak in Il corner seat. and he looked
like he cared for nothing and nobody
in the world. What's up now, Mrs.
Harker:"
Nothing that can tell If old Fan
comes this way, send her off instantly,
Daniel. Where is Stephen"
He said he was going to bed; and
blow me, if l don't wish / was"
growled Daniel.
You shall have n nap before long"
said Nancy, as she hurried away.
IF l don't growled Daniel. as he
began TO pace the floor; eff l don't,
blow me. l will so to sleep walking
about"
In less than ten minutes he was pac-
fng to and fro with his eyes shut, more
than half asleep. and in five minutes
more he leaned against the wall, and
gradually sank down upon the floor,
sound asleep with his lantern by his
side
Then bent and crouchinS shape
crept along the hall, which was dark,
although day was dawning without
and stole into the antc-chamber Of tho
white and gold room.
1t was Old Fan, whose half crazcd
mind had clung to the only two words
Kate had uttered when they were last
together:
Yes, Fan
Kate hau said so much, and the old
woman lOnged to hear more, for her
suspicious We're aroused.
Fan tapped at Katc's door with her
skinny knuckles, and whispered
through the key.hole:
"My lady bird. Miss Elginw
There was no reply. Poor Kate,
soothed by the whispers Of joyful hope,
slept, and heard not the trembling
whispers of old Fan. Again the
wretched old woman raped at the
door. Miss Elgin! Birdie"'
Come cut OF that" growled Daniel,
who slept like cat, with his ears
open. Come out of that, or I'll stir
you up"
Old Fan cursed him fearfully, and re-
treated to her Kitchen to twist and
turn those two words that burned in
her braiI-"Ycs, Fan"
Nancy IIarker had hurried to the
library and there she fOnud Hammond
writing
"What are you doing" asked Nancy.
Writing an explanatory letter to
Charles" said Luke. "And | must
write another to a former friend of
mine to take Charles in hand and make
him less of a saint"
Npnc- waited in silence until Luke
hal finished his letter to Charles; but
when she saw him begin one to the
friend of whom he had spoken, she
said:
'Do not write it!'
"Ah And why not, Nancy" said
Luke, with a snap of his teeth.
'If Charles is saint, let him remain
Il saint. The world needs many like
him"
Come, enough OF that" said Luke,
bristling up his hair and glaring at
her. "You have had your way long
enough about Charles, Nancy"
J. "~I~ has grown up man, Luke. and