Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-09-03
CHAPTER X.
Continued.

WOulu, ISlHdlhCu ALuhCS SoOAy
"Catharine Elgin, am a desperate
man; unscrupulous when my interest
demands 1t. had intended to use
other and less severe measures tc
make you the wife of my son, but hav'
Ing discovered that you have given
your love to James Greene, and be-
cause you have learned Of your fathers
existence l am not to he trifled with
now. l tell you plainly. You shall
never be less a prisoner than you are
n>w, until you are the wife of Charles
Hammond"
II have never seen him." said Kate.
With scathing contempt; "but merely
because he is your son detest and
abominnte him. You are wasting time,
Luke Hammond"
"Your fathers life depends upon
your resolve" said Luke. coldly.
wretch! Have you not already In.
ju1cd him beyond barbarlty itself?'
cried Kate. You dare not take bis
lito."
"You forget that he Is. in fact. al.
ready dead and buried" said Ham.
mond. "rhe very fact that have done
what l have should prove to you that
I dare do anythlng-and will do any
thing" he said, fiertely.
Are you, Mrs. Harker, woman,
and hear you this threat without rails
ins your voiceY exclaimed Kate to
Nancy.
Tell her, Luke, tell her what am
to you. The truth may weaken her
courage" said Nancy, writhing under
Mates scornful words.
II will, sometime hereafter" said
Luke Better wait until Charles has
arrived to urge his suit"
leave me! in Heavens holy name,
beg you to leave me-" cried Kate.
Then clasping her hands and falling
upon her knees, she cried:
"Oh, mother! dear mother! look
duwn upon thy most unfortunate child!
Ask from our God His powerful aid to
free me and my poor father from the
cruelty of this wicked man. And, oil
God! hear my mothers prayer"
She covered her lovely face with her
llnnds, and wept bitterly.
'She melts at last" said Luke. with
y grim smile of triumph.
"Meltsw exclaimed Kate, springnS
10 her feet, and standing defiantly
erect. II am rock-iron-steel to you,
villain. Would to Heaven were liv!
ing sword to cleave you down where
you stand-thou hideous, cruel, un'
grateful scoundrel!"
II shall not forget your compli'
ulents," said Hammond, quivering with
rage. II have little time to waste III
talking. You hold your fathers life OF
death upon your lips. He dies if you
remain rebellous to my commands
"Rebellious!" said Kate. "I owe you
no obedience"
"If your father, then, shall command
you to marry my son, will you obey
him:" demanded Luke.
"In his right reason, my father would
bite his tongue off ere he would con.
sent to such thing said Kate.
knowing that, | would disobey his
forced or insane command. Leave
me-"
You hope to be rescued sneered
Luke. You shall sooner fly. You
hope for the aid of James Greene
True. he will seek for gou and find
a swift and sudden death"
"Oh. Father in Heaven. This Is toe
much" sobbed Kate. almost swooning
with a born fear.
Tell me, inhuman being that yor
are! Can you be my mothers brother
Is there single drop of kindred blood
In your veins and mine"
"W'hy question it?'
Because my mother was kind. low
Ing, pious, gentle-she would not force
pang from the heart of her bitteres
foe, though in being merciful sht
should have broken her own. And 20,
you are-what? l can find no name
to describe your villainy. l dare you
cowardly tryant, TO face James Greene
with n threat! He would crush you
but for the hair Of your head. whicl
has grown white with evil. Leave me
I say!"
Take this fact to bend you with it
terror Cathariue Elgin." said Ham
mond, hoarse with rage, and astounde'
Of her courage. James Greene VIII
come here tonight; a note in your writ
Ing will lure him here. He goes no
hence living man.
Heaven will protect him and punisl
you" replied brave Kate.
1--WE shall see," said Luke, fiercely
"I have gone too far to retreat. Jane
Greene must die or must hang. Loo
at me and say if am one to sacritic
my life for that of James Greene"
I[e turned his dark and evil face sc
that every desperate purpose in" his
SOUL seemed blazing upon 1t in fearful
LesOlve.
Leave me! You look like flend,
said Kate. shutting her eyes In terror.
"To save the life Of James Greene,
sail Hammond, will you consent t.
obey mc?"
"If James Greene loves me us / love
him, and from my soul l believe HI
does" said Kate. gazing firmly at he
tyrlnt, "hc will prefer sudden death tt
Afelong misery. And to know me tht