The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-08-12
By Prof. VIM. Henry Peck,

Author Of the "1Se Stone Cutter
Of Lisbon" Etc.

000606@
CHAPTER XVIII. lsasasssssss siasassss
Continued.
81 do" said Hammond. John
Marks never committed but one crime:
he robbed his father. He never COM
mitted the burglary for which he was
transported-I have seen the man that
did 1t, and before John Marks would
clear himself at the expense of COM
rade. he suffered for that comrades
crime. Twas that instigated him to
rob his father-you know that, Nancy
Harker."
81 do," said Nancy, very pale. "And
do you think, Luke Hammond, that If
John Marks had son like Charles he
would wish to Like that son a vii
1ain."
None of that, Nancy Harker," said
Hammond. Call me no hard names.
No, John Marks is a reckless fellow,
but he is a little foolish, and believe
would rather find his son a good, an
honest man, hating him, than find his
son a scoundrel, loving him. And even
If there were no son in the case why
should John Marks betray me when
from me he can obtain gold, and from
no one else. Enough Of this. We must
prepare for wedding"
"Now that you have the will what
do you intend to do with Henry FL
ginT asked Nancy.
'1That is my business" said Ham
mond. "Seek to know nothing Of him
after this night. He will disappear.
Does Catharine Elgin still refuse
food"
"She does," said Nancy.
"But she drinks?"
"Yes-but nothing but water" re-
piled Nancy.
ut is enough" said Hammond. "She
draws the water from the fountain in
her ROOM"
Eyes; she will drink from nothing
that I fin," said Nancy, .'and uses a
glass goblet which stands ever in her
sight near the fountain"
"You know the pattern of that glass
you have others like 1t. Bring me
one" said Hammond.
Nancy departed, and soon returned
with large cut-glass goblet Of a pale
gold color.
"Ah! Is that the color Of Catharine
Elgin's goblet? Good! Fortune ia
vors me-" said Hammond.
He then searched in his desk and
produced a small silver vial, from
which he poured a few drops Of pale
yellowsh liquid into the goblet. Then,
with a delicate brush of silken hair
he coated the inside Of the goblet with
the liquid, which seemed something
like thin varnish.
What is that?" asked Nancy Har-
ker.
"A secret" said Hammond, swinging
the goblet to dry it. "A secret that has
never played me false, and one that
shall never tell. Its effects you shall
see tonight. Now return with this
goblet to Catharine Elgin's room. Do
not let her see that you have it Cou-
trlve to exchange it for the one she
uses. Can you do it?'
"Of course I can," said Marcy, tax
ing the goblet.
Right. Now 60 and do It. When
you have done it watch her closely,
and when she has drunk from the COB
let let me know"
Nancy left him, and he worked at
the will until the clock struck 10.
AS it struck some one raped at the
door, and as Hammond opened it Ste
phen entered, followed by small
mean-looking man in shabby clerical
garb.
"Ah, Mr.. Allday! You are prompt"
said Hammond.
Always am, Mr.. Hammond. when
my friends need me-" squaked Mr..
Allday. as he fawned before the sup
posed rich money broker, Luke Ham
mond, Esq.
Right" said Hammond "Stephen,
station yourself at the private en-
trance. When Mr.. Marks appears ad-
mit him."
will he come alone?" asked Ste
phen.
II hope not" said Hammond, think
ing Of what John Marks had promised
to bring with him. However, if there
is any one with him you do not know
do not let him pass"
Every well, sir" said Stephen, and
then left the library.
"Mr. Allday," said Hammond, plac-
ing a slip Of paper in his visitors
hand. there is your note for $95."
Thank you, Mr.. Hammond. What
car do to serve your"
''You must perform a marriage cere-
mony."
"But have been deprived of my IL
cense TO officiate as clergyman" said
Allday. I'm fact, the only license I
had was forgery"
II know that. Mr.. Allday. But am
content with you as you are," said
Hammond. You must marry me to a
young lady tonight and make no re-
marks"
'Certainly-anything you say, Mr..
Hammord.'
Fright. l shall pay you well. I
shall also need your evidence hereafter.
Until desire your presence be so kind
rs to retire into the next room. You
will tinc refreshments there"
"Oh. shall wait patiently, Mr.. Ham