Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-08-20
IONT FREDERICK COUNTY, MD THURSDAY. 30

consideration, dear James. Ever your
own, kAI1 ELGlN.
"How's that?' said Luke. placing the
note before Nancy.
excellent" said Nancy. "Had !
not seen you write it would have
sworn Catharine Elgin wrote
But"
but what?" demanded Luke.
"If he should not bring this letter.
He may think note in reply assuring
Miss Elgin of his presence will be
enough, and that old Fan Will not no
tice the difference You know lovers
treasure the letters Of their beloved.
Besides, he may-there is a possibility
leave the note behind, or show 1t ts
some friend"
James Greene will not show such
note to any one. He Is of that nature
to consider it sacred thing. But II
he should leave it behind it would not
matter"
How so? You are foolish" said
Nancy.
mo, I am cunning. The ink with
which I have written that note Will
fade from the paper within twenty
hours. | have used 1t often. l car
grade It's durability SO that 1t may last
week, a month. or II year. l hayf
written personal obligations. not trans
rCrable, and borrowed money with that
ink. When the holder Of my note
brought it to me, when due, the note
had become blank paper. So If James
Greene does leave this decoy letter be
hind, long before his absence shall
have become remarked by his friends
not vestige of the ink will remain
! assure you that ink has been Of great
use to mo" he addcd, folding and back.
ing the forged letter.
IF You don't succeed" said Nancy.
with n burst of admiration. "old Nick
gives you wit to destroy you
Right" laughed Luke. And now
go to bed. 1t is nearly 1 o'clock. and
you must be sleepy
And you, Luke" said Nancy, as sha
rose to depart.
Cannot sleep; have not slept in my
ID for months, Nancy. sleep in that
large chair. Ready for flight or fight,
as either may seem best.
You are childish. Nothing can hin
dor me from sleeping
NO? / will tell you something to
keep you awake
Il defy YOU replied Nancy.
"Listen." said Luke in grave voice.
John Marks has been here tonight
WHAT do YOU think he told me?'
THAT he wanted money. He always
did the spendthrift,' said Nancy.
''Is that the way you speak of your
husband, Nancy?'
Husband" exclaimed Nancy. a
lie. John Marks and separated years
ago
True. You and John Marks could
never agree. l did not tell him you
were here"
Don't. If you do you'll regret it!'
said she.
won't that bit of news keep you
awakc?" asked Luke.
Not minute" replied Nancy.
"Well, then, | must make my prom.
Use good. John Marks told me that
there is now in New York woman
named Harriet Foss.'
Harriet Foss.' uuttered Nancy,
sinking into chair and staring in ter.
rOr.
"IIo. That'l keep you awake Nan.
cy.' sneered Luke.
Can you sneer and know your dan.
ger while Harriet Foss lives, Luke?'
Bah! have already prepared for
her removal" said Hammond. "John
Marks will take care Of her.
Speak out, Luke" cried Nancy.
Have you employed John Marks TO-
to"
Now do you speak out, Nancy said
Hammond. NO. l have no design Oh
her life"
"Good,nght." said Nancy, as weak
and pale us if just from swoon.
when John Marks calls here again
let me see him.
She departed, leaving Hammond
alone.
"Ha, she wants to see my friend
John Marks said Luke, locking the
doors about him and tasting his brandy
largely. Il know what she wants of
him. Nancy is terrible woman some.
times"
Hammond then seated himself in his
sleeping chair, and soon fell soundly
asleep. with cooked pistols on the tabls
before him. Luke Hammond was dan.
gerous game to take alive!