The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-05-27
-aCeftainly," said Hammond. "Would

-~CeFtainly," said Hammond. "Would
you like to see your father" ~
"He is in. heaven, with my mother"
said poor Kate. "Who are you"
Don't you know me, Catharine? I
am your uncle, Luke Hammond"
you're a man, are you not, sir?"
asked Kate, but combing her long
curls with her fingers, and looking at
the ceiling.
"Yes, I am a man."
"Then you are not Luke Hammond,
for he is a serpent!' screamed Kate,
fercely, and again pacing the room.
"She is quite crazy just now" re-
marked Nancy.
$50 much the better" said Ham
mond. 'But I hear Daniel rolling
Henry Elgin hithAr. Remember that I
cannot have my eye on old Fan; watch
her yourself"
II WILL" said Nancy, as Daniel rolled
the invalid's bed before the door Of the
ante-chamber.
Henry Elgin was lying upon it with
an expression Of scornful apathy upon
his pale and wasted features, but when
his bed was halted so that his eyes
could sweep through the ante-chambe:
into the white and gold, and as he saw
his beloved child sitting in a chair fac
ing him he utter cry of mingled joy
and anguish.
Kate; my darling! dear daughterr
said he, as Hammond held lamp near
Kate Elgin's face to show the father
the beloved features, all wan, worn
and wasted. She raised her eyes to
his for second only, then said to
Hammond, but looking at old Fan,
who stood behind her father:
Il thought you were leading James
Greene to me-"
Old Fan shuddered, and looked be-
hind her, as If she expected to see
James Greene rushing at her from the
deep, dark well.
"Merciful powersr cried Elgin, "my
child does not know me! She is mad"
Kate began to sing sad and mourn
full song, but laughed wildly ere she
finished, and said:
'This is too sad for bride to sing"
Luke Hammond" cried Elgin, rails
ing himself upon his elbow, may
heaven blast your soul for this work"
Henry Elgin," said Hammond,
"blame your own obstinacy. You are
the cause of this. and I tell you that
until you obey my desires Catharine
Elgin shall suffer-"
"Oh, merciful heavenw groaned the
unhappy father, "take me - let Thy
wrath fall upon my head-the sins Of
my youth merit Thy punishment-but
spare my childp'
"Of what use are your prayers?"
sneered Luke. "Your own hand can
end all this punishment you speak Of"
81 pray you let me embrace my
child" said Henry Elgin.
His voice, so sad, low and mournful
seemed to touch some chord Of re-.
membrance IN poor Kate's mind, for
she suddenly burst into tears.
Hammond hesitated, for old Fan was
creeping into the white and gold apart
ment, and he longed to watch her. He
glanced towards Nancy Harker.
Nancy sat near the bed, her hand
hiding her eyes, but Luke knew those
eyes were riVeted upon the movements
and features Of old Fan.
II pray you to suffer me to embrace
my child" repeated Elgin.
Hammond took Kate by the hand
and led her towards her father.
Daniel" said Hammond, fearing
the scene might soften even the stony
heart Of his accomplice, "go to my H.
brary-here is the key-get writing ma.
terials ready, and when I call for them
bring them hither."
Daniel nodded, took the key and de.
parted. Hammond had made a good
selection Of villain, for Daniels heart
was as hard as his own.
"My child, my Katy-my poor girl"
said Elgin, taking the cold, damp hand
Of his daughter in his own and press
ing it to his lips, do you not recognize
your beloved father"
Kate seemed deaf, blind and dumb to
all around her. She shed many tears,
but her eyes were fixed upon vacancy.
"She does not know you," said Luke.
Blame yourself, Henry Elgin."
Liar! Monster" said Elgin.
He gazed with fearful eyes upon bis
child, who stood passirely by the bed,
while Luke Hammond turned his head
aside to watch old Fan.
Fan had reached the doorway Of the
white and gold chamber, had crouched
down near the door.
Suddenly she spied the coin on the
floor, laughed gleefully, and reached
her hand forth to pick it up. AS sud.
denly, and with sharp cry, she start
ed back and stood as erect as she
could.
Luke moved from the doorway of the
hall eager to watch.
To be continued.