Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-12-31
CHAPTER XVIII.
Continued.

sauSe he hopes to regain his son. be
,ieve that If his son had been evel
near him--if John Marks had had
something to love and cherish, some
thing to take pride in, he would have
grown as old as he is now unstained
by the taint of crime
You believe, that, Luke HammondT'
said Nancy, eagerly.
II d." 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 it, and before John Marks would
clear himself at the expense of a COM
rade, he suffered for that comrades g
crime Twas that instigated him to
rob his father-you know that Nancy
Harker."
Il do" said Nancy, very pale. And
do you think, Luke Hammond, that if
John Marks had son like Charles he
would wish to make that son q vii
lain"
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 good. an
honest man. hating him. than find his
son scoundrel, loving him. And even
II 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"
Nov that you have the will what
do you intend to do with Henry Ell
gin asked Nancy.
That is my business" said Ham
mond. Seek to know nothing of him
after this flight. He will disappear
Does Catharine Elgin still refuse
food?'
"She does" said Nancy.
nRut she drinks?'
lEnt nothing but water" re.
hcy.
/enough," said Hammond. she
the water from the fountain III
room"
Yes: she will drink from nothing
Vat l fill." said Nancy, land uses a
lass goblet which stands ever in hei
sight near the fountain"
You know the pattern OF that glass
you have others like it. Bring me
one" said Hammond
Nancy departed, and soon returned
with n large cut.glass goblet of pale
gold colo:.
"Ah. Is that the color of Catharinc
! Elgn's goblet? Good. Fortune Ia
vors me-" said Hammond.
He then searched in his desk ana
produced a small silver vial, from
which he poured few drops of pale
yellowish 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-
Ter
"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 1t. Con'
trive to exchange it for the one she
uses. Can you do it?'
"Of course can" said Nancy, TAX
ing the goblet.
Right. Now go and do 1t. When
you have done 1t watch her closely
and when she has drunk from the COB
fet let me know"
~ Nancy left him, and he worked a
4the will until the clock struck 10.
As it struck some one raped at th'
door, and as Hammond opened it ste
phen entered, followed by small
mean-looking man in shabby clerica
garb.
"Ah, Mr.. Allday. You are prompt,
. said Hammond
always am, Mr. Hammond, whel
my friends need me-" squaked MI
Allday. as lie fawned before the SUP
posed rich money broker. Luke Ham
mond, ESQ.
Fright" said Hammond. "Stepher
station yourself at the private Ell
trance. When Mr.. Marks appears ad
nit him
"Will he come alone?" asked Ste
len.
II hope not" said Hammond, thinl
of what John Marks had promise
bring with him. "However, if thel
my one with him you do not kno'
not let him pass"
Very well, sir said Stephen, an
left the library.
Ir. Allday.' said Hammond. pla
slip of paper in his visitor
ttheCe is your note for 800.
Mr. Hammond VIII:
prm marriage Ger
been deprived Of my
Iciate ms a clergyman" sa
EsIn fact, the only license
q forgery"
now that. Mr.. Allday. But a
ent with you as you are" sa
\mord "You must marry ME to
lady tonight and make no