Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-12-17
By Prof. VIM. Henry Peck.

THE. MISER.
Author Of the "7Ke Stone. Cutter
Of Lisbon" Etc.
CHAPTER XXv.
Continued.

Harriet Foss has ceased to exist
said Marks.
"Ah! good! Your hand, John Marks.
exclaimed Hammond, wild with joy.
John Marks extended his hand slow.
ly. saying:
'You do not shrink from this hand?"
mot a hair" said Hammond. But
when did she die?"
Harriet Foss ceased to exist at IL
O'Clock this day." said Marks. "And
now I come for my reward"
"Yes-of course; you and Nancy
Harker will settle that little matter"
said Hammond. But l want proof of
her death-I must know it,
"What proof do you want:'
IL must see the body, John Marks
nothing less. You may be deccivins
me-" said Hammond.
Every WELL you shall see the body
of Harriet Foss," said Marks.
''But when?"
when shall be convinced that my
son exists" replied Marks.
Hammond reflected.
II pust leave that to Nancy Hcrker.'
said he, at length. Nancy is your
sons mother, you know, and, of course,
she can tell you more than l can. l
know, however, that your son does live.
Nancy showed me his likeness not long
Since-a splendid youth, too"
How he lied!
'Then let me see Nancy Harker"
said Marks. Il must not be t.ifed
with"
You shall see her. But you rl"st
not hope to see your son until you have
showed me the body of Harriet FosZ.'
said Hammond, firmly.
'If Nancy Harker proves to rle that
my son is living. then. Luke Hammond,
you shall See the body of Harriet Toss
tonight" said Marks.
Enough" said Hammond. gleeful.y.
He summoned Nancy, and she SOFA ap-
peared.
Mrs. Harkcr" sail Hammond,
"John Marks has brave news for Us.
AAohhiCt Jos 10
Nancy Harker turned dcathlJ ralc,
and stared at Marks.
"Is this true?" she asked.
"As true as that an here" said
Marks; "Hai1iet FoGs las ceased 10
exist"
prove 1t, John Marks" cried Nancy.
"Ah, that is what he will not do until
you. Nancy. shall have proved to him
that he has son." said Hammond
ut was not in our agreement" said
Nancy. John Marks was not only TO
do the deed, but also to prove it before
any steps should be taken to put hin
in the possession Of his SON."
'Stand on that. and l will prove
nothing" said Marks. II demand 4
private interview with Nancy Harkcr' -
You shall have it, said Nancy, after
a pause. II fear you, John Marks,
and must take precautions that you at
tempt no violence
Conduct him to the rear parlor"
said Hammond. 1T is not far from
here. l have no desire to hear what
you say. You. Nancy, can sit near the
parlor bell cord, with your hand on
it You see the bell there above my
head, John Marks?'
'These precautions are useless and
needless" said Marks, with a scorEful
smile. Take them if you wish, how.
ever. All l wish is private interview
with Nancy Harker."
Come, them said she. revolving 4
plan TO put him off. This way"
Nancy conducted him to small par.
lor, and then sat down near the bell
cord.
Now what have you to say. joan
Maris?" said she.
You and L." replied Marks, used %
speak language your brother could
never master. Do you speak 1t still:'
You mean German" said Nancy,
speaking in that language
1t is WELL" said Marks, sitting down
so rs to face her. IL have something to
say. and you must not scream if you
are astonished.
Something very interesting, no
doubt" said Nancy.
You SHAH Judge" continued Marks
"First, l must tell you that Charles
Hammond has not left New York"
"Ah" cried Nancy, growing white
again.
Il warned you not to ccrean," said
Marks. And, secondly. | must tell
you that Charles Hammond is in my
power"
Nancy Harker scarcely breathed and
shrank from the fire of the eyes Of
John Mark.
"IIe is in my power" continued
Marks. "and il you or your brother
play me false, or if you and lie have
tricked me, by my life. Charles Ham
mond dies. Now tell me-but first
let me tell you little more.
"One month ago saw Charles Ham.
mopd for the first time. 1t was in Liv-
erpool met him. ] supposed him to
be the son Of an American gentleman
named Luke Hammond, who had once
befriended me in my distress. l made
the acquaintance OF Charles, and from
that moment loved him-loved him |
knew not why loved him SO much
that would not ask him for money,
but hastened 10 America to see his
father. thinking that father to hs my