Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1905-10-14
JOHN MARKS THIS a srcRr

when the little bronze clock struck
twelve he spranS up. saying:
It's time. And with all his faults.
John Marks was ever a man OF his
word to me"
As he spoke he heard his fierce dogs
bay loudly for moment. and then as
suddenly cease.
They are coming, I shall sec my
son. Ny Charles" exclaimed Luke
more excited than he had been for
many a long year.
lie was wicked. fierce and cruel. but
he adored his son.
Soon n tapping at the door and he
eprang 10 open it. lie opened Il with
jerk a tall. handsome youth. of
twenty-four years. leaped into his
arms. crying:
Dear father
MY hoy, Ny darling 0oyw OK
claimed Hammond. and then father
and SCI were silent with emotion. as
they gazed upon each other.
Stephen entered in his sncakin- way.
and then came Ia Marks. with las long.
sweeping stride. His clear. deep voice
called for Hammond's attention
You. Hammond" said Marks. "now
. feel that JOY that I hope 90 feel You
. axe embracing your only child"
"Ha! John Marks. are you there
said Luke. extending his purse rs IL
FOR reward.
Marks put the offer aside. lie
seemed TO spurn 80.
Keep your gold. sir" said he. stern
81 ". Il serve for higher reward than
hat 1 have something now 10 live FOR.
y hope. Its realization shall make
d John Marks a better man"
Earn IL. them" said Hammond. cold
II j.; Tor the changed tone OF Marks
pleased him not M an. Then address
+. 41Eg Charles. he sad-
You look We'll my son. You wrote
8 that You were in an health. and in
$ tcadcd TO try a voyage before the mast.
You nave stood IL well"
"Henceforth a life on tic cea shall
oe mine" said Charles.
The little bell over the desk tlnklod
nerrily.
"Ah. what's thate" asked Charles.
I'VE have a sick friend IN the house"
paid Hammond: and hc continued 10
a stephen: Go. attend the call"
stephen grinned and hurried away.
Considerable conversation upon vari-
rs matters not pertinent 20 our story
oAowed between father and son. dur
1S which Marks smoked his cigar ia
Hence; yet as Hammond ever and
non glanced towards him. there was
n expression on the dark features
Marks that made Hammond feel
lcasy.
Twas too soon to unfold al to
har!es. Yet haste was Important.
1T is late. my SON." said Luke. M
myth. land you must De tired. sup
pse You retire 10 the apartment have
-epared Tor YOU"
But this mystery" said Charles.
W. Marks has been talking mystery
me all day. And"
You shall soon know all. my boy.
s the meantime wish a little private
nversation with Mr.. Marks"
Is All. Then I'm or at once" SAID
larles.
But you have never asked n word
er your handsome cousin. Kate"
d Luke.
'harles turned very red, and John
AXIS pulled ut his Cigar until it was
low.
Is she very handsome. fathcre"
81 Nery-2nd charming. But YOU shall
her tomorrow. my son, ana judge
W yourself"
Time enough" said Charles. care
y But / am more anxious 20
|S about the mystery. father"
les, yes. you shall hear all about
~; my son." said Hammond. lighting
p And now. my dear boy. fol-
y me-"
Goodnight. Mr.. Marks" said
ries. extending his hand TO Marks.
rl's grasped it warmly and the next
nent was alone in the library.
laughed a low. dry laugh as The
Ter and son departed. and muttered.
Pc lighted another cigar:
Now there'n be a blOw-upi And
that 10 tell Luke Hammond which
make him stare. II he plays me
E about my sob
s face grew darker. and his white
p cleaned beneath his heavy mus
c. as he said:
luke Hammond shall lose his son.
is son shall lose Luke Hammond.
suspect"
mmond soon returned. and locking
door. said:
nd now. John Marks, begin at the !
pning."