Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1895-07-06
A HEAVY RANSOM.

preston when his particular chum,
Tom Langton, favored him with a
morning call.
"Halloa! What's up, Bob? BY Jove,
you are looking seedy."
Hon. Robert stopped in his purpose
less walk, languidly extended his arm,
lightly touched the tips of his friends
fingers, and heaved a deep and bitter
sigh
s'Are you i'll. chappie, or has the
peerless, patrician Penelope"
s.Sit down. Tom. The fact is, I've
been a fool"
land how did you discover it?'
r'Well, as you know. I've been mixed
up bit with Lord Templeton and his
set Jolly fellows, but inclined to go
the pace bit too fast. Hang me, if
can say No to anything they propose,
and the upshot of it all is that in two
nights l have lost upward of three
thousand pounds sterling playing cards
at the Junior Aborigines = at least,
that's the amount they hold my o US
for"
What confoundedly bad luck you
must have had!'
II posted down to the family nest
Yesterday, laid the whole affair before
the governor, and vowed that | would
never touch card again if he would
help me out Of this scrape."
s'And he has refused?"
''Point blank He reminded me that
on several occasions he had paid off my
legitimate debts-small in comparison
to this one-but he considered playing
cards for high stakes so outrageously
foolish that he could not and would
not help me. told him they were
debts of honor, but he said it was
most dishonorable way either of max
ing or getting rid of money.
in conclusion, he told me that as it
Gas most desirable that | should break
off from this connection, he proposed
to reduce my allowance to five hundred
pounds q year, during which time am
TO travel and see as much of the world
as can on paltry ten pounds week"
s'And what did you say?"
t'What could | say? | have no choice
In the matter l have made up my
mind that [ will not go to the money
lenders, and SO / must get these fell
lows to wait until can redeem my pa
per-"
Look here, old chap. I'll come with
you for time, and we'll go in for
walking tour"
Tom, you are brick. Let us start
this week"
Three months had elapsed since Rob
ert Spenceley's departure, during
which period frequent communications
each bearing expressions of regret
for the past and promises for the fu-
ture-lzept Lord Nethwick fully ac-
quainted with his sons doings The
absent one seemed to be thoroughly
enjoying himself, judging from his
graphic descriptions of the scenery
and incidents Of the walking tour.
Then the letters ceased altogether
Several times lately the doubt had
arisen in Lord Methwick's mind as to
whether he bad not been too severe,
remembering that his son had hitherto
borne an irreproachable character,
evincing 4 deep dislike to all the
worse forms. of dissipation, and there
was no doubt that this unfortunate af-
fair at the Junior Aborigines was not
the result of inherent or newly-ac-
,quired viciousness, but rather brought
about by a false position, in which,
surrounded by companions of wealth
and repute, he had been led away by
the excitement and his inability to say
StNo"
Now that no news came from him,
his fathers resolution rapidly gave
way under the disquieting influence
Of foreboding and the continuous en-
treaties of his mother, until at last his
recall was decided upon SO soon as the
next intimation of his address should
arrive. The next letter did disclose his
-xyhereabo bouts, and this was the
thuuderbOlt.
MOST ILLUsTRIoUs SIGNoR-The sea OF
your oxcellency is doing US the honor &c eESn-
descend our humble hospitality to partake and
has TO your address given so that we may
-impart his well being. He now his departure
desires, but would that your illuStrious ex-
cellency to US sending the sum or pounds four
thousand Englische that may be solGced
for his loss" Then followed an address to
which communication was to be sent, and
the missiye concluded: Amy information TO
she geudarE1eS viii be on the son of your eG-
eeuency. (Signed) GIUSEPPE"
Giuseppe! The most noted bloodthirsty
and brirand of modern times, about
whose cruelties and fortunes so many
narrowing tales were told by travel
ers, and upon whose head a heavy
price had been set long ago.
Lady Methwick piteously besought
her husband to send the money al
once.
''They viii kill my darling boy, and
yor-you-wiu have sent him to hi:
DEATH
Her daughters, Hon. Agatha, Ondine
and Clovis, added their agonized en-
treaties; indeed, so carried away wert
they by their feelings that they actual
Iy offered to go without new hats ant
dresses for the next twelve months, ii
order TO contribute to the ransom
money. But his lordship did not be
lieve in giving way at once. Doubles
a lesser sum would be accepted, an
while negotiations were in progress
and there was chance of the ransom
being ultimately paid, he did not thin
his son would be in anY DANCER. So b