The leader., 1898-03-02

HnGES. COLLINS-COX is in the wait
W ing-room, and desires to see you
,OmrhfateIy. SIR" said one of the men.
Uterine The room where 1 was in con-
creation with the chief at Scotland
Yard. -,
"Collirs-Cox, Coliins-Cox?" repeated
,ba chief. Isn't that the great Ameri-
can millionaire, who has recently set
fled in London"
"Yes. sir"
"Show her in at once. Wlseman, you
remain for a time"
4 few seconds later Mrs. Collins-Cox
came quickly into the office, and the
door closed after her. She was pleas
apt-looking lady of seven or eight and
twenty. Clearly, she was greatly eX-
cited about something.
Sir" she cried, coming forward, sud
denly. I've lost my husband! He has
Disappeared
"SjHce vhen?" asked the chief, beck
oning her to a chair.
"Sinre Yesterday evening"
"Oh.." he said, smiling, Il should not
worry about that, madam. No doubt
he will come back safely. Did he not
say ne was going?'
"Ob It's not that, sir, that frightens
me. 1t is this, which | received little
while ago." And she drew from her
hand bag a small cardboard box, and
dropped il upon the desk.
Nv chief took the box, opened it, and
distracted its contents; letter, and
a small packet. Leaning over his shout
der. I read the words of the former:
Dear Madam: Rest assured that your
husband is right and safe, so long as you
don't attempt to find him. If you do, you
will regret it. He desires me to send you
the inclosed check (e10,0e0). which you are
TO change and convey in cash to us after
our Instructions.
You Will go to the bank, cash the check.
put the money in handbag, and tonight,
at eight sharp, when 1t is dark. you Will
90 to Cross street. Whitechapel, and put
the bag against the ratings of No. II,
exactly where you find white cross on
one of the flags You will go alone, and
act secretly all through. 1t is your hus-
bands wish, for the successful issue of
our pIan means his life. If the money
falls into wrong hands, your husband Will
write rs another check, which you will
cash and bring to us. So you will save
yourself trouble by seeing 1t doesn't and
following our instructions. When we have
the money, your husband Will return.
Put The bag down on the white cross.
and walk away quickly. You will be
followed and if you don't walk away.
or if YOU look back. or there is anyone
spying about, you will be a widow within
two hours. Be careful. therefore. To be-
tray us is to betray yourself and Mr.. Col
lns-CoX. Meantime, we inciose first in
stalment of your husband to show we
mean business.-Charlie Kidnaper and Co..
Ltd.
The chief next took the small packet,
uudid the paper, and suddenly recoiled
from il. 1t was a human finger, cut
from the socket, and wearing a plain
gold serpent ring. l took up the finger,
and examined it very carefully.
DO you recognize this finger and
ring to be your husband's?" l asked.
The ring, certainly, but l can't be
sure of the finger. Mems fingers are so.
much alike"
Hum. Do you remember what-er
yes what finger Mr.. Cox wore this
ring upon?"
The third finger of his left hand, al
ways"
Then calm your fears, madam;
million chances to one this is not your
husbands finger, since it is the second
of some hand. OF course, it may be
genuine. But l don't think so. Your
husband has been kidnapped.
DO ycu wish me to take up the mat
ter? | asked, turning to my chief. He
nodded, and turned to Mrs. Cox. $50
TO the bank, cash the check, and return
home, where you will find me. You
must do this, because you are probably
beng watched. Stop a bit, though,
madam! Have you the check?"
Yes, it's here in my purse
took it from her, and crossed to the
window to examine it. 1t was made out,
payable to Mrs. Cox, on a sheet of Or
binary note paper. The body was writ
ten out in one hand with steel pen, and
The signature was in another.
Are you sure the signature is all
nght?" | asked of Mrs. Cox
AS far as | know, it is she answered.
But could not say for certain, though
attribute the dissimilarity from his
usual signature to his being nervous
when he wrote it,"
rs it dissimilar
les, my husband wrote very firm
hand' and that is rather shaky"
Wen, madam, please do what tell
you TO to the bank, and meet me at
your house. Let me lend you this black
hand bag. 1t will suit your purpose"
with that took up my hat, and went
OIL walked down Carlton House Ter
race to the Cox's house. To the foot
man who answered my summons l said
wished to see Mr.. Cox's valet. and in a
Jew moments this lordly gentleman
came tonne with mixed manner of
eordlality and condescension.
IN short time Mrs. Cox returned.
guess / shall go mad before the day
out" said she. as she came into the
room' followed by man carrying my
hand bag.
oh' no. / said, cheerfully. II want
10 see you alone" She dismissed the
man, and then sank into chair.
Yes, I've got the money, after the
greatest difficulty" she said. answering
my look. "But have you discovered
anything?n
Yes, two things" replied. II want
these things: A piece Of cream note
paper-get 1T from your cook-a steel
PEN INK, and specimen of your hus-
bands signature. Please get these
.nings yourself, and let no one know
now, tell me-who is in this house ?"
Myself-you mean usually? Well
Mr. Cox, myself. the secretary. three
A4aie and five female servants"