The Van Buren press., 1898-03-19

M RS. COLLINSGOX is in the wait
IVI ing-room, and desires to see you
Immediately, sir" said one of the men,
entering the room where was in con-
yersation with the chief at Scotland
Yard
'Collins-Cox Collins-Cox?" repeated
the chief. isn't that the great Ameri-
can millionaire, who has recently set
tied in London?"
Eyes, SIR"
"show her in at once. Wiseman. you
remain for time"
few seconds later Mrs. Collins-Cox
came quickly into the office, and the
door closed after her. She was pleas
ant-looking lady of seven or eight and
twenty. Clearly, she was greatly ex-
cited about something
Sir" she cried, coming forward, sud
denly, eve lost my husband! He has
disappeared"
"since when?. asked the chief, beck
oning her TO chair.
"Snce yesterday evening
"ohl" he said, smiling, 81 should not
worry about that. madam. No doubt
he will come back safely. Did he not
say he was going?"
ooh. it's not that, sir, that frightens
me. II is this. which received little
while agol" And she drew from her
hand bag a small cardboard box, and
dropped it upon the desk.
Nv chief took the box, opened 1t, and
distracted lis contents; letter, and
small packet Leaning over his shout
der, | 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 yon
the ncosed check (f100O0), 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
go to Cross street, Whitechapel, and put
the bag against the ratings OF No. H.
exactly where you find white cross on
one OF the flags. You will go alone, and
act secretly all through. II is your hus-
bands wish, for the successful issue OF
our plan means his life. II the money
falls into wrong hands, your husband Will
write us another check, which you will
cash and bring to us. So you will save
following our instructions. When we have
The money your husband Will return.
Put the bag down on the white cross,
land walk away quickly. You will be
followed; and II you don't walk away,
or If you look back or there Is anyone
spying about, you will be widow within
two hours. Be careful, therefore To be-
tray us Is to betray yourself and Mr.. Col
lins-Cox Meantime, we inclose first In
stalment of your husband to show we
mean business.-Charlle Kidnaper and Co.,
Ltd
The chief next took the small packet
undid the paper, and suddenly recoiled
from it. 1t was human finger, cut
from the socket, and wearing a plain
gold serpent ring. took up he finger
and examined ii very carefully.
'Do you recognize this finger and
ring TO be your husband's?" asked.
1.-THE ring, certainly, but | 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?"
"1he third finger of his left hand, al
ways
"Then calm your fears, madam; a
million chances to one this is not your
husbands finger, since it is the second
of some hand. OF course, il may be
genuine But ! don't think so. Your
husband has been kidnapped
"Do you wish me to take up the mat
ter?" I asked, turning to my chief. He
nodded. and ! turned to Mrs. Cox. Go
10 the bank. cash the check, and return
home, where you will find me. You
must do this, because you are probably
being watched, Stop a bit, though,
madam! Have you the eheck?"
''Yes it's here in my purse"
took il from her, aud crossed to the
window to examine il. 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
right?' 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 H."
as il dissimilar?"
Eyes, my husband wrote a very firm
hand, and that is rather shaky."
"Well, madam, please do what tell
you. Go 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
of. l walked down Carlton House Ter
race to the CoN's house. 70 the foot
man who answered my summons said
wished to see Mr.. Cox's valet. and i'm
few moments this lordly gentleman
came 10 me with a mixed manner of
cordiality and condeseension.
In a short time Mrs Cox returned.
IL guess | shall go mad before the day
Is out" said she. as she came into the
room. followed by man carrying my
hand bag