The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-07-27
SELECTED STORY.
Lest: A Millionaire.

the Chlef. ISL I bnht Tue great Amer
lean millionaire, who has recently set
tied in London?"
"Yes, SIR"
"Show her in at once. Wiseman,
you remain for time"
A 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,
suddenly, "I've los my husbandl He
has disappeared"
"Since when2" asked the chief, beck
oning her to chair.
"Since yesterday evening"
"Oh" 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. 1t is this, which l received lit
tie while ago!' And she drew from
her hand bag a small cardboard box,
and dropped it upon the desk.
My chief took the box, opened it,
and distracted its contents; letter,
and small packet. Leaning over his
shoulder, l read the words of the
former:
Dear Madam: Rest assured that your bus-
band is right and safe, so long as you don't
attempt to find him. n you do, you will re-
greet it. He desires me to send you the en-
closed check (e10,000), 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, Whtechapel, 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 husbands 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 yourself trouble by seeing it
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 widow within two hours. Be care
full, therefore. To betray us is to betray
yourself and Mr.. Collins-Cox. Meantime,
we inclose first instalment OF your husband
to show we mean business.-Charlie Kid
naper & Co., Ltd.
The chief next took the small packet,
undid the paper, and suddenly recoiled
from il. 1t was a human finger, cut
from the socket, and wearing plain
gold serpent ring. | took up the fin
ger, and examined it very carefully.
"Do you recognize this finger and
ring to be your husband's2" asked.
"The ring, certainly, but can't be
sure of the finger. Mems fingers are
30 much alike"
"Hum! Do you remember what-er
yes, what finger Mr. Cox wore this
ring upon?"
1.-THE third finger of his left hand,
always"
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 don't think so. Your
husband has been kidnapped"
"Doyo wish me to take up the mat
ter?" l 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 being watched. Stop bit,
though, madaml Have you the check?"
eyes, 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 sheet
of ordinary note paper. The body was
written out in one hand with steel
pen, and the signature was in another.
'Are you sure the signature is all
right?" 1 asked of Mrs. Cox.
"As far as know, it is" she an
swered. "But could not say for GER
tain, though l attribute the dissimilar-
ity from his usual signature to his be-
ing nervous when he wrote it,"
sis it dissimilar?"
eyes, my husband wrote very firm
hand, and that is rather shaky."
swell, madam, please do what l tell
you. Go to the bank, and meet me at
your house. Let me lend you this
black hand bag. 1t will suit your pur-
pose.'
With that took up my hat and went
off. / walked down Carlton House
Terrace to the Cox's house. To the
footman who answered my summons,
said wished to see Mr.. Cox's valet,
and in few moments this lordly gen.
tleman came to me with mixed man
ner OF cordially and condescension.
In short time Mrs. Cox returned.
II guess shall go mad before the
day is out" said she, as she came into
the room, followed by man carrying
my hand bag.
"Oh, no." l said, cheerfully. 81
want to see you alone" She dismissed
the man, and then sank into chair.
Eyes, I've got the money, after the
greatest difficulty" she said, answer
ing my look. "But have you discov
cred anything?"
Eyes, two things" 1 replied. 81
want these things: A piece of cream
note psper-get it from your cook-a
steel pen, ink, and specimen of your
husbands signature. Please get these
things 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
male and five female servants"
"They all live here?"
Except the secretary-yes."