Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1901-01-02
and q few hours later was rspls1y
speeding westward

and q few hours later was rapissly
speeding westward
Il don't see what the deuce the yom-
en wanted with you." Brooks cried in
disgust when willard related the facts
os his unique journey. "I think you
must have been little or In the upper
story to let q mite OF n woman like that
kidnap you Was she q widowY'
Don't know" answered willard.
But. changing the subject a little.
Brooks. tell you that story OF mine Is
going to be a winner"
II hope So" said the artist. '.If II
isn't. old boy. our name Is Dennis"
The weeks OF anxious waiting had
slowly dragged by. II was the latter
part OF September. The Blue OK con-
test had closed The prize had been
duly awarded. and each contestant had
received the printed announcement Civ
ing the name OF the lucky author and
the title OF the winning story.
q One OF these announcements lay on
the table In the Brooks Hess Bohemian
den. Willard Hess sat staring at II In
dumb despair. a hard. drawn look In
bis face. Twice be read the cruel
words:
Mrs Eunice c. Dredgewood OF New
York city has been awarded the 5000
prize for the most original short story
OF 1000 words. The Man kidnapped
Is the title OF her clever and fascinat-
ing little story. which VIII be published
In the November issue OF The Blue OK.
"A most remarkable incident OF the
contest was the receipt OF well writ
ten little story entitled kidnapped by a
woman This story would have been
purchased by ms at our usual rates had
II not been in many respects similar 10
the prize story. this fact rendering Il
quite unavailable for our use
Wen sink together" Willard said
IN n husky voice pushing the hit Of
printed paper toward his friend. Then
be buried His head on the table
Brooks read the announcement and
threw Il TO the floor. Your little w7on,-
an in black" he exclaimed bitterly. He
took several pieces OF silver and three
coppers from his pockets Seventy
three cents between us and starvation.
Hessr he cried. with a poor. vain lit
tie attempt at llghtness. But there was
a hollow ring In his tones. and his lips
refused TO smile.
There was a loud knock. and Brooks
stepped to the door and opened Il. The
po6tmRn handed him a small blue en-
velope addressed In d feminine hand.
"A love letter for you, Hess" was the
artists remark as he tossed the letter
across the table 20 willard
The author straightened up. The
ashy pallor OF his face told the mental
anguish he was suffering. He tore the
envelope open with nervous fingers,
and as his eyes followed the written
words or the letter the hard, drawn
look, the ashy paIIOr. slowly vanished.
The artist saw the change and eagerly
awaited some word OF explanation.
Wen swim together. Brooksr VII
lard shouted. springing TO his feet and
suddenly seizing the artists hand.
Read that. man. and then dare tell
me women are not anEelsw
What Brooks read was:
ny Dear Nr. He.s-From Ths Blue On Publssh.
sAg company obtained your name and address
sad now taks the liberty OF writing YOU. as I
wish 20 remit oDs-haf OF the prize money rscelv-
81 for my story. In turning over this portion OF
the money 90 you ] conEder that ! am merely
being iust. feeling haliy shared by my husband
Earnestly trusting that the inclossd check will
somewhat compensate you Tor the time lost In
tournsytng 70 and frOa New York. l am. usneereiy
yoer% EUNucI C. DRxBaHw0oD
New York City. sept Is. 1888.
Lets SO out and get a square meal. I"
was the artists rather disappointing
remark as he handed back the letter
and reached for his hat
An hour later the two Bohemians
were seated In a swell restaurant an
open bottle OF champagne before them.
Here's TO the little woman In blackr
said the author. raising n glass OF
sparkling liquid.-Nickel.