Gilpin observer., 1901-01-17
and few hours later was rapidly


and a few hours later was rapidly
speeding westward.
II don't see whatthe deuce the wom-
an wanted with you" Brooks cried in
| disgust when Willard related the facts
OF his unique journey. Il think you
must have been a little of in the upper
story to let mite Of a woman like that
kidnap you. Was she widow?
Don't know" answered Willard.
"But. changing the subject e little.
Brooks, tell you that story of mine is
going to be winner"
| II hope So" said the artist. IF it
fsn't, old boy, our name is Dennis"
The weeks of anxious waiting had
! slowly dragged by. 1t was the latter
{ part Of September. The Blue OK con-
test had closed. The prize had been
duly awarded, and ench contestant had
received the printed announcement CIV
ing the name of the lucky author and
! the title of the winning story.
| One of these announcements lay on
the table in the Brooks Hess Bohemian
den. Willard Hess sat staring at 1t in
dumb despair, hard, drawn look in
his face. Twice he read the cruel
words
Mrs. Eupice C. Dredgewood of New
York city has been awarded the $4,000
! 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 Will be published
s., 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
| Woman This story would have been
purchased by us at our usual rates had
1t not been in many respects similar to
the prize story, this fact rendering 1t
quite unavailable for our use"
"We'll sink together" Willard said
IN husky voice. pushing the bit Of
printed paper toward his friend. Then
he buried his head on the table.
Brooks read the announcement and
threw 1t to the floor. Your little wom-
an in blackw he exclaimed bitterly. He
took several pieces of silver and three
coppers from his pockets. Seventy
three cents between us and starvation.
| Hessv' he cried, with poor. vain lit
tie attempt at lightness. But there was
a hollow ring In his tones. and his lips
refused to smile.
There was loud knock. and Brooks
stepped to the door and opened it. The
| postman handed him a small blue en-
velope addressed in feminine hand.
| "a love letter for you. Hess" was the
| artists remark as he tossed the letter
across the table to Willard.
The author Strengthened up. The
ashy pallor Of his face told the mental
anguish he wns suffering. He tore the
envelope open with nervous fingers,
and as his eyes followed the written
words of the letter the hard. drawn
look, the ashy pallor. slowly vanished.
The artist saw the change and eagerly
awaited some word Of explanation.
We'll swim together, Brooks" Will
lard shouted. springing to his feet and
suddenly seizing the artists hand.
Read that, man, and then dare tell
me women are not nngels!
What Brooks read was:
Ny Dear Mr.. Hess-rroun The Blue Or Publish
| ing company obtained your name and address
and now take the liberty Of writing you, as
wish to remit one-half Of the prize money receiv.
ed for my story. In turning over this portion OF
the money to you consider that am merely
bcing Just. q feeling fully shared by my husband
Earnestly trusting that the inclosed check will
somewhat compensate you for the time lost in
journeying to and from New York. am. sincerely
yours. EUSIcE Z. DREDoEvoop
New York City. Sept. l6. 1899.
Lets 60 out and get square meal"
was the artists rather disappointing
remark rs he handed back the letter
and reached for his hat.
An hour later the two Bohemians
were seated in swell restaurant, an
open bottle Of champagne before them.
Here's to the little woman in black"
said the author. raising a glass Of
sparkling liquid.-Nickell.