The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1903-10-16
A Fortunate Kidnapping.

UlOPiu6 uAS "oJ ooAS"0~
corridor OF the abandoned portion OF
the mine, Hudson found himself under
an arched roof, vaulted and fretted
with ribs of gneis, and granite and
delicately streaked with veins of quartz
and glimmering pyrites. Near the
centre of the natural arch he stopped
and diligently pecked away at the
rocks with his small hammer and
chisel. Lukens, his guide, swung the
electric arc downward to illuminate
the place.
"It's the beginning of the old mine" "
be said, indicating with the sweep OF
his hand the vaulted corridor. 1--WE
gave up working here two years ago."
"What for?" asked Hudson quietly,
but with an undertone of suppressed
excitement. He was digging away
the vein Of rocks rapidly, cutting deep
into the streak of glittering yellow and
deposi,ing it into his canvas bag.
"Money gave out and the owners
had no faith in it," was the short reply.
Hudson said nothing for some time;
but his eyes glowed with expectancy.
Then he added: "You were superin-
tendent of the mine at that time, l be-
lieve?"
"Yes, but they wouldn't believe me.
l knew there was gold here, but I
hadn't the money to buy it or work it. "
Hudson had distrusted and disliked
the man from the first, but this con-
fession awakened some compassion for
him. After all be had misjudged him.
He realized that it was difficult posi-
tion for a man to be in; so he replied
more kindly:
"Well, Lukens, l believe you were
right. l think there is gold here
and plenty of it!''
The eyes of the mine superintendent
lighted up, and the eagerness in his
voice was unmlstakable. "I'm right
glad of it, then," he said, "and l hope
you'll get the mine. l don't want the
others to find it. They haven't treated
me fair-and why should l do more
for emf"
Hudson did not reply; he was work
ing feverishly at the vein of yellow
metal. He tapped the rocks here and
there and crumbled them to pieces in
other places; but all with we'll defined
purpose in view. Down on his knees
he dropped to examine the fallen pieces;
then up again he Strengthened his form.
"That settles it," he exclaimed, draw
ing in bis breath. cts rich one be-
yond doubt"
Noticing the interest displayed by
Lukens, he suppressed his unguarded
enthusiasm and added more calmly:
II think l have all the specimens I
need, Lukens. I'll take them up and
assay them tonight"
The two stepped out Of the circle Of
light radiated from their electric bulbs.
Hudson felt rather than saw another
pair Of eyes on him.
Hudson fel somewhat relieved when
he looked squarely into the eyes peer
ing at him from the rim of darkness
around. They were not those of a
prospector, miner, or engineer, but be-
longed to woman, whose face, just
visible against the dark background,
appeared strangely attractive and
beautiful. The two guides who &C.
companied her we're pushing on past
them; but with a sudden impulse she
turned and said:
II heard what you said, and, if you
will pardon me, I'd like to see some
gold in the rough rocks. l presume
it was gold you referred to-"
Hudson touched few of the speci.
mems be had collected, holding one up
in his hand as he spoke. II do not
say that it is gold," he replied. INC
man is sure of the metal in such q
light. But l think it will pass in day
light
care the rocks full of il?' she asked
touching the vein with a delicately
gloved hand, and picking off splinters
which he had left loose.
III they were this mine would bt
worth princely fortune,' Hudson: an
swered, with smile. II cannot tel
until l have made my assay. They
may all prove misleading" i.
She turned her eyes full on him
and be added: =,
"If the assay comes up to my ex
pectations l shall make fortune fol
my company, and-a reputation fo1
myself" 49,.
"You will buy the mine ON tn,
strength Of these samples?' she asked
simply, toying mechanically with tn,
specimens. -"