Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1908-12-02
A Risky Expedient.
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In the city OF New York the thronG
of carriages on Fifth avenue is often
so great that mounted policemen are
stationed at intervals 10 keep them in
line and eItricate them when blocked.
One afternoon as it was growing dark
a gentleman threaded his way to a
stalled carriage and mounted to the
box beside the liveried coachman. As.
constituent kept the latter silent fol-
q moment; then when he was about
to speak the gentleman stopped him.
James" he said in a low voice
you know me"
Certainly, Mr.. Townsend"
You also know that / am a friend
Of your mistress. Now, l wish you tc
reiinQuish the reinS to me. Get of
the box and disappear in the throng,
Come to my Office tomorrow and you
viii receive FIVE years wages"
There was little hesitancy in accept.
ing such a tempting offer He had
often seen the gentleman at his mis-.
tress' house. Doubtless he medita ted
some harmless prank. Turning over
tho reins. James descended from the
box and was lost In the crowd.
Now, there had been for some time
a desperate love game between Mr.
Townsend and Miss Annette Van De
voer, the occupant Of the carriage.
The lady would encourage her lover
for a brief season, when she would
suddenly treat him with the most
studied indifference. This blowing hot
and cold on the heart alternately sets
the blood coursing wildly and makes q
man do very reckless things. But
Frank Townsend was as much of a
genius at the game Of love as Paul
Morphy was at the game of chess. He
made UP his mind to campaign
which if unsuccessful would mark him
for fool, but, if he knew Miss Van
Deveer correctly, would win her.
The lady wondered why she was SO
long in reaching her home. When the
carriage stopped 1t was under a porte
cochere The man on the box gave
call, which was answered by maid,
who came out Of the house and receiv
ed whispered instructions from the
coachman. She opened the coach door.
The lady stepped out, looking about her
In surprise, but before she could collect
her senses was hurried into the house.
She became alarmed and turned to go
back through the door by which she
had come. 1t was locked.
what does this mean?" she cried,
both indignant and terrified.
THAT you are a prisoner"
"A prisoner"
"Yes, but don't distress yourself. You
will come to no harm. You will be
treated with every respect"
Beyond this Miss Van Deveer could
get no satisfaction. She at last CON
scented TO go to her room where she
was locked in.
She had not been there long before
the door was opened and note was
thrown in. 1t read:
Your treatment Of re has made me
desperate. ! have kidnapped you and
shall hold YOU till you have promised to
be my wife. If you wish to see me, ring,
and / will send for you.
F. TOWNSEND.
1t was but few minutes before a
ring was heard downstairs. Then
maid threw open the door and conduct
ed Miss Van Deveer to the drawing
room, where Mr. Townsend awaited
her.
What crazy freak is this?' she de-
manded hauphtilv
IF ! am crazy | have been made so
by love for YOU
Il demand to he sent home immedi-
ately. They will be frightened at my
absence. 1t is not proper that l should
be here in your house.
''As TO the first | care nothing. AS to
the second. you shall be treated as be-
comes the lady you are"
"Do you realize that when my being |
here is known, as 1t will be If / do not |
leave Immediately, shall be severely |
"All the more reason for you to com