Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1908-01-09

MS neau nau prevented sevIIis ..--
captors. and after he had been hustled
into a cab he remembered no more un-
til he came to his senses in a police
station forty-eight hours later.
One of the park policemen had found
him sitting ON bench near n secluded
drive and had come to the prompt con-
clusion that the man was intoxicated.
When the application Of the night stick
TO the soles of his feet failed in its usu-
al effect an ambulance had been called
and the man was removed to the police
station, where the surgeon had quickly
brought him to consciousness, pro
nouncing the case one of opium poi
soning
\ suggestion was offered that per-
hapS Il visit TO Chinatown had been
followed by overindulgence in opium
smoking, but Sturgis declared that he
had never been in the Chinese quarter,
but was on his way to his apartments
after an evening at the club. He had
not had a very large sum of money on
his person, nor was it his custom to
carry large amounts at any time, SO
that If the object was robbery the alb
ductors had Jared but badly.
The afternoon papers advanced n
new theory based upon Sturgis slight
resemblance to the head of a large
trust company. 1t was argued that he
might have been mistaken for the
banker, and that 1t was the idea of the
abductors to hold the man for ransom.
Discovering their error, they had taken
the few dollars found in his clothes
and had turned him loose in the park.
Sturgis was the center of attraction
at the club that evening, and Bowen
was one of those who listened to his
story 1t was late when he let himself
into his apartment. but Namoto was
up awaiting him.
you had a nice time?" he asked
when Bowen was established by the
window for his good night cigar
Fine" said Bowen, wondering at
the question.
you will be married soonf demand.
ed Namoto.
Bowen stared. What could Namotc
know about Bess? Then he remember.
ed his conversation with Mosby Ma.
moto, In the adjoining room, must have
heard them. He was so unobtrusive
that Bowen had forgotten his presence.
II will be married in the fall" said
Bowen. "NIr. Mosby wants you to 60
to him then"
II got housekeeping account" said
Namoto irrelevantly, presenting Il slip
of paper. 1t was their custom to have
a settlement every Monday.
Look herer' called Bowen. you
have made mistake You have
charged the rent to blacking"
81 have not paid the rent" said Ma
motto. II bought backing"
1.-TWO hundred dollars worth OF
blacking?" gasped Bowen. Namoto
nodded
1.-TWO hundred dollars" he assured.
Chinese backing. Very good backing
indeed"
The stolid face did not change in ex
preston as Bowen stared, and Namotc
repeated the explanation. Bowen gasp
ed. Namoto had also overheard his
wish that Sturgis should not be al
Bayport over Sunday and had engaged
a Chinese tong to abduct Sturgis.
Gravely Bowen counted out the re
quired sum and added another hun
dred.
ut was well DONE" he said gravely
but buy no more backing"
Namoto refilled Bowen's empty glass
mo more will be needed" he said
placidly. 81 am glad you approve"
Bowen stared after the retreating
form. Gee" he whispered to himself
I'm glad l didn't tell Mosby that
wished that Sturgis was dead"