Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1908-08-14
A Risky Exped;ent.
IOriginal.l

Oro afternoon as it was growing dark Q oantlen,an threaded his way to s+a1lad carriage and mounted to tue box beside the liverled coachmah. AS tonjsbment kept the latter silent Tor a moment: then when he was about to speak the gentleman stopped him.
 aIomes" he said in low voice, ''you know me!
 "Certainly, MT. Townsend
 .sYou also know that l am friend of VOLT mistress Now, I wish you to re,inouish the reins to me. Get off the box and disappear in the throng. Come to my office tomorrow and you will receive five years wages"
 There was little hesitancy in accept tno such tempting offer. He had often seen the gentleman at hls mis- tress' house. Doubtless he meditated some harmless prank. Turning over the rejns. James descended from the box and was lost in the crowd.
 Now, there had been for some time desperate love game between MT. Townsend and Miss Annette Van De yeer. 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 TlA blowing hot and cold on the heart alternately sets the blood co sing wildly and makes a man do very reckless things. But Frank Townsend was as much of genius at the game of love as Paul Morphy was at the game of chess He made up his mind to a campaign which if unsuccessful would mark him for a fool, but, if he knew Miss Van Dereer correctly. would win her.
 The lady wondered why she was so long in reaching her home. When the carriage stopped it was under a porte cocherc. The man on the box gave q call, which was answered by a maid who came out of the house and receiv- ed whispered instructions. from the coaclman. 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 cone. It Was locked.
 "Wha' dops this mean?" she cried. both in ;:snant and terrified.
 'tTha you are Il prisoner
 "A pi.;soner:'
 "Yes, but Cont distress yourself. You will come to no harm You will be treated with every respect
 Beyond this Miss Van Deveer cou.1i get no satisfaction. Shr at last con sented to go to her room. where s!,n was locked in.
 She had not been ther. long betorn the door was opened and Eo.1, .1'as thrown in. It read:
 Your treatment os has made :.:a desperate. l have kidnapped YOU ar! shall holI you till you have promised tp be my wife. If you wish to Fae. ring. and 1 will send for you
 F. TOWNSEND
 It was but few minutes l,fnrc q ring was heard downstairs. 'i.e:l a maid threw open the door and conduct ed Miss Van Devaer to the dra wing room, where MT Townsend awaited her
 What crazy freak is this?" she de. manded haughtily.
 ''1f I am crazy I have been made so by love for you"
 q demand to be sent home immedi- ately. They will be frightened at my absence. It is not proper that shou.l be here in your house"
 'As to the first care nothing. As to tue second, you shall be treated as be comes the lady you are
 Do you realize that when my being here is known, as it will be if do not leave immediately, shall be severely criticiSed?'
 All the more reason for you to com ply with the terms of ransom and go at once
 The lady was talking excitedly. the gentleman as coolly as if he were an Italian bandit ready to cut off her ear and send it to her relatives
 Il supposed. Frank Townsend. that you were reckless. but I never took you for q fool'
 A fool will pull the house down over his head and the woman he loves"
 DO you mean to say that you will permit this act to be known among your friends and be cut by every one or them? As soon as they hear all they will eXonerate me-"
 If l can't win you I am ready to be cut by the whole world"
 There was no promise of relenting. MISS Van Deveer stood looking at her eaptor with a curious expression. through all her blowing hot and cold sue had intended to marry him. h. ueed' she was desperately in love with nm If she allowed this unheard of auair to proceed it meant ruin to all concerned. There was no alternative except exploitation.
 order the carriage" she said. .- It IS ar the door. and my coachman oil the box. Come. can get you noMe before the dinner hour."