The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1909-06-16
KIDNAPPED.
The Queer But Nice Adventure of Arthur Gordon C. E.
ID r. ~
(W. R. Rose in Cleveland Plain Dealer.)

His cousin Emily had told him the
electric stanhope would call at
o'clock. He was the guest Of his cous
in and his aunt-his mothers only sis
Ter and so much like her.
I'D rather stay here, Aunt Lucy,
he said. I'm not strong admirer
Of afternoon receptions-and | want
to visit with you"
His aunt laughed.
1T doesn't seem quite right to
hurry you off in this summary way
she said. But Emily has set her
heart on having you there. You are
her lion, you know"
The tall young man frowned.
81 don't like that, Aunt Lucy" he
hastily said. You heard me tell
Emily so. If | thought she had any
designs on my peace of mind would
skip this reception without further
notice"
you can rely on Emily's .discre-
tion," laughed his aunt.
'lf l thought otherwise wild horses
wouldn't draw me out" persisted the
young man.
Il believe it is an electric that
draws you this time" said his aunt
"And isn't it o'clock?"
He glanced at his watch as he
arose.
1T is. And how do look? Any de-
tail omitted2"
''You look the dear boy that you
have always looked" she answered.
"You are so much ,Ine Laura" And
her eyes were misty.
He caught up his outer coat and
hat and kissed his aunt.
Back soon," he cried as he hurried
to the elevator.
His cousin Emily had been called
away to attend an early afternoon
function. Emily had arranged with
her dearest friend, Anna Truesdell,
who was also interested in the charit-
able organization, to send her eelctric
automobile with the man to the apart
ment house. The man would be there
at o'clock and take Arthur Gordon
to the function.
Arthur had demurred at going, but
Emily assured him he was expected
and that it would be a grievous disap-
rointment to her if he stayed away.
Arthur Gordon had just crossed on the
Lusitania, reaching his aunt's home
that very morning, and he would have
preferred-much preferred-to stay in
the cczy apartments and visit with the
aunt he had not see for half dozen
years. But Emily was insistent. She
had told her friend, the hostess of
the function, that Arthur was coming
and there was a cordial welcome
awaiting him. And Emily's mother
had asked him to oblige Emily, and
of course that settled It.
1t was showery afternoon and a
light whirl of rain beat upon him as
he opened the outer door, An elec-
trio .stanhope was standing at the
curb. The top was up and the cur
Aains down and the long apron covered
the front. He hurried across the walk
and running around the machine
pushed aside the curtain and stepped
In.
Number 72 Easht Bedford" he said
as he settled himself in the seat.
Then he hastily added, Pardon me
for forgetting was in a private
vehicle. No doubt you know the
place.
There was no response to this and
for moment the driver failed to
make any movement. Then the stan
hope slowly responded to the starting
lever.
Arthur Gordon looked around and
gave little start. The clear cut |
face beneath the brim of the dropping
hat was not that Of masculine chauf.
feur.
This couldn't be Emily's dearest
friend. The dearest friend was with |
Emily. Besides, IL this was Emily's |
friend she would have greeted him as
ne entered. 1t was evident he was a
stranger in strange land. Here was
q custom of which he had never heard.
Al your man can't take the machine
around send the maid
If he could judge by the section OF
face that was revealed to him the
maid was decidedly handsome, and she
wofe stunning hat. He wondered
II it would be quite right to speak to
her He was in democratic country
now and would chance 1t.
rs 1t far?" he weakly asked.
The maid did not look at him.
st is in Clifton" she answered
Her voice was pleasant, even If her
tone was crisp.
II know nothing of sections, he
permisted. III am stranger here"
+, "The distance is close to seven
miles" said the maid.