The Detroit times., 1909-03-23
Junk DEALER is IN JAIL
FOR WHITLA KIDNAPPING

left a package, containing $4,000 IL
currency with the woman who con
ducts the store, land went to the Hol
lenden hotel TO await the return OF his
boy.
After receiving the money. the ao
ductor brought the lad from his
hiding place. The man put pair Of
goggles on the boy. saying, You'll
look better In these" A slip put In
the boys pocket read. "Send this boy
10 the Hollenden hotel, double quick
The abductor had cautioned the lad
to give his name as Jones II any one
inquired. The two then went 10 the
street car line. We'll. Willie, you are
going downtown now and you viii see
your papa soon" the man said and ne
put the lad on the car.
Abducter Pays Fare.
"Mr. Jones" paid the boys fare and
then got of the car and disappeared
after waving a friendly adieu. This
farwell salute To his little captive was
continued until the latter on the car
had disappeared in the inky darkness
of the night.
The boy gazed about the car for a
familiar face. He saw no one he
knew. Presently Edward Mahoney,
who Is a iTyear-old boy Of jolly Wis.
age. came into the car He sat down
in the seat with the boy. Mahoney.
like most every other person in Cleve-
land last night. was looking for little
Willie Whitla. the kidnapped boy. So,
when his eyes lighted on Willie, he
started a conversation.
whats your name?" he querled.
Zones" answered Willie, true to his
kidnaper friend.
But Mahoney was not TO be fooled
He called his friend Ramsey over from
another part of the car and showed
him Willie. He suggested that II
might be the missing child. Then
Willie showed them his transfer slip
saying that he should be put of al
the Hoilenden hotel.
The boys, now willing companions.
took Willie to the hotel He skipped
through the doors ahead OF them and
into the lobby. The boys partly lost
track of him in the crowd. SO anxious
was the youngster to catch a glimpse
of a face he loved. And then again
Mahoney and Ramsey were not sure
of their abilities as sleuths when they
got In view of an audience.
am Mr.. WhitIa's Willie"
Willie didn't see his father. mother
or sister in the lobby.
Walking over to the clerk, he asked:
"Have you seen my papa?"
who Is he, boy?" he was asked
"Oh. I'm Mr.. Whitla's Willie,' he
replied.
The crowd nearest the boy who
heard the words rushed in around him.
The lad was showed up against the
hotel counter and the scene closely
resembled a panic.
Across the lobby the father, his
eyes red from weeping, heard the pip
Ing voice OF his son. Frantic with
Joy at the sound. he rushed through
the Office corridor and In a moment
was fighting his way through the
spectators. Plunging and squirming
knocking bystanders right and left
the frenzied parent made his way 10
the bewildered boy I'm knickerbockers
standing solemniy with automobile
goggles In front. OF the clerks desk.
The kidnapped boy saw his parent
coming. He opened his lips To speak
The words were never spoken. Grasp
Ing Willie in his arms. the happy IA
Their lifted the boy into his arms ant
planted score OF kisses on his lips.
It's my boy, my darling Willie,
h. cried
Tears gushed from his eyes. II,
pressed the child TO hts breast an,
Rugged him tightly
Willie smiled little. He was gla,