The Colorado statesman., 1913-09-20
KIDNAPPED BY A WOMAN
BY J. H LEoNHARoT.

Bracebridge stood on the steps of
he Casino. He had just tempted For
tune, and for once the jade had proved
- prude, and he was left with a broken
purse To describe his remorse would
be impossible, he wondered DULY
what his mother would think when he
should seek her out that night in their
unpretentious hotel that overlooked
the bay at Monaco and tell her that
the trip would have to be postponed;
that they must hasten home without
delay He cursed himself for a fool,
and then chuckled grimly as he
thought of the surplusage of money he
would have when he had pawned va.
rious articles of apparel, the proceeds
of which would go to buy tickets for
home.
Just enough for box of cigar
ettes," he muttered as he stumbled
down the steps to the street
Sir, can you not understand even
English?" spoke a delicious musical
voice. Bracebridge scrambled slowly
back to earth from the realms of de.
spair into which he had descended. A
big red limousine car stood by the
curb, and from it's window protruded
a vision of pink and gold and fluffiness
that caused Bracebridge to uncover
with haste that was more worshipful
than graceful.
"Eh! What do you want?" he asked,
rudely, for his dulled brain was not as
quick as it was wont to be, nor his
tongue as smooth; but the next in
slant he blushed in confusion at his
own gruffness. Il beg your pardon,
madam; can be of service to you?"
"Ah. you can" she sighed, relieved
ly. Come into the car" and she
threw open the door, making room for
him beside her.
But" said Bracebridge, hesitating,
Ct"
Come, If you are going" she spoke
impatiently, at the same time rising
and grasping his wrist. Bracebridge
stepped from the curb and dropped on
the seat beside her.
Away, Adolphe!" she cried. sharp
ly. The chauffeur started the machine
with rush.
Bracebridge had a sensation Of
swift journey through the night, but
IL d
drinking in the woman's beauty as she
sat beside him, her neck encircled by
a pearl collar, an expensive opera
cloak thrown over her shoulders. The
girl laughed mischievously and said:
81 am human; you act afraid as
though you might be in the presence
of deity. l would not harm living
creature and surely not you. Besides,
1 am smaller than you, you see. She
ranged her tiny gloved hand in white
kid beside Bracebridge's larger ones.
And then the eternal masculine as
sumptiveness of soul arose in Brace.
bridge. He could not tell from whence
came his sudden courage, but with
pounce he captured her fingers and
threw his muscular arm around her
"You are mussiIig my frock; 1 will
gall Adolphe, you insolent man." she
,aid, between gasps.
The car ran to the curb and stopped
with jerk. When the door was
opened Bracebridge was saying: 81 am
clumsy, madam, in arranging your
cloak, and 1 greatly fear your ruffies
i'll be spoiled" He stepped out and
looked around; they were back in
front of the Casino again.
81 thank you greatly that you will
aid me at all, sir" she said, smiling.
Il abducted you o ma wager, sir, that
1 could carry off the first gentleman
saw at the Casino"
"And may / see you tomorrow" he
asked, his soul in suspense.
"The heart cannot be controlled"
she whispered softly. Drive on,
Adolphe" The machine whirred
away.
"And now to purchase those cigar
ettes," said Bracebridge. Something
cracked in his coat pocket; he felt,
and it was a newspaper.
"How did 1 get that?" he asked him.
self, opening it absently. The flaming
headlines caught his eye:
WOMAN IN RED AUTO
ROBS ENGLISH LORD,