Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-06-01
ne1d ror ransomr

ter 1t seemed to him, and so he sent
cipher message that was destined t
throw his Paris managers into stat,
of agitation that cannot possibly b.
measured by words. In brief, he in.
structed them to engage a few peace
able, trustworthy and positively re.
spectacle gentlemen-he was particu-
larry exacting on the score of gentil-
ity-with orders to abduct the young
lady and hold her in restraint until
he arrived and arranged for her lib
GRAFTON. They were to do the deed
without making any fuss about 1t,
but at the same time they were to do
it effectually.
He had the foresight to suggest that
the job should be undertaken by the
very detective agency he had employ
ed to shadow young Scoville and also
to keep an eye on Maud.
Late that evening he had a reply
from his Paris managers. They in
quired II he was responsible for the
message they had received. 1t was o
ticklish Job. and they wanted to be
sure the message was genuine. He
wired back that he was the sender
and to go ahead. The next morning
they notified him that his instruc-
lions would be carried out as expedi-
tiously as possible.
About IL o'clock the next day an
incomprehensibly long message be-
gan to rattle out of the air. He con-
tanned himself in patience, for the
matter Of half an hour or SO longer,
and then, as the clatter continued
without cessation. he got up and
made his way to the door of the OPP
orators Office.
"What is it? The history of Eng
land?" he demanded sarcastically.
Message for you, Mr. Blithers. IT'S
long one, and l had q hard time
picking it up"
There were four sheets of writing
at some outlandish price per word. but
what cared he? His eyes almost start
ed from his head as he took in the
name at the bottom Of the message.
It was Maud"
fore handing it over to his wife, to
whom it was addressed in conjunc-
tion with himself. 1t was from Paris
and ran thus:
Dear Father and Mother-In reply to
your esteemed favor Of the 10Th, or pos
sibly the 10Th, / beg to inform you that / |
arrived safely in Paris as per schedule
Regarding the voyage, 1t was delightful.
We had one or two rough days. The rest
Of the time 1t was perfectly heavenly. !
met two or three interesting and amusing
people on board, and they made the time
pass most agreeably l think l wired you
that had a glimpse of a certain person.
On my arrival in Paris was met at the
station by friends and taken at once to
the small, exclusive hotel where they are
stopping for the summer. 1t is so small
and exclusive that I'm sure you have
never heard Of it. l may as well tell you
hat have seen Channie-you know who
mean-Chandler Scovile, and he has
been very nice to me- Concerning your
that reconsider the statement
ssued to the press. l beg to state that
ion't see any sense in taking the world
nto my confidence any farther than II
las been taken already, If that is gram
correct. l have also sent word
o a certain person that he is not to pay
my attention TO the report that we are
likely to change our minds in order to help
ut the greedy newspapers who don't APP
ear to know when they have had enough.
hope that the voyage will benefit both Of
gu as much as 1t did me. II felt any
etter than do now I'd call for the police
8 precaution. Let me suggest that you
~ the chicken a la bombardier in the
.itz restaurant found 1t delicious /
aresay they serve 1t as nicely on your
sTa
Management is the same. OF course one
ever can tell about chefs. My plans are
tr1ie indefinite. | may leave here at
ny moment If l should happen to be
way from Paris when you arrive don't
orry about me- ! shall be all right and
safe hands / viii let you know where
am just as soon as l get settled some
here / must go where II Is quiet and
aceful | am so distressed over what
IS occurred that don't feel as though
uld ever be seen In public again with
It thick veil and a pair Of goggles
we plenty Of money for immediate use,
i you might deposit something to my
edit at the Credit Lyonnais, as haven't
9 least idea how long l shall stay over
re. Miranda is well and Is TAXI 2 good
re Of me. She seldom lets me out Of her
hit If that Is any comfort 10 you. l
pc you VIII forgive the brevity Of this
and believe me when say
at II Is not lack of love for you both
At curtails its length, but the abomina-
? hot weather. With endless love from
lr devoted daughter, MAUD. -
I was nearly bedtime before word
me from his managers in Paris.
dtime had no meaning for him aft
he had worked out the message by
2 code. 1t is true that he observed
life long custom and went to bed,
t he did not do it for the purpose
going to sleep.
Your daughter has disappeared
m Paris. All efforts to locate her
We failed. Friends say she left os-
sibly for the Pyrenees, but in
ries at stations and along line fail
reveal trace Of her. Scoville still
e and apparently in the dark. He
being watched. Her companion
maid loff rtr9f1,