Judsonia weekly advance., 1921-07-21

His voice died away, and he rose slowly to his feet. In the open door fcur men were standing, each with peculiar-shaped revolver ipbis | hand.
 What the devil," crieT Drummond furiously, lis the mssSing of this?o
 Cut it out" ..eried the leader con temptuously.> S"These guns are silent. If you yStter-you die. Do you get me ?
 L~The veins stood out on Drummond's | forehead, and he controlled himself with an immense effort.
 Are you aware that this man is a guest of mine, and sick?" he said, his voice shaking with rage.
 You don't say" remarked the lead CT and one of the others laughed. Rip the Ded-clothes off, boys, and gag the young cock-sparrow
 Before he could resist, a gag was thrust in Drummonds mouth and his hands were tied behind his back. Then, helpless and impotent, he watched three of them lift up the man from the bed, and putting a gag in his mouth also, carry him out of the room.
 Move" said the fourth to Hugh. You join the picnic" A large car drove up as they reached the street, and In less time men were pushed in, followed by the leader; the door was shut and the car drove off
 Don't forget" he said to Drum mond suavely, this gun is silent. You had better be the same"
 At one o'clock the car swung up to The Films. For the last ten minutes Hugh had been watching the invalid in the corner, who was making frantic efforts to loosen his gag. His eyes were rolling horribly, and he swayed from side to side in his seat, but the bandages round his hands held firm and at last he gave it up.
 Even when he was lifted out and carried indoors he did not struggle: he seemed to have sunk into sort
 
 dignified calmness, and was led into room off the hall.
 In a moment or two Peterson en- tered, followed by his daughter. "Ah my young friend" cried Peterson af- fahly, T hardly thought you'd give me such an easy run as this.' He put his hand into Drummond's pockets, and pulled out his revolver and bun- dle of letters. "To your bank" he murmured. "Oh! surely, surely not that as well. Not even stamped Un- gag him, Irrna-and unite his hands. My very dear young friend-you pain nc"
 II wish to know, Mir. Peterson" said Hugh quietly, "by what right this das- tardly outrage has been committed. A friend of mine, sick in bed-re- moved, abducted in the middle of the night: to say nothing of me-"
 With a gentle laugh Irma offered him a cigarette. Mon Dieu!" she re- marked, "but you are most gloriously ugly, my Hugh 20
 Peterson, with faint smile opened the envelope in his hand. And, even as he pulled out the contents, he paused suddenly and the smile faded from his face. From the landing up- stairs came a heavy crash, followed by a flood of the most appalling Ian guage.
 What the-h-l do you think ,ra aa+ e Maltese goat? And where the h--l am l, anyway|
 T must apologize for my friends language" murmured Hugh gently, but you must admit he has some jus tif,cati0n. Besides, he was, regret to state, quite wonderfully drunk earlier this evening and just as he was sleep ing it off these desperadoes abducted him."
 The next moment the door burst op- en. and an infuriated object rushed in. His face was wild, and his hand was bandaged, showing a great red stain on the thumb.
 "What's this-jest?" he howed furi- ously. And this d-d bandage all covered with red ink?'
 You must ask my friend here,. Mullings," said Hugh. He's got a | peculiar sense of humor. Anyway, he's got the bill in his hand"
 In silence they watched Peterson open the paper and read the contents, while the girl leaned over his shoulder. To Mir. Peterson, Godalming.
 { s. d. To hire of one demobllzed soldier ........... 3 0 0 To making him drunk Gin
 this item present strength | and cost of drink and soldiers capacity must be allowed for) ........ 5 0 0 To bottle of red ink ...... 0 o l To shock to system. ....... 10 o 0
 Total ..................f .f20 0 l
 CHAPTER w.