South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-06-12

garded in Summit. Also. 7 regarded
IL best 10 send a peremptory letter 20
old man Dorset that day. demanding
the ransom and debating how it
should be paid.
You know. Sam" says Bill.
I've stood by you without batting an
eye in earthquakes. fire and flood
in poker games. dynamite outrages.
police raids, train robseries and cy-
clones. never lost my nerve yet
till we kidnapped that two-legged
skyrOcket OF a kid. He's got me go
ing You won't leave me long with
him. viii you. Sam ?"
I'll be back some time this after
noon" says I. You must keep the
boy amused and quiet I'LL return.
And now we'll write the letter 10 old
Dorset"
BIZ and got paper and pencil
and worked on the letter while Red
Chief. with a blanket wrapped
around him. strutted up and down,
guarding the mouth OF the cave. Bill
begged me tearfully 20 make the
ransom $1,000 instead OF $4,000. II
amt attempting" says he, Ito decry
the celebrated moral aspect OF pa
rental affection. but we're dealing
with humans. and IL amt human for
anybody 70 give up $4,000 for that
40-pOund chunk OF freckled wildcat
I'm willing TO take a chance at
$500. You can charge the differ
ence up 20 me-"
So. to relieve Bill, ] acceded. and
we elaborated a letter that ran
this way:
Ebenezer Dorset, ESQ:
We have your boy concealed in a
place far from Summit. It IS useless
for you or the most skillful detec-
tives 10 attempt 10 find him. Abso-
lutely. the only terms on which you
can have him restored TO you are
, these: We demand $1,000 in large
bills for his return; the money 10 be
left at midnight tonight at the same
spot and IN the same box as your
reply as hereinafter described. If
you agree 10 these terms send your
answer in writing by a solitary mes
senger tonight at $3.50 o'clock. After
crossing Owl creek, on the road 20
Poplar Cove, there are three large
trees about 100 yards apart, close
20 the fence Of the wheat field on
the right-hand side. At the bottom
OF the fence-pOst. opposite the third
trees. will be found a small paste
board box.
The messenger win place the an
swer in this box and return imme-
diately to Summit
II you attempt any treachery or
fail TO comply with our demand as
stated. you will never see your boy
again.
If you pay the money as demand
ed. he viii be returned TO you safe
and we'll within three hours. These
terms are final and if you don't accede
20 them no further communication
Will be attempted.
TWO DESPERATE MEN.
1 addressed this letter TO Dorset,
and put II In my pocket AS I was
about 10 start, the kid comes up to
me and says:
Jaw, Snake-eye. you said could
play the Black Scout while you was
gone"
play It. Of course" says I. Mr..
Bill VIII play with you. What kind
Of a game Is it?"
I'm the Black Scout" says Red
Chief. "and have TO ride TO lie
stockade TO warn the settlers that
the Indians are coming. I'm tired
Of playing Indian myself. I want to
be the Black Scout"
"Au right" says L 1T sounds
harmless 70 me. guess Mr.. BIZ Will
help you foil the pesly savages."
What am I 20 dor" asks Bill.
looking at the kid suspiciously.
You are the boss" says Black
Scout Get down on your hands
and knees. How can I ride to the
stOckade without a hossP"
You'd better keep him interest
ed" said I Till we get the scheme
going. Loosen up"
Bill gets down on his all fours.
and look comes in his eye like a
rabbits when you catch il In a trap.
How far is it 10 the stockade
KIDD he asks, in husky manner Of
voice.
Ninety miles" says the Black
Scout. AMI you have to hump your