The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1921-07-29

His voice died away, and he ros
slowly TO his feet. In the open doc
four men were standing, each witt
peculiar-shaped revolver in hi
hama
what the DEVIL" cried Drummont
furiOusly, lis the meaning OF this?'
Cut it out" cried the leader con
temptuously. "These guns are silent
If you utter--you die. DO you &c
me?"
The veins stood out on DrummOnd'
forehead, and he controlled himself
with an immense effort.
Are you aware that this man is 1
guest Of mine, and sick?" he said, hi.
voice shaking with rage.
you don't say" remarked the lead
err, and one Of the others laughed. ''RiI
the bed-clothes off, boys, and gag the
young cock-sparrow."
Before he could resist, a gag was
thrust in Drummond's 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 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
than il takes to tell, the two helpless
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 Elms. For the last ten minutes
Hugh had been watching the invalid
Ia 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 1t up.
Even when he was lifted out and
carried indoors he did not struggle
he seemed to have sunk into a sort
Of apathy. Drummond followed with
dignlfied calmness, and was led into a
room of the hall.
In a moment or two Peterson en-
tered, followed by his daughter. "Ah !!
my young friend" cried Peterson af-
fably, II hardly thought you'd give me
such an easy run as this" He put
his hand into Drummonds pockets,
and pulled out his revolver and bum
die of letters. ITO your bank" he
murmured. "0h! surely, surely not
that as well. Not even stamped. Un-
gag him, Irma-and unite his hands.
My very dear young friend-you pain
me-"
II wish to know, Mr.. 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
hin, cigarette. mon Dieu!" she re-
marked, but you are most gioriously
ugly. my Hugh"
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 q heavy crash, followed
by a food Of the most appalling lam
guage.
"What the-h-l do you think
you're doing. you fiat-faced son of a
Maltese goatf And where the HI am
l. anyway
II must apologize for my friends
language" murmured Hugh gently.
but you must admit he has some JUS
tincation. Besides, he was, regret to
state, quite wonderfully drunk earlier
this evening. and just as he was sleep
ing II OF these desperadoes abducted
him."
The next moment the door burst op-
en-. and an Infatuated object rushed In.
His face was wild. and his hand was
bandaged. showing a great red stain
on the thumb.
whats this-jestr' he howled furi-
ously. "And this id bandage all
covered with red inkY'
"You must ask my friend here,
Mullings." said Hugh. Hes got a
peculiar sense Of humor. Anyway,
he's got the bin In his hand"
In silence they watched Peterson
open the paper and read the contents,
while the girl leaned over his shoulder.
To Mr.. Peterson. Godalmlng.
{ O. d.
To hire OF one demobllized
soldier ................. B o o
To making him drunk Tin
this item present strength
and cost of drink and
soldiers capacity must
be allowed for) .......... s o
To bottle OF red Ink 1890. o o /
To shock to system. ....... 10 o o