Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1926-08-18
In the Baited
Trap
By RUPERT 8. HOLLAND
"a. 1875. Western Newspaper Unioa.,

l ing and successful young real
estate dealer. but he had never been
able to convince Judith Tremaine that
he was the right man for her to marry
Her ideal rather ran in the direction
| Of q tall. dark man. with foreign man
ners and background Of mystery. He
had been collecting rare bibelots,
prints and curios in Europe. and was
now starting a shop for connoisseurs.
Judith was fascinated BY him.
OF course Tom Endicott knew Of
this; he knew that Judith had lunched
once or twice with Mowat and he met
her several times on the street with
him: but he didn't know how FAR the
affair had progressed until one after
noon Madge, Judith's younger sister,
encountering him downtown enlight.
ened him. "Judy's mad as March
hare" said Madge. "She told me this
morning that he's going to send biz car
for her tonight and whisk her on to
dine with him at little restaurant
she's heard Of before"
BY seven o'clock that night fine
rain was falling. and when the maid
announced to Judith that the car was
waiting for her at the door Judith
drew her cloak about her, raised her
umbrella. and hurried down the stepA
This car Is for Miss TremaineT she
asked the chauffeur who opened the
door.
"Yes. ma'am," said the man; and
Judith stepped In The chauffeur 70
sumed his seat and the closed car
whiried away.
For some time Judith felt only the
thrill; then she looked through the
window. Rain had streaked the pane.
but she could see that they were no
longer In the built-up section Of the
city. She sat back, wondering,
puzzled Where was the car taking
her?
She glanced at her wrist-watch and
saw that they had driven for half an
hour. She began to feel uneasy. She
raped on the window at the chauf-
feurs back. but he paid no attention
Then she began to wonder what sort
of man Mowat really was.
At last the car stopped and the
chauffeur opened the door. Judith saw
a lighted house. This is the place,
Miss Tremaine," said the man. Judith,
frightened-but preferring any place
to the imprisoning car, Jumped out
and, without raising her umbrella, ran
up the steps Of the house and pushed
the bell.
In a moment the door opened, and
there stood Tom Endicott. "Why. If
it isn't Judith" he exclaimed in his
most delighted tone.
Amazed, and greatly relieved at
sight of Tom, she went in. us Mr..
Mowat here?" she asked.
"Why no. I'm keeping house for
the Ogdens while they're away. Did
you want to see MowatT
mo-" said Judith. II don't think I
did. I'd rather see you"
Tom beamed. That's bully! l was
sitting down to dinner. I'll tell the
maid to put on a plate for you"
He helped her off with her cloak,
and led her into the living room,
where a wood fire blazed on the hearth,
and then to the dining room, where
the table was set for two, with big
bowl of roses in the center. Judith
had never felt so relieved and cheered
She didn't try to explain her presence
to Tom; she simply enjoyed the de-
lcious food set before her and let him
do all the talking.
Tom talked very well. and when
they had finished dinner he suggested
that perhaps Judith would like to see
the rest Of the house, which was
new country home recently bought by
the Ogdens
Afterwards they sat by the wood
fire, and Judith found the novel situa-
tion-the being entertained by Tom in
such a charming room-so pleasing
that she was regretful when a clock
chimed ten.
II must CO." she said "How do I
get home from herew
"In the Ogdens' car" said Tom; and
he telephoned the garage.
He helped her into the car. and got
in beside her. But you're not going
all the way into town with me?" she
said, though she hoped he was.
do you think I'd let you 60 all by
yourself3" he answered. what sort
do you think I amp
II think" said Judith presently,
when the car was smoothly running,
that you're a perfect host"
THAT'S something" His fingers
touched hers in the darkness. Il say,
Judith. why shouldn't we have house
Of our ownY'
The same thought had occurred to
Judith during the evening. After a
moment she murmured, swell, If you
feel that way"
The car sped on. 1t was only when
they reached the city streets that Ju-
dith drew away from her lovers arms.
Tell me, DEAR" she said, "how did
you ever think of such q wild idea as
kidnaping me tonight I thought this