Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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. i / VOL. XI. . A SINGULAR ABDUCTION By RODRIGUE3 OTTOLENGUI. [Copyright, IsOfl, by the Author.) Mr. Darnei* was alono in his sanotum when an elderly man of cultured manners whh ushered in. Tho visitor sank luiu u nt-iii iiiiu ucgau nis appeal i\i once. "Oh, Mr. Barnes," said ho, "I am in grout distress. I hardly darod to hopo that assistance wero possible until I mot my friend Loroy Mitchol. You know him?" Mr. Barnes assented, with a smile, and tbo old man continued, "IIo told me that you could surely aid me." "1 will certainly do all that is in my power to servo a friend of Mr. Mitchel's, " said tiio detective. "You are very kind. My last hopo is dependent upon your success. But lot mo tell you the story. 1 am Richard Gednoy, tho broker. Perhaps you have hoard tho name." Mr. Barnes nodded. "I thought so. Old Dick they call mo on the street, and sometimes Old Nick, but that is only their little joke when the market goes against them. 1 do not think that they really dislike me, though I have made my fortune. I have never cheated any one nor, been hard on a friend during all my career. But that is immaterial, except that it makes it hard to understand how any one could have done mo so great an injury as to steal my daughter." "Steal your daughter!" interrupted Mr. Barnes. "Abduction?" "Abduction, I suppose, is your tecli^ nioal term. I call it plain stealing. To tnko a girl of 14 away from her father's homo is stealing, no more, no less." "When did this occur?" "Two days ago. Tuesday morning wo missod her, though slio may have been taken during the night. Sliowas slightly sick on Monday evening, and her maid sent for the doctor, who ordered her to ho put to bed and kept tliore. When ho callod again on Tuesday morning, ho went to my Jittlo girl's room and was ustonished to see that she was not tlli'l-e. A liPftreli wn_a i?iaMf11t-nrl ,111. dor tho supposition that, in tho ahsonco of her maid, sho might lmvo wandered to some other part of tho house, lint tho child could tut bo found. It almost Boomed as though she had vanished." "Had you seen hor yourself thai , morning?" "1 cannot too much condom myself. You seo I am an old whist "Mayer, and tho temptation to play mndo mo lingor so lato with some friends on Monday night that I preferred to remain in Newark, whoro I was. and so did not reach homo until after 10 o'clock on Tuesday morning. Ily that timo tho misfortuno had occurred." "Have you discovered no clow to hor whereabouts?" "None. Wo have sent to all of our friends in tho vain hope that sho might have a risen early and gono out, but no one has seen her. Hhc has disappeared as thoroughly as though sho had boon fiwallowod by an earthquake, llero, however, is a letter which reached mo this morning. I cannot decido whether it is important or merely a cruel joko perpetrated by some crank who has hoard of my misfortuno." Ho handed tho letter to Mr. Humes, who read as follows: Your daughter is eafo if you nro aennlhlo. If you want hor back, bid for hor. Mnkoyour offer high enough, and sho'll he with you. 1 will answer if you put n personal in The Herald addressed to "M. E." "Mr. Gednoy," said Mr. Harnos, "this 1h a serious affair, hut if this lettor is genuino?as I think it to bo?wo can rooovor tho girl, though wo may havo to pay a ransom. That depends on whothor wo nro shrewder than tho perpetrator of this crime, and ho in no fool. i Thus far ho has proceeded with consummate skill." ' ' Vntl UliV \\i\ Vnii Mnnlr if iu n "Not bo fust, Mr. Gednoy. I cannot jndgo tlio Hex yet. This Jotter is written on n typewriter, and tlio majority of operators urn women. But we shall aeo. Other details must bo gathered and tndied. I will follow this up personally. Como! We will begin work at oneo." They proceeded first to Herald squaro and left the following to bo inserted in tlio next day's Herald: "M. E.Communicmoat once, stating lowest terms. Urdnkt. Thenoo they went to Mr. Gednoy's v house. Boating himself in a comfortable chair in tho library, Mr. Barnes asked that tho butler should be Rummoued. Tho man entered tho room, and it was apparent ?t onco from his deferential manner and attitude that ho was a good eorvunt of tho English type. At tho same time ho eyod tho stranger koonly, and throughout tho interview unswerod with a doliboratoness which showed that ho weighed his words and would bo very careful not to say anything which might bo mod against him, a phrase better known than understood. In short, whether or not ho had anything to conceal, tlio butler was cautions because speaking to a dotootivo. "Moulton," began Mr. Barnes, "I am a dotootivo." "Bo I thought, sir," answered Moulton. "And why, pray, did yon think bo?" " Woll, sir, I should say wo noed one, and yon'ro a strangor to me, sir. I know all my mastor's friends." "That is your only reason for suspooting my profession?" "That's all, air." "Monlton, I am going to fiud out whoro your mistress has been takeD." Mr. Barnes said this suddenly and watohed the man closoly. Moulton seemed impassivo, and his roply was noncommittal. "I hopo so, sir. " "Vory well," said the dntective. "Answer a few questions explicitly and yon may givo mo great assistance. On Tuesday morning you admitted the dootor. At what time was it?" "It was about 8 o'olook. We had just \ p tit** V taken our seats at breakfast in tlio serv* ants' hull when tho bell run#. That is how I 11 x the hour. We are regular about moals in thisbouso. Wo huvo our breakfast at 8, and tho master eats at 0." "What occurred when you ndmitted tho doctor?" "He asked for Miss Nora, and I said eho was not down yet. He said he aupposed he could go up, and I said I Blipnosed ho nonld. mid tin wunf " "What-did you do next?" "I went back to my breukfast." "Did you tell tho maid that tlio dootor had called?" "No, Bir." "Why not?" "Well, partly bocouso I did not think it neccBsary, and partly. 1 suppose, because sho had not couio into the breakfast room yet." Moulton smiled a little as though ho thought that he had said somothing clover. "Did the doctor find tho maid in her mistress' room?" "No, sir. I heard tho doorbell again and went tip. The doctor wan standing in tho hall, llo said he rang tho doorbell because ho did not know how else to call me. Then ho said Miss Nora had left her room, which was against the orders ho gave the night before, and that I was to tell tho maid to have her back in bed at onou, and ho would call again in an hour. I went back to tho breakfast room, and this timo tho maid was there, and frightened sho was when I gave her tho message." "When the doctor told you that MiHS Nora was not in her room, woro you surprised?" "No, sir." (Jpon this admission Mr. Haines uskcd quickly: "You knew already that sho had boon stolen?" Hut Moulton roadily avoided a direct answer. "Why, how shonld I know that, sir?" ho nskod quietly. Mr. Barnes observed him for a moment in Hilenee and then asked to have the maid called. He told Moulton that ho had finished with him "for tho present," and tho butler retired, with a satisfied Hinilo upon his face. llTLit- r - - * * ? yyiiiiu wailing lor uio main mr. Barnes addrcssod Mr. Godnoy. "Mr. Godnoy,"said ho, "yon havo not told me tlio name of t.lio doctor." "His unmo Is Donaldson?Stephen Donaldson." "lias ho served yon Ion#?" "Ever sinco lio caino into this noighborhood, about throe yearn ago. IIo first came to iih at tho time of my wife's death. I have retained him since that time. IIo in a good, kind man, and I think lie in quite as fond of Eliuorn as I am myself. This explains his solicitude about her and his eurly call, lie has n rather curious thoory. Ho thinks she may have wandered olT in her sloop during tho night." "Why, Iiuh sho over oxhibitod a tend ency toward somnambulism?" "Yes. At least we have found her aslcop out of her own room, but nothing of tho sort has happened for over two years, and I supposed that sho had outgrown her sloop walking habit. " "This adds it most interesting phase," said Mr. Barnes. "I would like to speak to Dr. Donaldson about it. Do you think ho will bo hero today?" "I expect him, as ho promised to come at about this hour. Iloro is Bronson, my daughter's maid." This diroctod tho attention of Mr. Barnos to a young woman who had just entered. Sho was evidently droadfully alarmed at being summoned to moet a detective, and her eyes showed that sho had boon weeping. "Come, my girl," said Mr. Barnes reassuringly, "you need not bo frightened. I only wish to ask you a few questions. You aro willing to help mo to find your mistress, aro you not?" "Oh, indoed, indeed, yes, sir." "Then tell mo exactly how sho was on Monday night when you sent for tho doctor." Tho girl coVnposed herself with an effort, still finding it difficult to find proper words with which to address a dotootivo. "Miss Nora acted odd all Monday and was melancholy like. She'd sit and stare out. of tho window and not answer when I spoke to her. I thought perhaps something had botherod her, and so I left her alone, meaning to speak to Mr. Gedney at dinner time. Hut ho sent a telegram that ho was going out of town. And so when Miss Nora wouldn't como down to dinner and wouldn't answer or look at me, but just kept staring out of tho window, I got soared a little and thought best to scud for Dr. Donaldson." "What did ho say when ho examined your mistress?" "Ho talked to her, but alio wouldn't answer him oither. llo patted her on the boad and said sho was sulky. Then ho told mo perhaps sho was angry bocnuso her fathor wouldn't come homo, but that she must not be allowed to brood over trifles. Ho said I must put hor to bed, and bo left somo medicine that ho HHid would put her to sleep." "1*01 hor to sleep?" repeated Mr. Barnes thoughtfully. "Did it occur to you that perhaps sho was asleop alrondy, evon though her oyes wero not dosed?" "No, sir, it didn't. But, now yon speak of it, it wouldn't surpriso mo in tho least. Sho certainly didn't aot as iU A U -La 1 wiuuKii nuu WHO HWUKO. "Did yon huvo any trouble to put hor to bed?" "No, sir, though that wiw strango. fiho just stood still and let mo do ovorytbing. Hho did notbolp me, and she did not prevent mo." "When did you seo her uftor that?" "I never saw her uftor that," the maid cried softly. "Was it not your duty to goto lior room again boforo retiring yourself?" "Yes, sir. Hut?but?but"? 8ho seemed confused and stopped. "Go on," said Mr. Barnes. "Toll all that you know." - * /_ k CONWAY "I don't know anything, sir. Indeed I don't. I?1?I--woll, I was Inter than I GUKht to hnve been k?I?K up stairs on account of company. Ho I juafc put my head in Miss Nora's room, and as everything was quiet I went on to my owl room. It was nearly 2 o'clock." "Then you do not really know that your mistress was in her room at that hour?" "No, sir. I ought to know, but 1 don't." "It is your duty to attend her in the morning, is it not?" "Yoh, sir, but sho never wakes before 8 o'clock, and the doctor told mo not tc disturb her till bo cutno. TIo said he wanted to wako her himself and seo how sho acted." "Mat you wire not 111 her room 1101 lntho breakfast room at 8 o'clock. " Mr. Barnes scrutinized her closely. "Whore were you?" The girl turned crimsor and stammered a few words inaudibly. ' 'Come, tel 1 me where you were,'' Haiti Mr. Barnea sharply. "You were Home where, you know. Whero were you?" "I was in the down stairs hallway,' sho said slowly. "Doing what?" "I was talking to the policeman, " slit replied reluctantly. "Your beau?" suggested Mr. Barnot significant ly. "No, sir. IIo is my husband. " Slit tossed her head defiantly now that hoi secret was divulged. "Your husband?" said Mr. Barnes, slightly surprised. "Why, then, did yoi hesitate to spenk of him?" "Because?because"?sho stammnret! oneo moro and seemed troubled?"he causo maybo if I had not boon talkiiif 'i "/'tit her to sleep?" repcoted Mr. /tame* to him Alias Nora wouldn't linvo boot oarriod oft. IIo might have soon th thiof." "Just so,"Raid Air. Barnes, and a tHo doctor w s announced ho nllowei the maid to ,o. Dr. Donaldson appoared to be a gen ial, oldorly medical man of tlio oh Hchool?ono of those who bring an at mosphoro of convalescence and hope fiit? Hick chambers. Mr. Gedney introducci him to Air. Barnes, and ho advnucei and shook thodotoctivo cordially by th hand. "I am dolightcd, Air. Bnrnos, that m; old friend Gedney has boon HoiiHibl enough to engage you to unravel this af fair rather than call in the police. Th police are bunglers, who depend for huc ccsh upon publicity and nowRpnper aid This affair can bo managed without puli licit}', eh? You havo looked into th matter? What do you think?" "That is precisely the question, doc tor, which I was about to ask you. Air Gednoy tells me that you think somnam bulism." " Just ho. But I only said it might b that. Doctors, you know, are ur carofu ttH detectives in forming conclusion* You have heard that I was called in t hco the dear little girl on Alnnday night Well, I found her in a strange mood Thinking it over, 1 havo almost con vinocd myself that what wc took fo stubbornness?sulks, I think I callod i ?was somnambulism?that, In fact she was asleep when I saw hor. The would account for her not replying t questions and oiToring no rosistonc when her maid removed her clothing t put her to bed. Still, it is meroly a gnes* It is possible that sho arose in tho nigh and wandered out of the house. I onl venturo tho suggestion as n vague cle\ for you to work from." "What do you think of this letter?1 asked Mr. Barnes, handing him th anonymous communication signed "M E." Tho doctor read it twice over and the said: "Looks more like somnambulism tha over. Don't you see? {She must hnv dressed herself in tlie night and wardered off. Homo one found her and ha takf n hor home and now tries to mak capital out of it. \V111 you notieo thiH? "Wo have nlready inserted an advoi tisement in The Herald, " said Mr. Oetl ncy, "asking for terms." "I suppose that was the wise.* course," said the doctor, "and I hop you will soon recover little Nora, trust, though, that Mr. Barnes may h able to save you paying out anything t tho scoundrel. Well, other pooplo ar waiting for me," with which ronaar Dr. Donaldson loft the house. Mr. Barnos promised Mr. Geduoy t lose no timo in his search and was loa^ ing tho houso, when, at tho door, th butler stopped him by saying: "Thoro's ono thing, perhaps, sir, the r i.i i- i.n * i x uiiK'ib hi urn yon, mougn it may iu amount to anything-" "What is it?" asked Mr. Barnos. "Well, sir, as you know, tho mastc was out on Monday night. It was nen 10 o'clock when the doorbell rant which surprised mo. I answered th bell, and it was Mr. Mitcljol." "Mr. Leroy Mitchol?" asked the d< toctivo, much interested. ' Yes, sir. He comes hero ofter though not so late at night. Ho said h was passing, and, see ing a light in th library, thought he'd drop in and huv a oigar with the maater. When I tol ? / \ ~ .>r. . , 3. C. THURSDAY, | him Mr. Goduoy whh not nt houie, ho ( Raid it was of no cousoquenoo, and I needn't luontion that ho had called." "Did you toll Air. Godney of this visit?" "No. nil", thtinoh I Hill fl.it.lr il mill bo nskod to keep it u secret. " The butler uttered tbo hint word in a very suggestivo tone, but the dotectivo appeared not to notice it. "I'll just step back and spook a word , w?. Mr. Gednoy," said Mr. Hanio* after a brief pause. Finding that gen, tloman, ho asked: ( "lly tho way, Mr. Godnoy, when yon spoko to Mr. Mitohel about this matter what did ho think of it? Did ho express any opinion?" "Yob. He said tho doctor wan most likely corroot, and that lie thought that ^ Nora had merely wandered away in her ( Bleep; that she was not really abducted at all. lie told mo to cheer up and not I to worry about the girl; th ?t. sho would poon bo nt homo again. Tin n boson mo to you, saying you could find her with, out dinicnlty." "llo has faith in my abilities," muttered tho detective, then added aloud, "I 3 will endeavor to deserve Mr. Mitohcl's opinion," and once more ** ifV ^ On his way .ar. Humes revolved an idea in bis mind, trying to decido , upon ita p: ubability. Tho maid lw\fi left r the girl in bed early in tho evening and could not bo suro thut she wan still there when sho > isited the room again at 2 j o'clock. Ah a child she had walked in her sleep. Tho family physician's ding 1 ! 0 "Did you tell Mr. Oedncy of this vlsltt" 8 nosis wan fioinnamhulisin. Mr. Mitchcl ' hud called at the house uniiHually late for a social visit. Did ho find the child wandering about tho stroet and not roe ' ognizo hor until ho had taken her to hit own home, which was only a few block* 0 away? Wan that why he had called al (Icduey'h house ho late? Tho anony 1 inouH letter was signed "M. 10." Al 0 first glance it Hoomod like n rather pool effort at a joke, tho letters spolliiif y "mu." Hut they wore capitals. Die l! tho "M" indicate "Mitchel" and tin "K" "lOlinora?" Was this another little 0 plot of Mr. Mitohol'd to test Mr. Barnos - skill? There was ono vital objection to thii ' linn of reasoning. Why would Mr. Mitch l> ol permit his friend to suffer so inucl anxiety moroly to gratify a whim, * ' hobby of outwitting a detective? Hucl an act would lie an outrago on friendship * But then was it absolutely assured tha \i ~ / l 1- i- n mr. vTuuuuy wi?n not, in mi) secretr e Thus tho detective's mind was racket ' with argument during tlio day. Ih ' speculated upon Mr. Mitohol's connoo ? tion with the affair, llo wondored win the maid liad retired bo late that night ' IIo asked himself tho meaning of tin '* butler'b caution in his interview, am ir tlio object of his oaflting a suspicioi t upon Mr. Mitohol. Lastly, ho found i t difficult to decide exactly whether J)r d Donaldson and Air. (Jedney had beei ? entirely honest with him. Did either o '' both know moro than they had told o 0 tell more than tho facts? Wnsthowhol ' sleep wulking theory merely a trick t t confuse him? Ho wished that ho couh y certainly eliminate Mr. Mitohol tut i v factor in tho equation. Without hin everything seemed clearer. At 10 o'clock on tho following morn p ing Mr. (ledney presented himself am handed Mr. Barnes tho following letter Saw your advertisement and answer at oner n I want $20,000. Lot mo emphusir.t: tlio fact tiui I will not take loss. Yon will wish to com jj municato with mo. You can't catch mn wit decoy letters, Il.trncs is helping you. I knot 0 that, you hoo. lie's a keen devil, but no am 1 l- One of you bo ut the public telephone in Hofl ig man House ut 2 o'clock on the stroke. I wil call you up. When you answer, I will eay "M E." You will recognize the signal and do n tho talking. Your detective shan't hear m - voico. 1 may need his valuable aid myself 1 1 tho futtiro. I inclose n pleco of tho girl'n elot dress and u look of hor hair. M. E. ,j "Mr. Oedney," sttid Mr. Barnes, " ? suppose this hit of hair and scran i j clotli witiufy you tluit tho Hcoundrc lft really ban your child?" 0 "Yes. I.hiu convinced of that. " 0 "Then I will recover her and withon k ransom too. Mark that. Meet moitt th Hoffman Houho at tho appointed hour.' () During tlio morning Mr. liarnon wrot r. the following noto: e Dr. Donaldson: Dear Hik?Tho person who has tho chtl wants a largo ransom. I am determined to r< it cover her without payment of money. To to )t low a clow that I havo It 1h Important to kno< tho exact eir.o of tho girl. As a physician yo can guess this even better than the father; all inform mo of any pecullurity*or mark know >r to you by which I could recognize her nllvo c. ir (load. I say dead because tho party at preser suapeotcd would atop at nothing to shield hln ' self from nrreat. Please answer by boaroi 0 Youra truly, J. Darn km. This ho sent by messenger and rt 5* ceived tho following reply; I hopo you will Huctocd. F.linora la nma ' and slim, bolng rather undersized for her agi n 1 should say about 4 foot 10 inclics. I know < (1 no distinctive mark whereby her liody coul he rccogni/.ed nnd hopo that nothing of t) 0 sort suggested will occur. Yours truly, d Robert Dohai j>son. it\ Mb MAY 6, 1Bb>7. At !) o'clock Mr. Dnrncn and Mr. <4r??lney mot at tlio Hoffman Houso. Tho detective received permission to conduct the conversation. Tho signal wbh received promptly, and Mr. Darnos thus addressed "M. K." over the telephone: "Wo will puy the amount demanded ;# it i ? - n urn Kin is restoredunnarinod. Notify us immediately when and where tbo exolmnKO may be made." leaving the hotel, tho detectivo said: "You must obtain f20,000 in cash, Mr. Qoduey. Wo will need it, but if my plans are Riiceasaful I slmll be able to recover tho money as well as tho girl. Are you satisfied?" i nave perfect confidence in your skill, Mr. Barnes," was the reply. On the next day the following letter was received by Mr. Gedney: Bo you accept my terms. I outdit to linvo iittkcil more, tint will dual Hijunrcly and not rnino you. Thu mat tor can 1)?> soft tod ut oneo. That you may tin aure your girl lias nutTcred no liarm, wtileti 1 understand in tha condition of your acceptance, tot your embassador bo your friend. Dr. Donaldson, lie knows hor and can Judge of hor physical condition. Let htm loavo Ids house at midnight and drive up Madison avunue slowly until hnlhsl hy the signal "M. K." If he Is alone, and no one Is following lilni, he will lie stopped. If your detective tries any tricks, he wiil merely havo his drive ' r nothing. 1 will tie In hiding with the girl, and If you keep faith the transaction will oooupy hut a moment. I will toko the cash and deliver tho girl. But I shall he armed, and treachery will mean death. Whon Dr. Donaldson was approached upon tbis subject, lie offorod mnny objections, but was finally prevailed upon to undertake tho dedicate mission. Shortly after midnight Mr. Barnes and Mr. Ordnoy were awaiting tho return of tho doctor when Mr. Mitohel was announced. Mr. Barnes bad invited him to bo present, but was in doubt whether lie would accept or not. If ho bad the girl in his possession, it seemed improbable, unless indeed Dr. Donaldsou Were in the secret, "Well, Mr. Barnes," said Mr. Mitchel after an exchange of greetings, "so Von have 111 ruvi li'd thiu " Well, not entirely. There are still a few knotty skeins. But wait awhile, and you will sco whether I succebd or fail." It was nearly 1 o'clock when at last a carriage stopped at the house, and a few minutes later the doctor entered, bearing I'd i nor a in his arms. "My daughter!" exclaimed tho fathor excitedly. "Thank heaven, sho is restored to me!" "Yes," said tho doctor, "she is safo enough, hut I think she has been drugged, for she has slept ever since I received her." "Did you have any difficulty?" asked Mr. Barnes, entering at this moment. He had lingered outside long enough to exchange a word with tho butler. "No trouble at all," replied the dootor. "I drove slowly as far as One Hundred and Second street, when T heard the signal and drew up near tho curb. A man came out of tho shadow of it building and asked if I had the cash. I replied anirmntively. Ho went Lack to ' tho doorway and returned with the girl in his arms, but with a pistol pointed at me. 1 handed him the packet of bills, ' and he passed ino tho girl. Ho stood with his pistol pointed in my direction until 1 drove away. Ho there was , nothing that I could do. He will undoubtedly oscapo punishment for this villainy." "I cannot agrco with you, doctor," said Mr. Humes calmly. "I think ho 1 will be fully punished." "In what way?" asked tho doctor 1 amazed. "Oh, 1 seo! You mean by his ' conscience?" "Partly," said Mr. Barnes. "Excuse me n moment, and I will explain more 1 fully." He went to the door and admitted tho llllllnr ntlfl I li,i UHliir. ,,,.11,.,.,...,.. l.r.,1 ? ...... ..... niiiiiv jiv/i iv ? IIKIII ? IIW JHI?1 ' boon oft his boat talking with tho maid. Before his purpose was comprehended Mr. Barnes said sharply, "Ofticer, arrest that man," whereupon tho policoman seized tho doctor and hold him do* spito his struggles. "What does this outrage mean?" ' screamed tho doctor, lighting despcrato1 ly to lihorato himself. "Put on tho manacles, officer," said ' Mr. Barnes quietly, and whilo this was ' being done ho deftly removed a pistol from tho doctor's pocket. "There, now, " continued the dotootI ivo, "wo can talk without risk." "I suppose ydu havo tho right man?" said Mr. Mitchel, "or you would notgo to such extremes. Give us tho details. How did you solve tho riddle?" ' "Hiddlo?" said Mr. Barnes. "Well, r do you know, I thought it a riddle, and h one created by you, until a very few v moments ago. It was only whon you [ oamo in awhile ago that I eliminated II yon from tlie case. " [. Mr. Mitchol laughed heartily. 11 "Fie, lie!" said lie. " You are lighting yu windmills. You must not look for my b hand in all criminal cases that come to yon. But why should my coming hero I affoot your views?" if "You would never havo left the most >1 important partof the job to an assistant. You did that onco, you know, and I 9, ^ >f "What itocs this outrage meant" (1 boat yon. lint lot inn explain how I 10 solved this pozzlo. At ono tiuio I suspected the bntler hero because of his \ Ik v ROTAi lw*4 IP bAKlNti POWDER Absolutely Pure. Celebrated for its grout lcitvcnlng strength and honlthfulness. Assures tho food against alum unit nil forms el adulteration common to tho cheap brands. KOYAL MAKING l'OWDKK CO., Now York nnnceossrry caution in nnnworing questions. Later 1 concluded that it wan merely a personal oharnotcrlstia to make noncommittal replies. It is a sort of requisite with good servants to evade catechism. The clew came to me with tho reply to ohr personal. Tho envelope was postmarked tho night boforo, and thus was actually mailed before tho nowspaper wns printed, an oversight on the part of the writer. No one know of tho advertisement except ourselves and I)r. Donaldson, unless you had mentioned it, Mr. Gcduoy. As you might have done so, and as tho butlorwas still nnder suspicion, us well as tho maid who was up so late when she should have been earing for the young mistress, I had to look farther for convineing proof. The letter itself was written 1? typewriting, and I observed a curious orror in the spoiling of two words. I found 'emphasize' and 'recognizo.' III ouch, instead of tho there was a repetition of tho 'i,' that letter being doubled. Tho watermark 011 1110 pnpor was 'Oaligruph,' the name of a typewriter, a mark which is on all tho paper sold by the company controlling that instrument. In that machine tho bar which carries t lie letter 'i' is next to t hat which j onrries tho letter '7..' It is not an uncommon tiling when a typewriter is out of order for two bars to fall to pass one another. Thus, In writing 'emphasize' a rapid writer would strike tho 'z' key boioro tno T bar had fully dosoonded. Tho 'z' bar, rising, would strike tlio *i' and carry it up again, thus doubling tho letter 'i* instead of writing Ma.' Tho ropotition of such a mistake proved that tho mnehino was faulty. I wrote to l)r. DonaldHon asking about tho 'size' of tho girl and for marks whereby her body could be 'recognized.' I used tho words 'size' and 'recognize,' hoping to tompt him to repeat them in replying. My letter was also worded so that ho would imagine that I already suspected some ono other than himself. In his answer I found the word 'recognize' and a similar one, 'undersized.' In both, tho double 'i' error reappeared. Thus I was sure of my man. When wo received the proposal that ho himself should lie our embassador, the trick was only too transparent. Hut not yet entirely satisfled, I sot another trap. I sneretly placed a cyclometer on tho doctor's carriugo. Ho says that tonight he drove to Ono Hundred and Beoond street and hack hero, a total of eight miles. Tho butler obtuincd tho cyclometer for mo when tho carriugo stopped, and it shows that ho drovo less than a mile. Ho simply waited at his houso until tho proper timo and then oamo ovor. " "Bravo, Mr. Barnes!" exclaimed Mr. Mitehel. "You nro certainly improving." "But how did ho get Klinora?" asked Mr. Godney. "I am afraid that your daughter is ill," said Mr. Barnes. "I judge from the description given by the maid that her condition was not somnambulism, as the doctor suggested, but that she is suffering from an attack of catalepsy. When ho called in the morning, finding the maid absent and tho girl Htill in a trance, lie quickly dressed her nnd enrried her down to his carriugo. There was no risk, for had he been scon, though balked in bis purpose, ho could 11iiv11 i-xpiumcu moi sue needed frcBb nir, and that ho wan taking her for a drive, and, as tlio family physician, no wrong would liavo boon apparent, I promised to recover your daughter and your money, Mr. Oednoy. Wo will find tIto money at the doctor's oflico, I suppose." This proved true. Mr. Mitchel walked with Mr. Harnos when they left the hoimo, and ho asked: "How do you account for the singular circumstance that a prominent man like Donaldson would stoop to such a orime?" "That is an interesting query," roplied tho detective. "In the first place, many men are honest not from any inherent integrity, lint rather through cowardice. They fear tho law. dlvou an opportunity which seems safo, they roadily follow their criminal bout. Secondly, abduction is a rare orimo for several reasons. It is difficult to obtain possession of tho child, It is risky to carry on the nocessary communications which must ensue, and it is very hard to find a way of receiving Ihe ransom without detection. All of thoso points this man thought he could ovorromo. Tho temptation came to him during the night after Ids first visit. He recognirod tho catalepsy and knew that no resistance would he made to his carrying tho child off, and that she would not tell where she hud tii>pu ilnrina ? <???? even nfter her recovery. The opportunity cnme on the follow inn morning, when ho found the girl unguarded. Ho could not rcniBt it. ilo olovorly managed the communications by telephone ami by writing with a typewrite*, whinh wmiM i ? 4 NO. 9 = 4 not ordinarily huvo betrayed him an it did. Lastly, ax ho %vnv commissioned to take tlie ransom to himself, detection seemed impossible." ^ "Yet despite all his cleverness," mor?lized Mr. Mitchel, "the roftuo mado two fatal slips, and theso brought hiiu his doom. Uood niftht, Mr. Barnes." tiik END. Itrllrr in Mix Hour# Distressing Kidney unk Bladder disease* relieves in six knur* by tk? " NKW (IKKAT SOllTM AMKKICAN KlB NKY Cukh." This n?v? remedy is a Ki vat surprise vii account af ltd exc-aedin* promptness in ralisviiiK pain i? tk? hliulilrtl'. l(iiU?L'J ??nt Iin.l ?> ? ... "" -* ? y ? " ?J ?'??' " of tho primary pessage* ia mal* or f?mu'o. It relieves retention of svater and pain in passing it nline-it immediately. If you wast julek relief and ?? euro this in your rei .rdy. Sold by I)K. 10. NORTON, Druggist Conway, S. C. " Hiram," said Mrs. Corntossal, " I hate t.er nay anything thet ain't exactly good-natured ; but it 'pears tor mo thet you ain't makin' * 7, good uso o' yer time c7. you might." " Mandy," was the roply, " I think I'm doin' pretty good. I've beonfdoin'a good deal In tho way of Improvln' my mind lately." " That's jes'it, Hiram. They's a hull lot of folks In the agricultural porfcsslon thet keeps puttin' lmprovoeinunts ontholr minds when they ortor he puttin' repairs on tho farm." Mrs. A. Inyccn, residing at 720 Henry ? St., Alton, III., suffered with sciatic rheumatism for over eight months. S.ie doctored for It nearly tho whole of this time, using various remedies recommended hy friends, and was treated hy tho physicians, but recoived no relief. She then used one and a half bottles of Chamberlain's Pain Bairn, which o(Tooted a con plate euro. This is published at htm request, as she wants others similarly sill oted to know what cured her. The 2"> and 60 cent d/.os for *ale by Dr. K. Norton, Drugglst. c f. ? A letter was rocelved in Now Orleans dirooted "To tho biggest fool in New Orleans." The postmaster was absent, and on his return one of tho > younger clerks informed him of tho i? tter. " And what became of it?" inquired tho postmaster. " Why," replied tho elerk, " I did not know who the biggest fool in New Orleans was, so I opened tho letter myself." " An.i what did you And in it?" ''Why," responded tho clerk, "nothing but tho words, ' Thou art tho man !' " How to ('uro All Hkin DiHoiiMi'K. Simply apply "Swaynk'8 ointMKNT." No internal medicine requlrod. Cures totter, eczema, itoh, all eruptions on tho face, hands, no ,?, iYe., leaving tho akin clear, white and healthy. Its groat healing and curative powers aru possessed by no other remedy. Ask your druggist for swaynk's olntmkn'f. Itch on human, mange on horses, logs and all stock, cured In .'10 minutes hy Woolford's Sanitury Luton. This never fails. Sold by 10. Norton Drug- * gist, Conway, S. C. "Hollo, Jim, what are you doing now ?" " Working for tho samo farmer I worked for last year." " Doing pretty well?" "No. Last year I did well enough. I got $20 a month ; this year the old man played It Ipw down on mo, and made me take his crop for my pay." IMIch! 1*1 oh ! Itching I'iles. Symptoms?Moisture; intense itching and stinging ; most at night : worse hy scratching. If allowed to continue tumors form, which often bleed and ulcerate, becoming very sere. swaynk'8 ointmknt stops tho itching and hleeulng, heals ulceration, and in most casus removes the tumors. At druggists, or by mail for oO cents. Ur Sway no & Son Philadelphia. ?Malice i.ucks up tho greater part of her own venom, and poisons herself. Wonderful South American filood Cure Quickly dissipates all scrofulous taints ii the system, euros pimples, blotches and sores on tho face, thoroughly cleanses tho blood of boils' carbuncles, ** ( abscesses and eruptions, renders tho ikin clear, young and beautiful. If you would escape blood poison with all ih train of horrors, do not fuil to uso '.his masterly blood purifier, which has performed such stupendous cures in all % oases of shuttered constution and lepravity of the blood. Had health signifies bad blood. Sold by K. Norton Druyvist, (lonway, S. C. BBlRE^L ATO Riffl THE BEST SPRING MEDICINE is Simmons Liver regulator. Don't g* forget to take it. Now is the time yoQ need it most to wake up'your Liver. A sluggish Liver brings on Malaria, Feve* n and Ague, Rheumatism, and jfhny ofllCr ills which shatter the constitution oral :4 ? > wreck health. Don't forget the worfi REGULATOR. It Is SIMMONS LIVER REGULATOR you want. The word REG' ULATOR distinguishes it from all remedies. And, besides this, SIMMONS LIVER REGULATOR Is a Regulator of tfie Liver, keeps it properly at work, that your system may be kept in good condition. FOR THE BLOOD take SiMMOMS LIVER REGULATOR. It is the best biood purifier and corrector. Try It and note 'I the difference. Look for the RHD 7. on every package. You wont find ft on any other medicine, and there Is no other \ Liver remedy like SIMMONS LlVEtt i REGULATOR-the Kingof Liver Remedies. v,_ ?'<* IL: sure you get it. * i i IIV 'Zo-i lire firfxyyVh i 1 Ad el pbtofCe* i