The Argosy, April 1912 — page 105: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

SHIFTING give you any cause for uneasiness, Mr. Border.” “But it does, Mr. Huntly. You haven’t expressed any opinion as yet on this sub- ject.” “There seems little to be: said. My fiancée has been kidnaped—evidently for purposes of ransom, as you surmised in the start. We must get her back at once.” “You mean by giving in to the demands of the man who sent this paper?” asked the sheriff. “T mean nothing of the kind,” answered Huntly. ‘My plan would be to find her ourselves. ‘The demand for $20,000 is pre- posterous.”’ “Then you will advise Mrs. Temple not to pay it?” “Certainly. At least not until we have left no stone unturned in our efforts to locate Mildred.” “There! That’s the way I like to hear a man talk,’ exclaimed the sheriff. “You don’t think any one will harm her?” anxiously inquired Huntly. “T’m not worrying about that,” replied Border. ‘“ This is all a money game, be- lieve me. Now I must lay my plans for the search.” “You can count on me,” said Huntly. “In what way?” “Tl go with you. Is it a go?” “Tt is,” and the sheriff grasped the young man’s hand. “ That’s the way I like to hear a fellow talk.” “What time in the morning do you pro- pose to start?” inquired the Easterner. “In the morning?” repeated Border in surprise. “Yes. Make it as early as you like, you’ll find me on hand. I won’t leave the house to-night, for I am afraid Mrs. Tem- ple may have a nervous collapse.” “Great Heavens, man, do you suppose I am going to wait until morning to look for that girl?” “T don’t see how you can very well do anything else,” replied Huntly. ‘“ Much as you might want to set to work earlier, it would be impossible.”’ “You don’t know Sheriff Bob Border,” declared that valiant gentleman. “You mean that—”’ ‘“‘T mean that there is no time to be lost. The sooner we get a start the better. I ex- pect to leave here within the next fifteen minutes. Are you with me or not?” “With you, of course,” declared Huntly. SUSPECTS. 91 “Only I didn’t see how you could do any- thing in the darkness.” “Leave that to me. My horse knows every trail around here. What I don’t know she does, so between the two of us we will come pretty near reaching the proper desti- nation.” “But I have no horse,” objected Huntly. ee don’t see how I can get one before morn- ing.’ By way of answer Border called one of his men. “Say, Jim, slip around to your house and bring us another animal. Mr. Huntly here thinks he would like to join us in our little excursion.” The man was off in a jiffy. “And now,” went on Border, “I guess you’d better break the news to Mrs. Tem- ple and tell her what we are going to do.” Huntly left the room, but soon returned accompanied by Mildred’s mother. oe Huntly has told me the news,’”’ she said. “Yes. It’s good news,” replied Border, “for at least we now know the reason for the crime.” “But that doesn’t bring my child back,” moaned Mrs. Temple, wringing her hands. “Mrs. Temple insists upon paying the $20,000 demanded,” said Huntly. “Oh,” said Border, looking from the woman to the man. “That’s no more than I expected. Most women would rather give up all the money they’ve got in the world than wait a few hours.” “A few hours?” repeated Mrs. Temple. “Do you think I shall see Mildred that soon? But I can’t wait. I prefer to pay the money. What is money compared with my child?” ‘She looked with appealing eyes at Huntly. “I am sure, Ned, you will agree with me, won’t you?” she added. ‘The sheriff fixed his gaze on Huntly and waited for his reply. z “Twenty thousand dollars is a great deal of money,” the young Easterner said re- flectively. “T tell you it’s nothing. Nothing at all,” declared Mrs. Temple. “To hold my daughter in my arms once more, to know that she is here in her own home, that is easily worth the paltry sum.” The sheriff shook his head and _ still watched Huntly. That young man now no- ticed this and became rather nervous. comicoool. co