The world was given to understand that $1000 reward would be
paid for Rosalie's return or for information leading to the apprehension
and capture of her abductors.
There was one very mysterious point in connection with the
affair--something so strange that it bordered on the supernatural. No
human being in Bramble County except the two boys had seen the
double-seated sleigh. It had disappeared as if swallowed by the earth
itself.
"Well, it don't do any good to cry over spilt milk," said Anderson
bravely. "She's gone, an' I only hope she ain't bein' mistreated. I
don't see why they should harm her. She's never done nobody a wrong.
Like as not she's been taken to a comfortable place in New York, an'
we'll hear from her as soon as she recovers from the shock. There ain't
no use huntin' fer her, I know, but I jest can't help nosin' around a
little. Mebby I can git some track of her. I'd give all I got in this
world to know that she's safe an' sound, no matter if I never see her
ag'in."
The hungry look in his eyes deepened, and no one bandied jests with him
as was the custom in days gone by.
* * * * *
There were not many tramps practising in that section of the State.
Anderson Crow proudly announced that they gave Tinkletown a wide berth
because of his prowess; but the vagabond gentry took an entirely
different view of the question.
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