Three days after Rastus’s disappearance, Mrs. Ramsay received an anonymous
letter. The writer stated that Rastus was in safe hands and would be returned
immediately if Mrs. Ramsay paid a ransom of 1,000 $. Mrs. Ramsay was instructed to
place the money in a cardboard box And to leave it outside her door. At first, she
decided to go to the police, but fearing that she would never See Rastus again-the letter
had made that quite clear-she changed her mind. She drew 1,000& from her Bank and followed the kidnapper’s instructions. The next morning, the box had disappeared but
Mrs. Ramsay was sure that the kidnapper would keep his word. Sure enough, Rastus
arrived punctually At seven o’clock that evening. He looked very well though he was
rather thirst, for he drank half a Bottle of milk. The police were astounded when Mrs.
Ramsay told them what she had done. She explained that Rastus was dear to her. Considering the amount she paid, he was dear in more way than one.