Why was Ratus'very dear'in more ways than one?
Kidnappers are rarely interested in animals,but they recently took
considerable interest in Mrs.Eleanor Ramsay's cat. Mrs.Eleanor Ramsay,
a very wealthy old lady,had shared a flat with her cat,Rastus,for a great
many years.Ratsus leads an orderly life.He ususlly takes a short walk in
the evening and is always home by seven o'clock.One evening,however,
he failed to arrive.Mrs.Ramsay got very worried.She looked everywhere for
him but could not find him.
Three days after Rastus' diappearance,Mrs.Ramsy 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.Ramsy 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 withdrew $1,000
from her bank and followed the kidnapper's instruction.The next moring,the box
had disappeared but Mrs.Ramsay was sure that the kidnapper oould keep his word.
Sure enough,Rastus arrived punctually at seven o'clock that evening.He looed very
well,though the was rather thirsty,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 very dear to her.Considering the amount she paid,he was dear in more ways than one!