“We have kidnapped your child and demand twenty-five thousand dollars for his safe return. If you give us the money, the child will be returned as safe as when you last saw him; but if you refuse, we will put acid in his eyes and blind him. Then we will immediately kidnap another millionaire’s child that we have spotted, and we will demand one hundred thousand dollars, and we will get it, for he will see the condition of your child and realize the fact that we mean business and will not be monkeyed with or captured. “Get the money all in gold--five, ten, and twenty-dollar pieces--put it in a grip in a white wheat sack, get in your buggy alone on the night of December 19, at seven o’clock p.m., and drive south from your house to Center Street; turn west on Center Street and drive back to Ruser’s Park and follow the paved road toward Fremont. “When you come to a lantern that is lighted by the side of the road, place your money by the lantern and immediately turn your horse around and return home. You will know our lantern, for it will have two ribbons, black and white, tied on the handle. You must place a red lantern on your buggy where it can be plainly seen, so we will know you a mile away. “This letter and every part of it must be returned with the money, and any attempt at capture will be the saddest thing you ever done. _Caution! For Here Lies Danger._ “If you remember, some twenty years ago Charley Ross was kidnapped in New York City, and twenty thousand dollars ransom asked. Old man Ross was willing to give up the money, but Byrnes[8] the great detective, with others, persuaded the old man not to give up the money, assuring him that the thieves would be captured. Ross died of a broken heart, sorry that he allowed the detectives to dictate to him. [8] Mr. Crowe had his criminal history somewhat vaguely in mind. “This letter must not be seen by any one but you. If the police or some stranger knew its contents, they might attempt to capture us, although entirely against your wish; or some one might use a lantern and represent us, thus the wrong party would secure the money, and this would be as fatal to you as if you refused to give up the money. So you see the danger if you let the letter be seen. “Mr. Cudahy, you are up against it, and there is only one way out. Give up the coin. Money we want, and money we will get. If you don’t give it up, the next man will, for he will see that we mean business, and you can lead your boy around blind the rest of your days, and all you will have is the damn copper’s sympathy. “Do the right thing by us, and we will do the same by you. If you refuse you will soon see the saddest sight you ever seen. “Wednesday, December 19th. This night or never. Follow these instructions, or harm will befall you or yours.”