Hope, fading.
by seriously blown cue
Fri Jun 18, 2004 at 12:49:44 AM PDT
West Creek, New Jersey-AP -- People in Paul Johnson's tight-knit hometown are remembering a smart, polite kid -- and they're joining his family in hoping for his safe return.
Johnson was kidnapped over the weekend by militants in Saudi Arabia. They've threatened to kill him in a few days unless Saudi al-Qaida prisoners are freed.
He grew up in a small New Jersey town, where people still recall a clean-cut young man with varied interests -- including running track, playing chess and driving fast cars.
One neighbor describes Johnson -- who went by the nickname "Eagle" -- as "one of the greatest kids" she knew.
Johnson's family says his mother still has not been told about his capture, due to her fragile health.
