The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-02-04
Select gtorg.
THE BLACK BAGS.

1t was on the 10Th of October, 1859,
that | was returning to England, having
taken the steamer of Dublin for Holyhead.
Business had taken me into Ireland am
ieweler-and it had been necessary for
me to visit a branch of my own firm in
Dublin. | was bringing back certain val
liable Jewels which required resetting
monds of great value, and some other things
of less Importance, but still valuable.
| found all the passengers talking on
one subiect-the terrible and appalling
wreck which had occurred only three days
before, off Moelfre, on the Anglesea coast
No less than four hundred and forty-six
lives were lost that night when the Royal
Charter was totally wrecked. She was a
screw steamer, commanded by Captain
Taylor A large sum of money-f7OO,-
600 or f90O,0OO in gold-was lost also, it
was supposed but have since heard that
some OF the gold was recovered. [ am a
silent man habitually, and the awe in the
voices of my fellow passengers struck me
forcibly; but [ had another reason, as will
presently appear, in remembering my jour
ney from Dublin to London on this occasion.
| carried the jewels which [ have al
ready mentioned in a small black handbag,
and so long as | knew that it was safe, L
was free from care Arriving at HOlyhead,
| took my seat in an empty tirst-class rail
way carriage Just as the train was mov-
ing off, however, gentleman suddenly got
in. He sat down nearly opposite me, so |
had a good opportunity Of observing his
appearance | noticed that he was young,
apparently not more than four-andtwenty
that he had broad black band around his
hat, and that on his face were traces of re-
cent sorrow, almost in fact of agitation. He
seemed relieved at having caught the train,
and being like myself quite disinclined for
conversation, our journey proceeded in
silence.
My bag lay beside me, and quite under
my eyes. | was tired after my crossing, and
fell into a sort of doze On waking [ in
stantIy glanced at my bag. There it lay,
quite safe. My companion, however, had
moved his seat. We stopped at Chester,
and here thought I would get out and
walk about little, as we had ten minutes
to wait took my bag and got out. On
my return to the train there was my COM
panion apparently asleep. [ got into the
carriage without disturbing him and we
continued our journey.
At Grove, our next stopping place, he
got out, and did not come back. Twas very
tired now, and fell into sound sleep with
my hand holding the handle of my black
bag. | did not wake till we reached Lon
don; then getting into the first hanson l
saw, and still carrying my precious bag, OF
which | was heartily tired, [ drove home.
On my arrival, with method which L
suppose is habitual with man in my trade,
[ instantly went to the safe in which l kept
my valuable jewelry, unlocked it, and, de-
posting the bag on table | opened it.
Imagine my dismay at finding that, instead
of diamonds, it contained only some rusty
bits of iron and wooden debris My bag
was gone; this other bag had been cleverly
substituted for it, so cleverly, indeed, that
even the weight as well as the appearance
had been Judged.
I put the affair into the hands of the
police, giving them exactly every particular
as [ have here written it. The bag was lost
A year after the events narrated above L
was again travelling on the line which takes
passengers to Holyhead. Itwas in the be-
ginning of October as well as | remember.
I travelled frst-class, my usual custom
when [ have long journey before me-
During the year not a sign had been given
of my missing bag or the jewels, but | had
not really despaired yet Of recovering II,
for | had certain unaccountable feeling
about the whole thing; that there was
some mystery about it felt sure.
Regularly every Wednesday in every
week / had called at Scotland Yard, and
had always had the same answer, Nothing
vet sir" The reward / had offered was
Sufficient to secure certain interest, and
the police, I firmly believe, were as keen IN
the matter as could wish.
On this October morning in 1861, L
travelled with lady who was IN deep
monrping. The day was chilly, and she
wore several wraps, but getting warm in
the carriage. she presently threw aside
fnr cloak she was wearing, and my eye'~as
Instantly attracted by a, handsome brooch
che had on. in which was portrait.
Without appearing to do 50, and with a
sudden feeling of interest and curiosity ior