The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-08-04

DO&G alOngslOe, ana the pllOG, W1tn the agility of a cat, climbed up the huge black side of the vessel, and leaped over the bulwarks on to the deck. We got up steam and were soon once more on our way.
 We paced the deck, chatting and singing snatches of old songs, all more or lees excited as we approached the end of our journey. Glancing over the bulwarks, we were startled by the appearance of 6 huge black mass, which seemed to grow mysteriously out of the darkness, with many col ored lights swinging in the empty air. It was the steam-tug which had come of from Rimoush for the mail and such passengers as desired to proceed to Lower Canada.
 There was hurrying and bustling to and fro. The mail bags were flung out from the lower deck, and about fifty steerage passengers and some few others went ashore.
 The next morning general conster- nation sat on the official faces. One after another they proceeded to the captain's room and held mysterious conferences there. People looked ques- tioningly in each others eyes and won- dered. Presently 8 rumor flew from one end of the vessel to the other Mrs. Oliver was missing.
 On going to her state-room in the morning the stewardess found it empty. Hurried inquiries were whis- pered from one to another; at length the excitement calmed down and a strict investigation took place. Where had she been last seen and by whom? MT. Stokes reluctantly stepped for ward and told what he had seen on the previous night. It was horrible idea, but at least tangible one. She might have walked overheard in her sleep. That was the conclusion gen. erally arrived at.
 The terrible catastrophe cast a gloom over everybody's spirits, and allayed much of the excitement and pleasure of nearing the land. All day we steamed up the beautiful St. Law renee river, with panoramic view of picturesque and glowing scenery out spread on either side. Towards even- ing Quebec, in her regal beauty, with the fading sunlight flashing from her thousands windows and glittering on her sloping roofs, came in sight. Then began everybody's preparations for leaving the vessel. MT. Jaggers and young Stokes scanned eagerly the faces on the landing stage. A police official came on board, followed by one or two subordinates. An order was given that no one was to leave the vessel till they had examined all the passengers. MT. Jaggers took the chief official aside, and they conversed in low tone.
 "You've got our man ]" exclaimed Jaggers. "He should have arrived two days ago. We wired description and requested he should be detained"
 "Never came," replied the brother detective, adding, with curious smile, "He's here on the vessel with you"
 "That's not so," said Jsggers decid- edly. "Do you think I'd have rat under my nose and not smell him? know every man on board"
 "And every woman, too?" inquired the officer, with significance that made him shiver. "Here, read that" he added, placing in MT. Jaggers' hand telegram which ran thus:
 "Davis did not sail as expected you will find him on board the steam ship 'Atlantean.' Disguised as widow, and accompanied by little boy about year old. Jewels proba- ply concealed about him."
 Jaggers staggered as though he had been shot. His professional pride fell dead within him. He dashed down the stairs, and in few minutes reap peared in great agitation.
 His pocketbook, with photographs, papers of Identification, etc., had been stolen. Was this the widows errand to his room the night before2 Was the sleep-walking business 6 sham? Their wonder was soon set at rest. The dress the soi-disant widow used to wear was found concealed beneath 6 berth in an empty cabin. The disap- pearance which had 90 perplexed every body was now understood. John Davis, beardless young fellow, the youngest of gang winch had given much trouble to the London police, had escaped from England in . wid- ow's dress with the spells of the great jewel robbery secreted about him.
 He had evidently thrown off the massive golden curls which had lent such an effectual disguise and so pow erful charm to the. widows suit, and donning his own attire, had mixed unobserved with the steersge passen- gers and gone of at Rimouski.
 JaggsFs, in sore humiliation of spirit, hid his head, covered with pro- fessiOnal shame. His prov had fiauntesl