Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1892-10-23
THE STOLEN PASSPORTS.

room.
Capt. Sasha, a Dispatch he cried, |
handing me one of those little official
blue envelopes which knew so well
tore 1t open and read the contents:
To Capt Sasha, Commander OF Frontier Station
the Vistula-
Deiain Ivan Brusky and Vladimir Pogram They
viii reach you shortly GES JoRAA
"A bad night for travellers to be on
the road" could not help thinking. for
the rain was falling in torrents
l was commander of the Russian from
tier station at Dana, which lies ON the
great high road between Russia and the
Austrian city Of Cracow, and only half
mile distant was the river Vistula, which
divides the dominions Of the Emperor
Francis Joseph and the dominions Of the
car.
Ii was my duty to examine the pass
ports of all travellers coming either way,
and to scrutinize their luggage, to see
that no Russian products were smuggled
into Austria. or vice versa.
For the last few days there had been
little to do. Warm mediterranean at
this time of year-had set in, and the
roads were in bad condition for travel
ing.
The dispatch had just received had
been brought ON horseback from the
nearest telegraph station, nearly five
miles distant, and from the signature at
the bottom knew it must be matter
Of some importance, for Gen. Jorka was
the minister Of police and his very name
a terror to evil doors.
| instructed my men to watch the
roads with extra care.
The evening wore ON slowly and at
midnight no one had arrived. came TO
the conclusion that the expected travel
ers had either been apprehended before
they reached the frontier or had post
poned their journey ON account of the
bad weather. so | determined 10 go to
bed and enjoy good nights rest.
The wind and rain kept me awake a
long while, and just rs | was about
dropping Off into slumber the sound OF
sleigh bells woke me up again, and in a
moment or two "A sharp tap at the door
summoned me down stairs. ! dressed
and went down.
Two travellers were waiting TO see me.
two big, powerful fellows. wrapped ur
in furs and greatcoats, which they KEEP,
closely buttoned, for the fire had gone
out judged at once that these wer,
the men | wanted, for though theil
clothes and furs gave evidence of wealth
and refinement their faces hardly seemed
to accord.
But surprise was in store for me
When they handed over their passports
i found, 10 my CONSERVATION, that theA
bore the names of Alexis Zamose ans
Sergius Aelikoff. and were properl,
stamped and signed.
To hide my confusion | made some in
quiries, and they very frankly informed
me that they were merchants of ST. Pc
tersburg. who were going to Cracow OF
business.
Had they met any person on tn
roadg' inquired.
Yes said the smooth faced man
''.hey had passed two men early in tn
evening, but their horses seemed 10 b
lame. and they were moving very slow
ly."
| hesitated a moment, and then or
dered an examination to be made o
their baggage proceeding TO which
they offered no objection. Everything
In their valises. however. was all right
and their linen and toilet cases wer,
stamped with their initials.
+ felt that had no authority to detair
them. and yet hated to see them go
for ] had a presentiment that all wa
mot right To add to my suspicious tn,
man with the beard was nervous ant
agitated, fact which he did his utmost
to conceal,
knew too well, however, what would
be the result Of blunder committed
through excess Of authority, so l deter
mined to be on the safe side; and after
delay, which | stretched cut as far a
possible. told them they were free {,
proceed
! escorted them to the door, where 8
low, one seated sleigh awaited them
drawn by pair of horses which / saw
ut glance had been hard driven.
AT the last moment had half mads
mp my mind TO detain them, but with 3
hasty salute they stepped into the sleigh
And drove rapidly eastward, where dawI
vas already dappling the sky.
There was no use In going back e
bed, 30 went in and stirred up the frs
and sat down 10 smoke cigar and wal
for daylight.
VNow that 1t was too late felt sorry
bad let the men go, for the more
thought over 1t the more certain fell
bat there was something wrong about
eem. II had stopped raining and be.
pm 10 blow up cold, and saw that II
puld probably be busy day.
II had already finished breakfast wher
stamping OF horses and a tinkling O
bells drew me to the door, and, TO mr.
surprise. / saw bearing rapidly down
upon the station small detachment Of
mounted cossacks, surrounding a sleigh
with two men in it, who l made sur,
Were the parties ! was looking for, an
opinion which seemed to be verified wher
they drew up. for the men were rather
rough looking fellows, and wore heav,
cloalEs OF coarse material, and grea
Hstrachsn caps, that.came forward owe
their ears. was soon undeceiyed.
These travellers claim to have beel
fohs''i. captain, said the cossnck officer
salns4ng, They viii tell you their story