Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-10-09
THE LOST NAIL BAGS

from half a dozen vessels lying snugly
AZ anchor, and westward behind the
town the moon shons dimly on the
snowelad plains and rugged slopes OF
the Sikota mountains. beyond which,
across ths frozen waters OF the Amur,
stretched for thousands Of leagues the
great Siberian desert. VladivostOk
might almost DO called the Jumping
of place Of the world, lying as it does
ON the very eastern extremity OF the
great Russian empire.
A few years ago it was q barren spit
OF land. uninhabited and forlorn. Now
the Russian drum beats at sunrise, and
ships OF all nations fioat their flags IN
the harbOr.
On this particular evening. while IN
the narrow street OF the town all was
silent save for the occasional tread OF
Russian sentry, sounds of niirth and
laughter foated from the brilliantly
lighted windows Of the long, low garri-
son house, for the commandant OF the
station was giving a dinner.
IL was quite a cosmopolitan gathering
that filed the long table. for among the
guests were Russian, French and Eng
hsh naval officers, and two or three
Anglo Indians who had come up from
Shanghai on the mail steamer.
The last course had been removed. and
the quickened conversation that comes
with the cigars mad just commenced,
when the commandant was summoned
outside. and, when he returned a mo-
ment or two later, the most observant Of
the guests detected faint shadow in
his face.
hour, and as the guests passed out on
the way 10 their vessels q young French
officer cried out TO the commandment:
What is the matter. mon capitainel
You look sad and depressed"
Captain Shanoff laughed.
1T is nothing. Lieutenant Garceau,"
he replied-'nothing but the onerous
burden of official duties. However, if
you have on board your vessel a man
with iron nerves and the bravery of an
African lion you can send him TO me-"
The Frenchman. taking this in Jest,
laughed and passed on with CHEEKY
''au revoir."
One young man, who had overheard
this brief conversation, purposely lin
gered till the last, and as the command
ant held out his hand TO bid him good
nigh: he said:
Captain Shsnos. pardon my intru-
sion. heard your conversation with
the Frenchman.' | saw. though he did
not. that you were in earnest, and now
offer You my services"
The captain looked at him in surprise.
you are one Of the passengers by the
mail steamer from Shanghai" he said.
"You are correct. said the man. "My
name is Luke Mowbray, of the Indian
civil service"
And what Is your object in making
this propositiOnT asked the captain.
II am fond Of adventure and sport,
replied Mowbrsy. "Sincs leaving India
/ havs had dull time Of il. and my
chance for excitement and change will
be doubly welcome"
The Russian captain stood in hesita-
ton for a moment, and then leading the
way silently to an apartment beyond the
dining hall he moti0ned Mowbrsy TO
seat and sat down facing him.
Now said Captain Shanoff. 81 win
explain my conversation with the
Frenchnaa as briefly as possible
Thirty miles from here. among the
Sikota mountains. there Is a small de-
tacnment IT Russians engaged IN mining
operations. Mail bags are conveyed 10
them twice week by a native, who
makes the return journey in two days.
month ago the carrier left VladivO-
stok for the encsmpment. He has not
been heard Of since Two weeks ago a
second carrier started. and ne. too. has
completely disappeared. For more than
month we have heard nothing Of our
companions It is profound mystery
Tonight learn that no one can be found
who viii undertake to carry the ma
bag. The natives here are towards.
ami what few men 1 have, while they
are good soldiers. are not the men to IN
ravel a mystery
What IA your theory" asked Now
bray. ''Robbersp Wild beasts9 Or
could they have lost heir way
Wild animals ara scarce said the
captain. There are no robbers in this
part Of Russia. and the path. while
difficult. IL plain
When should che mail bag go2' went
on Mowbray
1T came by todav's steamer. ard
sh0uld leave early in the morning,
replied ShsnoT
We'll said Mawbray. "the al
venture promises well VIII undertake
70 reach the encamp ment with the mail
bag
Captain Shanod 90 krsf refused %
listen 20 his prop ION; but Mowhrsy
insisted a. irmiy at he az last gave a
relncfsns CONSENT
Although be hesi tstei % incur the To-
sDsueihihty thas would sssaresiiv fsli en-
biz shoulders IN oass anything should
bstail the brave Young fellow. Re was
secretly ovsrioyed A. his good fortune.
fer The strange disappearance - the two
nahvas hasa produced snch an effect
upon both uasivss sud soldiers thar nc
nne crni8 he found IN Nlssdvsstok who
would undertake the journey
Moreover. tae captain hal a grave sus-
picfca tkst tns native carriers might
have SEED ipto tie ineerior with tae mail
bag fcr stranxeiv enough the missing
mn wers brnfhers
Thss srrspiris,,. however vvas u fha