Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1892-10-19
THE LOST MAIL BAGS

1t was evening IN Vlad1VOStOK. OuG
on the harbor the dark waters of the sea
of Japan reflected the twinkling lights
from half dozen vessels lying snugly
at anchor, and westward behind the
town the moon shone dimly on the
snowclad plains and rugged slopes of
the Sikota mountains, beyond which,
across the frozen waters Of the Amur,
stretched for thousands of leagues the
great Siberian desert. Vladivostok
might almost be called the jumping
off place" of the world, lying as it does
on the very eastern extremity of the
great Russian empire.
A few years ago it was a barren spit
of land, uninhabited and forlorn. Now
the Russian drum beats at sunrise, and
ships of all nations float 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 mirth and
laughter foated from the brilliantly
lighted windows of the long, low garri-
station was giving dinner.
1t was quite cosmopolitan gathering
that filled the long table, for among the
guests were Russian, French and Eng
lish 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 had just commenced,
when the colnmandant was summoned
outside, and, when he returned a mo-
ment or two later, the most observant Of
the guests detected Il faint shadow in
his face.
The assemblage broke up at late
hour, and as the guests passed out on
the way to their vessels a young French
officer cried out to the conlmandant:
What is the matter, mon capitaine?
You look sad and depressed"
Captain Shanof laughed.
1T is nothing, Lieutenant Garceau,"
he replied nothing but the onerous
burden of official duties. However, if
you have on board your vessel 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 a CHEEKY
Eau 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
night he said:
Captain Shanotf, pardon my intru-
sion. heard your conversation with
the Frenchman. | saw, though he di..
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 propositionY asked the captain
II am fond of adventure and sport,
replied Mowbray. ''SiIce leaving India
| have had dull time of it, and my
chance for excitement and change will
be doubly welcome"
The Russian captain stood in hesita-
ton for moment, and then leading the
way silently to an apartment beyond the
dining hall he motioned Mowbray to
seat and sat down facing him.
'"Now," said Captain Shanof, II will
explain my conversation with the
Frenchman as briefly as possible.
Thirty miles from here, among the
Sikota mountains, there is small de-
tachment of Russians engaged in mining
operations. Mail bags are conveyed to
them twice week by native, who
makes the return journey in two days.
A month ago the carrier left Vladivo-
stok for the encampment. He has not
been heard of since. Two weeks ago
second carrier started, and he, too, has
completely disappeared. For more taan
month we have heard nothing of our
companions. 1t is profound mystery.
Tonight learn that no one can be found
who will undertake to carry the ma
bag. The natives here are towards,
and what few men l have, while they
are good soldiers, are not the men to un-
ravel mystery"
"What is your theory asked Now
bray, "Roobers? Wild beasts? Or
could they have lost their wayY'
wild animals are scarce" said the
raptain. There are no robbers in thii,;
part of Russia, and the path, while
difficult, is plain"
when should the mail bag go?" went
ON Mowbray.
"It came by todays steamer, and
should leave early in the morning."
replied Shanoff.
WELL" said Mowbray, the ad-
venture promises well. | will undertake
to reach the encampment with the mail
bag"
Captain Shanoff at first refused to
listen to his proposition; but Mowbray
insisted so firmly that he at last gave
reluctant consent.
Although he hesitated to incur the re-
sponsibility that would assuredly fall on
his shoulders in case anything should
befall the brave young fellow, he was
secretly overjoyed at his good fortune,
for the strange disappearance of the two
natives had produced such an effect
upon both natives and soldiers that no
one could be found in Vladivostok who
would undertake the journey.
Moreover, the captain had a grave sus-
picion that the native carriers might
have fled into the interior with the mail
bag, for strangely enough the missing
men were brothers.
This suspicion, however, was of the
vaguest, for what possible motive could
two ignorant natives have for stealing a
lot of worthless letters and fleeing into
an almost uninhabited desert?
Before day broke on the following
morning Luke Mowbray slipped secretly
and noiselessly out Of Vladivostok, and
turned westward toward the pine
crowned ridges of the Sikota range.
He rode the commandant's horse and
wore huge pair of boots the Russian
had lent him. Before him on the saddle