The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1892-10-12
THE LOST MAIL BAGS

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 Vladivostoi
might almost be called the dumping
off place" of the world, lying ms it does
on the very eastern extremity of the
great Russian empire.
A few years ago it was barren spit
of land, uninhabited and forlorn. Now
the Russian drum beats Mt 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 floated from the brilliantly
lighted windows of the long, low garri-
son house, for the commandant of the
station was giving dinner
II 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-lndians 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 commandant was summoned
outside, and, when he returned Il mo.
ment or two later, the most observant of
the guests detected a faint shadow in
his face.
The assemblage broke up mt late
hour, and as the guests passed out on
the way to their vessels young French
officer cried ont to the commandant:
"What is the matter, mon capitainei
You look sad and depressed"
Captain Shanoff laughed.
at is nothing, Lieutenant Garceau,"
he replied-"nothing but the onerous
burden of official duties. However, il
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 CHEEKY
IAN 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 Shanof, pardon my intru-
sion. | heard your conversation with
the Frenchman. | saw, though he did
not, that you We're in earnest. and now
| offer you my services"
rh. IL,
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 III making
this propositions" asked the captain.
81 am fond of adventure and sport, i
replied Mowbray. --Since leaving India
l have had dull time of it, and my
chance for excitement and change will
be doubly welcome"
The Russian captain stood in kesita-
tion 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 Shanoff, 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 II 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 a
secone carrier started, and he, too, has
completely disappeared. For more than
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 mail
bag The natives here are cowards
and what few men l have, while they
are good soldiers, are not the men to nn-
ravel a mystery"
what is your theory asked Now
bray, Robbers? Wild beasts? Or
could they have lost their way?"
wild animals are scarce" said the
captain. There are no robbers in this
part of Russia, and the path, while
difficult, is plain"
"When should the mail bag gog" went
on Mowbray.
ut came by today's steamer, and
should leave early in the morning."
replied Shanof.
"Well," said Mowbray, 'the ad-
venture promises well. Twill 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 a
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