The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1894-09-20
THE LOST MAIL BAGS

It was evening in Vladivostok. Out
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 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 a
Russian sentry, sounds of mirth and
laughter foated from the brilliantly
lighted windows of the long, low garri-
son house, for the commandant OF the
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 commandant was summoned
outside, and, when he returned a mo-
ment or two later, the most observant Of
the guests detected faint shadow IL
his face.
The assemblage broke up at a Late
hour, and as the guests passed out OF
the way to their vessels young Frencl
officer cried out to the commandant
"What is the matter, mon capltalne
You look sad and depressed"
Captain Shanof laughed.
at is nothing, Lieutenant Garceau,
he replied-"nothing but the onerou
burden of official duties. However,
YOU have on board your vessel a maj
with iron nerves and the bravery of Al
African lion you can send him to me-"
The Frenchman, taking this in jest
laughed and passed on with cheer
Eau revoir.'
One Young man, who had overhear
this brief conversation, purposely Ill
gered till the last, and as the command
ant held out his hand to bid him goo
night he said:
"Captain Shanoff, pardon my ine1'
sion. | heard your conversation wi,
the Frenchman. | saw, though he d
not, that you were in earnest, and no
offer you my services"
The captain looked at him in surprls
"You are one of the passengers by Il
mail steamer from Shanghai" he said
"You are correct" said the man. IN
name is Luke Mowbray, OF the lndii
civil service" -.
"And what is your object in MAXI
this propositions" asked the captain.
81 am fond of adventure and spor
replied Mowbray. "Since leaving Inc
have had dull time of it, and I
chance for excitement and change "
be doubly welcome"
The Russian captain stood in hest
ton for moment, and then leading
way silently to an apartment beyond
dining hall he motioned Mowbray II
seat and sat down facing him.
"Now," said Captain Shanoff, 81
explain my conversation with +
Frenchman as briefly as possll
Thirty miles from here, among
Sikota mountains, there is small
tachment of Russians engaged in min
operations. Mail bags are conveyed
them twice week by native, Y
makes the return journey in two ds
A month ago the carrier left Vladl
stok for the encampment. lie has
been heard of since. Two weeks az
second carrier started, and he, too,
completely disappeared. Formore t
month we have heard nothing OF
companions. 1t is profound myst