The daily Alaskan., 1905-02-24
toriglnal.l

| d hAEnl nAAoRH AAN ANNhNN AAANtN aN spectable than his clothes, which were very shabby.
 That evening while at supper at my inn I suddenly felt an inclination to look up. My eyes met those of the man with the brown beard. This time there was a slight scOwl on his face but he lowered his eyes to his plate and went on with his supper.
 In the morning l proceeded on my journey, stopping again the next even ing. While sitting in the office smok- ing who should come in but this man, who I was now fully convinced was shadowing me. As he passed me he started, but whether his surprise was real or feigned l could not make out. He put down his belongings, except a morocco covered box. A servant who gathered up the traps attempted to take the box as well, but the man held on to it nervOusly.
 I am something of a detective, and the incident, though trihing, interested me. Was not the box an internal ma chine, and did not the man take me for a high Russian official travelling incog: The next day l took a train for St, Petersburg, not needing to stop over night, for the distance was but hun dred miles. On entering my compart- ment l noticed that there was but q single person in 1t besides myself. Tax ing my seat, let down window for better air, arranged my belongings then, while taking a book from my satchel, glanced at my fellow passen ger
 He was the man with the brown beard.
 A moment later, though l was moi looking directly at him, saw him tug giug at something under his overcoaL as though he were getting revolver into position where he could use il expeditiOusly. My conscience was sc clear of any intention that would call his weapon into service that l simply gave him contemptuous glance, then, opening my book, began to read. After awhile l dropped 1t on my lap and sank into q light slumber. But before losing consciousness l saw my shadow CT nervously reaching under his seat to feel for his box and casting suspi' cious glances at me.
 l was awakened by something suik ing heavily against me. Opening my eyes, saw the man Rwith the brown beard trying to regain his balance, having evidently been thrown upon me by a lurch of the coach. But what was my surprise and, will admit, con sternation to see that he held q re volver within a foot of my nose.
 "Sit still." be cried in English. If you dare move I'll blow out your bralnsv'
 Thunderstruck, especially at being addressed in my native tongue, made no reply.
 Your game is blocked" he said,
 My game"
 "Yes. have you covered and at the next station shall turn you over to the police"
 "Does the car employ English de tectivesT"
 "You can't throw me off the track by assuming to be a nihilist. know youl intentions"
 "wer, I'll be obliged to you if yor will tell me what they are.'
 What they are? You know very well what they are-the jewels"
 What jewelsY
 Perhaps it was my unfeigned look ot astOnishment that threw a shade ol doubt, of perplexity, across his face.
 "Do you mean to tell me" he said, "Inat you have not information con corning me and my acts; that you have not shadGwod me ever since l crOsseC the border; that you have not bceD waiting an opportunity to possess yourself of the treasure; that befOr, we had been long in this compartment you would have chlorofOrmed me seized my box and left the train at th' first stop"
 I had so recently awakened and th, huNthlNIt NdS SO oul ulIAAoAhH tA-siN . | could not for some time quite gltEel my faculties. This, However. gave i'll, time to sec the absurdity of thc latter
 You're a fool" blurted out at has. and so am l. I thought you werr shadowing me"
 "ShNdowing you? What for?"
 ''The government
 The st"qined expression on lis f'c' melted into an amused smile,
 "Who are youy' lie asked.
 "A citizen of Philadelphia.
 philadelphia! So am l."
 We pulled out cards and exchanged them.
 "Why, you are the gentleman" said I, whose daughter recently married Count Denizoff of St. Petersburg"
 "Yes, and I am taking her the fam fly jewels"
 And you mistook me for robbery I said.
 And you mistook me for q member of the secret police"
 Still trembling, he opened bag, took out flask and offered 1t to me.
 "Thank you" I said, glad Slougl myself to get hracer. Heres to tlr amateur detective service of Anc-i.a
 He smiled grimly, l returned tE. T