The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1921-05-18
CHAPTER I.
THE Message In the Box.

n anticipating the possibility OF my
kfaln arriving late, had named the
hour Of my meeting with Cummings
~ three O'Clock, and, In consequence
OF our reaching the city exactly on
time, was compelled to lolter idly
about the hotel for an hour. However,
ia passing through the corridor my
attention was attracted by an unique
curiosity shop occupying small side
room. and. merely to pass the time
pleasantly. entered and began exam-
ming the strange collection Of wares
On display.
There were several articles l lin
gereo over. tempted to purchase, but
driftes on, rather undecided, until my
eyes Ierceived very quaint lacquered
Jewel box. Of class of workmanship
Quite unusual. The proprietor, per-
esivinA my interest. Joined me.
TIE Jewel box attracts YOU" he
said pleasantly. opening the case and
bringing 1t forth. "You have love for
such thingsY'
"A deep interest ut least" admit
ted. taking the article from his hand,
~ collector In an amateur way. What
ia the wOrkmanship-surely not jap
anesey
NO." smilingly. although posi-
lively cannot answer as to its or
igin. The inscription, which can only
be read with microscope"-he traced
with his finger-"is ancient Arabic,
hut no wild Arab ever did the lacquer"
1850 strange curlo must have
history. an imaginary one, at least.
What Is the st0ry3"
Positively none," he admitted re-
gretfully. "rhe fact is, this article was
found by q chambermaid In one Of the
hotel rooms. and turned In to the man.
ager. He made every effort to trace
the guests. only to learn that they, two
men, by the way, had registered false
~. He even advertised, but with no
response. and finally. after thirty days.
was persuaded to accept my offer for
the article"
"YOu have put price on this?"
Eyes. ridiculously low, no doubt, yet
bringing me good profit"
He named price, and, still with the
box In my hands. yielded to the temp
tati0n. and bought 1t. The article was
sufficiently small to find Judgment in
an overcoat pocket, and, as Cummings
appeared a little later. was soon for.
gotten in the earnestness Of our con-
versatiOn. We later had dinner to-
gether, and attended the theater In
company. my mind SO occupied with
other matters that scarcely once
thought Of the strange purchase had
made, which remained securely hid
den. 1t was only after returning to
my own room. then nearing midnight,
that It was again recalled to memory.
Only an idle curiosity and feeling
OF sleeplessness induced me to draw
the article forth, and remove Its wrap.
pings, but the sight served immedl'
ately to increase my interest. 1t was
certainly q wonderful find, artlstically
beautiful, and most unusual In design
There was mystery that must have
exercised a strange spell over my
Imagination. for dreamed Of the long
dead workman who fashioned it, for
getful of the passing night hours. A
clock somewhere In the neighbOrhOOd
struck. and counted twelve. arOusini
myself. Perhaps l was already hall
sleeping, for as l turned to rise my
sleeve struck the box Mt the edge o.
the table, and before l could preven
the fall. 1t lay upon the floor at m!
feet.
As stopped hastily to recover tn
verturned box, I was astOunded t.
lsc0ver the bottom slipped PARTIAL!
lde. as though some secret spring hat
n touched, revealing so narrow ,
eeptacle that the ordinary eye wOult
Per suspect the possibility Of its ex
&c. Not only was there a falls
%sN> the .c'pSing revealed
folded paper. yrasped thi
a thrill running H.. ,-,tb me
Client and lOng-huried mcs> o
IT to be unfOlded?