The review. [volume] (High Point, N.C.) 1908-19??, 1921-05-12
CHAPTER I.
The Message in the Box.

Anticipating the possibility of my
train arriving late, 1 had named the
hour of my meeting with Cummings
as three O'Clock, and, in consequence
of our reaching the city exactly on
time. was compelled to Ioiter idly
about the hotel for an hour. However,
in passing through the corridor my
attention was attracted by an unique
curiosity shop occupying a 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 / lin
gered over, tempted to purchase, but
drifted on, rather undecided, until my
eyes perceived very quaint lacquered
jewel box, of a class of workmanship
quite unusual. The proprietor, per-
ceiving my interest, joined me.
The jewel box attracts you" he
said pleasantly, opening the case and
bringing it forth. "You have love for
such things?''
"A deep interest at least" 1 admit
ted taking the article from his hand,
is the workmanship-sur not jap
aneSe?
No." smilingly. Although posi-
lively l cannot answer as to its Or
igin. The inscription, which can only
be read with a microScOpe"-he traced
with his finger-'is ancient Arabic,
but no wild Arab ever did the lacquer"
Yet so strange a curiO must have
history, an imaginary one, at least.
What is the StOry?"
''Positively none," he admitted re-
gretfully. 1.-The fact is, this article was
found by a chambermaid in one Of the
hotel rooms, and turned in to the man
agtr. He made every effort to trace
the guests, only to learn that they, two
Een, by the way, had registered false
49, He even advertised, but with no
response, and finally, after thirty days,
was persuaded to accept my offer for
III article"
You have put price on this?'
Yes. ridiculouSly low, no doubt, yet
bringing me a good profit"
H. named a price, and, still with the
box in my hands, yielded to the temp
tation, and bought it. The article was
sufficiently small to find lOdgment in
an overcoat pocket, and, as Cummings
appeared q little later, was soon for
gotten in the earnestneSS of our con-
vprSation. We later had dinner to-
grtEer. and attended the theater IN
company, my mind so occupied with
other matters that l 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 SIecplesSneSs induced me to draw
the article forth, and remove its wrap
piHgS, but the sight served 1mme0l-
arpiy to increase my interest. 1t was
certainly a wonderful find, artist1cally
beautiful, and most unusual in design.
There was a mystery that must nave
exercised strange spell over my
Imagination for I dreamed of the long
dead workman who fashioned 1t, for
getful Of the passing night hours.
clock somewhere in the nefghbOrhood
struck, and l counted twelve, arousing
''''T'iA. cIH \l)S wa GAAOAOJ $1,000
Sleeping, for as / turned to rise my
Sleeve struck the box at the edge OF
the table, and before I could prevent
the fall, it lay upon the floor at my
feet.
AS 1 stopped hastily to recover the
overturned box, was astounded to
discover the bottom slipped partially
aside, as though some secret spring had
been touched, revealing so narrow
receptacle that the ordinary eye would
never suspect the possibility Of its ex-
lstence. Not only was there false
bottom, but the opening revealed
closely folded paper 1 grasped this
quickly, thrill running through me.
What ancient and Iong-buried message
was about TO be unfolded?