The Pioche record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1908-1925, 1921-06-17
cHAPTE I.
The Message In the Box.

Anticipating the possibility OF my
train arriving late, | 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 loiter idly |
about the hotel for an hour. However,
in passing through the corridor my
attention was attracted by an unique
curiosity shop occupying small side
room, and, merely to pass the time
pleasantly, l entered and began EXAM
lining the strange collection of wares
on display.
There were several articles l lin
gered over, tempted to purchase, but
drifted on, rather undecided, until my
eyes perceived very quaint lacquered
jewel box, of class of workmanship
quite unusual. The proprietor, per-
ceiving my interest. joined me.
1.-THE jewel box attracts you," he
said pleasantly, opening the case and
bringing 1t forth. "You have love for
such things?" ours
"A deep interest at least,"I admit
ted, taking the article from his hand,
"a collector in an amateur way. What
is the orkmanship-surely not jap
anese?"
NO" smilingly. Although posi-
lively l cannot answer as to its or
igin. The inscription, which can only
be read with microscope"-he traced
with his finger-"is ancient Arabic,
but no wild Arab ever did the lacquer"
"Yet so strange curio must have a
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
ager. He made every effort to trace
the guests, only to learn that they, two
men, by the way, had registered false
ly. He even advertised, but with M
response, and finally, after thirty days
was persuaded to accept my offer fol
the article"
you have put price on this?"
"Yes, ridiculously low no doubt, We
bringing me gOOu prO1t.
He named price, and, still with thu
box in my hands, yielded to the temp
tation, and bought 1t. The article wa
sufficiently small to find Judgment ii
an overcoat pocket, and, as Cumming
! appeared little later, was soon for
gotten in the earnestness Of our con
versation. We later had dinner to
gether, and attended the theater 4
company, my mind so occupied wit
other matters that l scarcely one
thought of the strange purchase ha
made, which remained securely hiC
den. 1t was only after returning t
! my own room, then nearing midnigh
that it was again recalled to memoir.
4 Only an idle curiosity and feelin
: Of sleeplessness induced me to dra'
the article forth, and remove it's wral
. pings, but the sight served imrned
! ately to increase my interest. 1t wa
u certainly wonderful find, artisticall
/ beautiful, and most unusual in desig
e There was mystery that must ha,
u exercised strange spell over II
Imagination, for dreamed of the lon
. dead workman who fashioned it. 70
y getful of the passing night hours.
% clock somewhere in the neighborho6
y struck, and l counted twelve, arousir
:, myself. Perhaps | was already ha
= sleeping, for as l turned to rise n
sleeve struck the box at the edge
: the table, and before l could prove
= the fall. it lay upon the floor at n
"a feet.
As I stopped hastily to recover u
!. overturned box, was astounded
9. discover the bottom slipped partial
q aside, as though some secret spring. h,
N been touched. revealing SO narrow
N receptacle that the ordinary eye won
never suspect the possibility of its Z
II istence. Not only was there a fal
G bottom, but the opening revealed
:. closely folded paper. l grasped Il
Il quickly. thrill running through n
What ancient and long-buried MESA
was about to be unfOlded!