The Mystery of the Missing Prospector
A man headed to the World's Fair in Chicago disappears while walking from Skykomish to Snohomish, leaving behind uncollected funds and a trail of questions.
H.P. Rasmussen left his claim near Skykomish in July for the purpose of going to the World's Fair. Having heard nothing from him since, his brother came down to see if he could get any trace of him, but was unable to do so. It is evident that he did not reach here, as the money on which he was to travel is deposited in a bank at this place, and he has not been there. As he started to walk to Snohomish, it is supposed that he either attempted to take what is known as the cut-off at Index, where he would have to wade the river, and perhaps got carried down with the strong current, or that some person, knowing that he was going to the fair and supposing that he was carrying money, waylaid him.
“It is supposed that he either attempted to take the cut-off at Index... or that some person... waylaid him.”
Travel between remote Washington outposts and urban centers was once a life-threatening endeavor; today, this missing persons case echoes the dangers of the rugged terrain that still challenges travelers in the Cascades.
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