Mysterious Scrawls Scar Steelhead

By Xephronia Warbaum

Thursday, August 19, 1890, Steelhead City, Washington Territories

As the sun rose this morning over the municipality of Steelhead, denizens of the coastal districts awoke to discover that some person or persons unknown had been creeping through the night, defacing walls, fences, and pavements with abandon. Locations defaced include an alleyway south of the train depot, the east wall of the depot itself, the north wall of the Library, and even the Town Hall!

Those quick to blame the residents of Shanghai should note that this colorful area was not exempt from the black brush, nor, I think, can fingers be pointed at the Scamps, who’s shenanigans are generally of a less destructive nature. The letters appear to have been crudely applied with some kind of brush dipped in a black, tarry substance, and repeat two distinct phrases: “on nadchodzi“ and “oferta swoj glowice“.

Persons on the scene this morning included Dr. Ryne Beck, and Miss. Jenilicious DeCuir, an amateur linguist. Miss Decuir, upon close examination of the writing, declared the words to be Polish, and offered a literal translation of (on nadchodzi) “is coming” and (oferta swoj glowice) “offer your heads”.  Dr. Beck, who is currently investigating an outbreak of psychological distress in the local populace involving disturbing dreams, intimated a possible link between his researches and the message of the graffiti. He appeared quite distressed, and feels that, given the nature of the dreams of his patients, that these messages are of a threatening nature.

“There’s really no way to put this delicately,” he said. “Reputable citizens are having reoccurring nightmares about losing their heads. Up until now, I had thought this to be a purely psychical phenomenon…some kind of mass hysteria or hallucination, but now I’m not so sure. At this time I’m willing to hypothesize that some kind of toxic substance may have entered the water or air and is affecting us, but this will bear intensive study.” Dr. Beck is working closely with the Town Council on this matter, and gives his assurance that they will make sure that safe, clean water is available for Steelhead citizenry. The slums of Shanghai, unfortunately, may not be covered, due to a lack of modern plumbing.

As to who might have left these cryptic defacements, Dr. Beck suggested the possibility of a fisherman or merchant sailor. His close examination of the black substance revealed it in fact to be Stockholm tar, a material easily available to seagoing persons. An investigation of all ships currently in port has been suggested, and a message has been sent to the Harbormaster to inquire of any ships carrying Polish crew.  When asked his opinion on whether the “artist” might be attempting to warn or threaten, he felt it was too early to speculate. He did say that, given the recent “Creaky Gloom” incident, the people of Steelhead should be on the alert and take care when going abroad. If the “writing on the wall” is to be taken seriously, then something is most certainly afoot.

Further updates on this situation will be made available in special editions if necessary.