THE MASK MARAUDER

It has been fascinating researching the history behind Mrs. Trowbridge's Shrew Kahn stories. I recently had an amazing email exchange with Professor Wing Wang at Inner Mongolia University in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. An expert in the archeology of Mongolia and China, Professor Wang told me about his most recent expedition to the Eastern Mongolian Steppes.

Just as I have found evidence of past small creature colonies in the Olympic Rain Forest, Professor Wang stated that he and his team have uncovered extensive archeological evidence of small animal colonization in the Mongolian Steppes. They have found actual artifacts, including: a tiny 1/2 inch axe and other tools, numerous pea-sized pot shards, even pebble mounds, presumably the remains of small creature dwellings. After having conversed with Professor Wang, I am all the more amazed as I study Mrs. T's intricate paintings and descriptions of past small animal civilizations in Asia.

When she refers to the Great Northern Steppes, she is undoubtedly referring to the Mongolian Steppes, so the Phantom Mongol would presumably be of Mongolian descent.

And now, Mrs. Trowbridge's story continues...