The state herald., 1891-03-13
A FREE TRADER.
How . slick Female smuggisr VA
Thrown or Her Guard,

She made frequent trips across the
river from Detroit to Windsor and back
again. Her face got to DO very famil-
lar one on tho fcrry-boat, and tho
inspectors becam every suspicious other.
They felt morally certain that she WINS
smuggling goods, but closely MS they
watched hcr, nothing could be discov-
cred to warrant arresting and search
ing her. She appeared totally ignorant
Of tho interest she created among the
officials, but won't md came for weeks
with the same regularity. Spies were
put on her track, but never once did
they catch her hiding anything upon
her person. At last ono Of tho shrewd-
est OF tho female officials was sent TO
watch her, and one day, coming ucross
from Windsor, sho managed TO got into
conversation with the suspect. The
official determined on bold move; shc
had noticed nn uncomfortable manner
in the woman; also that she did not sit
down, but appeared i'll at ease while
standing. just us the boat was rounding
up to tho wharf Mt Detroit tho official
decided to boldly charge her compan-
Ion with having dutiable goods con-
cealcd upon her person. She did 80
and declared she must DO taken to a
room and searched Tho woman grew
very indignant and threatened all
kinds Of vengeance for the insult sho
was receiving. She did not fly into n
passion nor rave, but she just talked
plain English, and did 1t so deliberate
ly and appeared so earnest that tho In
spcctor began to fear she really had
made an error, and was figuring how
she could get out OF the scrlpc. The
woman had offered no objection to be-
Ing searched, ind II was her readiness
In this regard that unncrved the officer.
She was about ready TO back down,
and said:
well, OF course II Is possible have
made mistake, and II you declare
you have no goods concealed | will
take your word. / have no wish to
Inconvenience you, but you certainly
have acted suspiciously."
The woman declared she Ind been
deeply insulted and demanded an npol-
ogy or she would insist on being
searched. They were standing on the
dock by this time and crowd had con
grcgated. eager for sensation. They
had one. Tho woman seeing she had
blufrcd TIE officer, became holder, and
thus worked her own downfall. Had
she smilingly accepted the situation md
departed when sho had tho chance, all
would hive been well. She might
have tiorc this had the officer been n
man but being woman, she could not
refrain from venting her rago md i'll
humor. She insisted on an abject
apology, saying in naughty tone while
she looked sca,hingly at the officer: mo,
madam, have no goods concealed and
should make you suffer for putting
me In such an embarrassing position;
am respectable woman and no SNUG
glcr.n just IA she finished speaking.
she gave n frightened start. Her face
flushed and she started TO move
away. Plainly and distinctly tho
sound OF striking clock was heard
coming from beneath her clothes.
"Onc, two. three, four II struck up
TO the full twelve. At the first two or
three strikes the crowd wondered; ms
moro followed they begun IN laugh.
The officer "tumblcd' mt once, and taxi
ing the woman by the arm said: II
think. madam. you had better come
with mo; your clock is not just right,
but IL Is time you were arrested;
Gomez" and she led tho now discom-