Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1907-06-20
STORY OF THE
~&o8HRHY0GA TRUNKS. 80

Z 41lS1Y140I
! stupid" calculated the man, fuming at
the delay.
An opportunc skylisht over the passage
way just then threw "A food of recognition
on the two persons. travelling in opposite
directions.
The professor" she exclaimed. Tie
tone was far from cordial.
"The girl he remarked. and there was
a trace of irony In his polite voice.
He was the first to recover his compo-
sure. He turned to her. with a smile:
Come along with me; you are going the
wrong way"
Why" half resentfully. half inquir-
ingiy.
you want to see the chief inspectors"
he said. answering his own question.
II do this time with some dignity.
same here. he said. as Il man who has
thrown pride to his winds.
~ this time they had reached the little
dan occupied by the important Junction.
airy. Both g.arcd at him and he returned
the impertinence with the professional
s'n!r that had Gained the ire and awak-
e'ci TIE reasoning powers of thousands of
Incoming tourists. And indeed he exhaied
an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
IRON the top of his bald head. giistening
iikc polished ivory. along his well croonea
800 N' WI bt'y, pWl W IlS patent
leather shoes. every detail was eoothing
and 'inwrinkled. 1t is somewhat discon-
certing for an angry manor an angry
communicating for brass buttoned inso-
fence. to be confronted with such an ami
able personality. He rose as they entered.
and adjusting the carnation on the lapel
OF his cutaway coat. gave them a polite
look of inquiry. Both spoke at once. hot
ly and to the point:
81 came about my trupl,
The impromptu duet did not disturb the
imperturbable one. He waved them to
seats and pressed an electric button. A
subordinate with a blue uniform and a
scowl appeared with the su~ddenness of a
character in a Christmas pantomime.
My mainland the words came like
velvet-'you know Of the complaints we
have received from this lady and gentle
man. 1t seems there has been some dis
cord in our usually perfect system"
The blue suited one looked sullenly ut
tac two visitors. His glance returned to
and dion impulsiyely he inter-
ruptcd:
IF outsiders would keep from buttin' in
we'd have less trouble on the wharf. This
gentleman ans up with two keys-'
Bat the superior. rislTs above the in
%fciicr. checked the complaint before it
fairly started.
II believe there are We trunks in the
warehouse. Bring one of them INTO my
Office"
The stiil rufflel faces of the man and
woman Indicated a storm. The unruffled
coentepancc OF the chief insisted that tho
threatening clouds would be followed by
clear and calm weather.
Two portcrs came in with an enormous
trunk and deposited it on the floor with an
unnecessary bump.
Tho professor jumped up excitedly and
exclaimed ang-ily:
That's the trunk which was sent to my
house. That"
The girl also arose with a flush on her
face, She Interrupted the professor.
why that's"
The chief silenccd them both with one
majestic wave of the hand. They sat
down.
"ycu say he said. directing his jul
dicial gaze on the man, that this trunk
was delivered to your"
Yes. and"
"One moment" cautioned the systematic
official. w will begin at the beginning
and treat this piece of baggage as if it had
just arrived"
But the trunks have been examined
protested the professor. Its simply a
question of identiiicatio
Very good said the chief. with a be-
nevolent smile. You are here to get what
belongs to you. l am here to see that the
interests of TIE United States government
are protected"
The power and majesty of n great nation
were behind that solemn pronouncement.
The professor, properly crushed. kept
silent.
Now" resumed the chief. looking at
the man in his most official manner .'you
are entitled to bring in articles OF personal
apparel and OF the toilet suitable to YOU
station In life. If I mistake not. I have
quoted the exact words of the tariff act"
An officer with gold braid around his
cap entered and opened the trunk. He got
down on one knee. and fishing into the
Saratoga brought up a handsome tea
gown, brighter than the colors Of the rain
bow.
The woman arose with a gasp. The chief
waved her down with an overpowering
gesture.
Your turn will come presently: do not
disturb us at present.
She subsidized. her feet rervously tapping
the floor. her lovely cheeks growing pink
and white by turns.
The professor stammered: he was inco-
hercnt. The chief handled hin as a
schoolmastcr would a shy pupil.
"This-this article of wearing APPAREL
he said gently. was in the trunk deliv-
cred to YOU"
The professor was incapable of speech:
he nodded.
The Inspector. in the mechanical man.
ner acquired by years of service, was
holding UP the dazzling tea gown like an
auctioneer eager to obtain the best pos
sibie bid on his goods.
l.. The chief turned to the professor re-
proachfully but soothingly:
You don't mean to contend that this
this article is suited to your station in
lifo.'
Why. no: of course 1 DON'T" sputtered
the professor: l."
Or" continued the suave chief, quot
Ing the law. that it would be an appro-