Omaha daily bee., 1907-01-06

That's the trunk which was sent to my
house That
The girl also arose with a hush on her
face. She interrupted the professor
"why. that's
The chief silcnced them both with one
majestic wave OF the hand. They sat down.
you say" he said, directing hts ju-
dicial gaze on the man, that this trunk
was delivered TO you?'
Eyes. and'-
zone moment" cautioned the systematic
ofhclai. 1--WE will begin at the beginning
and treat this piece of baggage as II It had
just arrived"
but the trunks have been examined"
protested the professor. ITS simply
question OF Identification"
VERY good" said the chief, with a be-
nevolent smile you are here to get what
belongs to YOU | am here to see that the
interests Of the United States government
are protected"
The power and majesty OF a great nation
were behind that solemn announcement.
The professor, properly crushed, kept ST.
lent
Now" resumed the chief, looking at
the man in his most official manner, ''yoI
are entitled to bring in articles of personal
apparel and of the toilet suitable to your
station in life. II I mistake not, l 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 Saratcga
brought up a handsome tea gown, brighter
than the colors of the rainbow.
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 nervously tapping
the floor her lovely cheeks growing pink
and white by turns.
The professor stammered; he was inco-
herent The chief handled him as a school,
master would a shy pupil.
"This-ths article OF wearing apparel"
ne said gently was in the trunk delivered
60 you"
The professor was incapable of speech;
he nodded
The inspector. in the mechanical manner
acquired by years of service, was holding
up the dazzling tea gown like an auctioneer
eager to obtain the best possible bid on his
goods ,
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
life"
why. no: of course don't" sputtered
the professor. y
"Or." continued the suave chief. quoting
the law, that II would be an appropriate
article of personal adornment for you"
why, damme, I never"
The chief raised the authoritative hand
in protest.
mo profanity in the presence OF ladies' 81
The professor sought refuge In sulkiness
Now" suggested the chief, with his un'
conquerable desire to pour oil on troubled
waters, IF you could frankly admit that
you were bringing the-the article in fol
your wife"
1T frankly admit that I have no wife,
cried the professor, holly.
"Ah!" said the imperturbable one, softly
''then this lady is not"
Certainly not!' with shout.
"Oh" cried the lady, burying her face ir
her hands and rocking to and fro this IL
terrible, terribler
The tranquil autocrat, accustomed e
witnessing the emotions of femininity
heard these protests unstirred. The in
spectator, continuing his awful work, dow,
down into the trunk repeatedly and wher
he had finished gazed proudly on a pile o.
wearing apparel which included six pair
of fine hose, box of kid gloves, a mum,
neck piece. a kimono. three nightgowns,
box of candy some stray bits of chewing