Democratic messenger., 1910-03-05

looked at Mrs. Jeffreys declaration.
and as his eyesight was none OF the
best he found only what she had list
ed Then he called an appraiser to
pass upon the value OF the goods de-
clared.
The latter gave n sharp look at Mrs.
Jeffreys. who was talking very volubly
to her husband and telling him In
tone that was audible some distance
away how she had taken his advice
and declared everything The official
peered into the trunk that was nearest
him and then wrote something In red
ink on the bottom OF the declaration.
Then the inspector carefully placed n
label on each OF the packages show
ing that they had been passed. and
Mrs. Jeffreys In her relief. forgetting
her own precious cargo. pumped her.
self down upon trunk.
Crash. The bottom Of n vase drop.
ped upon the pier and rolled some dis
tance away. Mr.. Jeffreys had gone to
look for porter. His wife started to
make n rush for the broken piece. but
as she did so keen eyed man who
was standing near anticipated her.
rs that yours. madam he de-
mandcd.
Mrs. Jefrreys hesitated. "yes." she
said. with gasp.
"wlll you kindly show me the other
part OF it:"
The woman almost tainted. "why.
II isn't possible-it-er-it's In my
trunk she finally managed TO get ont.
II am sorry. madam. but must see
the other part Of this vase. VIII you
open your trunk"
Mrs Jeffreys handed him the keys.
(which one:"
"Thls-no. that-no. the other one.
Merciful heavens. what shall dof"
And Mrs. Jeffreys sank weeping on
one of her trunks just as her husband
came back with porter.
what is this? Who are your" he
demanded OF the other man. The lat
ter showed him the shield of a special
officer OF the treasury. 81 must see
the other part OF this vase" he re-
peated 10 the husband. Mr. Jeffreys,
protest ing. gave him his card.
Il would advise you to make no
scene." the special" told him. There
are lots Of reporters about here. and
they would be only too glad OF a
chance for sensational story"
lie went away and returned with
uniformed inspector. not the old man
who had made the previous inspection.
but n younger. Here" he told him.
"get this woman's declaration and re-
inspect those trunks" The special
stood by while each article was being
turned out In a heap on the pier lie
fingered the dresses and looked at the
declaration. Then he took up several
pieces Of lingerie and examined them
closely.
'fia. not worn! Apparently rubbed
on the door to give them that appear
ance. See anything OF that broken
vasei"
NO." the inspector replied, but
here Is lot of lace" II was that be-
longing to Helolse.
Tell the appraiser In charge to
come here
The latter was soon bending over
the pile of iinery. lie looked al each
garment separately and then put down
lot of figures.
THE total Is $780," the special"
informed Mrs. Jefireys. Under the
law we have perfect right TO seize
the contents of the trunk. but to avoid
unnecessary notoriety we will permit
you to pay the duty and take the
trunks away with you. Wait mo-
ment: | forgot. We have not found
that broken vase" He turned to Mrs
Jeffreys.
Let me go aboard the steamship"
she begged. 'and will find II for
you."
FL have no objection. madam" he
replied. but an inspector must ac-
company you"
Mrs. Jeffreys started back. "Oh. hor-
rors! Never" she protested.
"A woman inspector. madam" the
special explained. But Mrs. JEFF
freys still protested vigorously. MIR.
bShhNsSs NNihtS thaA thc oNtht hhA
gone far enough. demanded to see the
official In charge of the pier.
Il regret II. SIR" he said. but your
wife will have to accompany the wo-
man inspector on board the ship and
be searched"
II is best not to follow the two wo-
men into that stateroom. The In
gpectress came out with broken
Sevres vase and whole one and sew
crai pairs OF stockings.
Now. madam" said the special"
I'VE shall not take into account the
now dress and hat you are wearing.
Under the circumstances | think you
would prefer TO have US seize what is
left OF the pair of vases. Now. IL
your husband will step to the cash.
ier's office and pay the duty on $I00
worth Of goods. less 500 worth al
lowed for Yourself and maid | think