Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1910-03-02

looked at Mrs. Jeffreys' declaration.
and as his eyeslght was none Of the
pest ne found only what she had list.
ed- Then he called an appraiser to
clared.
Inc latter gave sharp look at Mrs,
9enreys. who was talking very volubly
70 her husband and telling him in a
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
MIN and then wrote something In red
INK on the bottom Of the declaration.
Then the inspector carefully placed a
label on each Of the packages show.
ing that they had been passed, and
Mrs. Jeffreys in her relief, forgetting
ner own precious cargo, pumped her
self down upon a trunk.
Crash! The bottom Of a vase drop-
ped upon the pier and rolled some dis
lance away. Mr.. Jeffreys had gone to
look for porter. His wife started to
make rush for the broken piece, but
~ she did 90 a keen eyed man who
was standing near anticipated her.
rs that yours, madam he de-
manded.
Mrs. Jeffreys hesitated. "Yes," she
said, with gasp.
will you kindly show me the other
part Of TT"
The woman almost tainted. why.
1t isn't possible-it-er-it's In nv
trunk" she finally managed to get out.
Il am sorry. madam, but l must see
the other part Of this vase. Will you
open your trunk"
Mrs. Jeffreys handed him the keys.
(which oneY
Ihis-no, that-no. the other one.
Merciful heavens. what shall dor"
And Mrs. Jeffreys sank weeping on
one OF her trunks just as her husband
came back with porter.
what is this? Who are you?" he
demanded Of the other man. The lat
ter showed him the shield Of a special
officer OF the treasury. II must see
the other part Of this vase" he re-
peated to the husband. Mr.. Jeffreys,
protesting. gave him his card.
II 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"
He went away and returned with a
uniformed inspector. not the old man
who had made the previous inspection
but a 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 heap on the pier. He
fingered the dresses and looked at the
declaration. Then he took up several
pieces Of lingerie and examined them
closely.
"Ha. not worn! Apparently rubbed
on the floor to give them that appear.
ance. See anything of that broken
vasew
NO." the inspector replied, but
here Is a lot of lace" 1t was that be.
longing to Heloise.
''Tell the appraiser in charge to
come here"
The latter was soon bending over
the pile of finery. He looked at each
garment separately and then put down
a lot Of figures.
1.-THE total is $780," the special
informed Mrs. Jeffreys. "Under the
law we have a 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 a mo-
ment; forgot. We have not found
that broken vase" He turned to Mrs,
Jeffreys.
"Let me 60 aboard the steamship
she begged, "and will End it fol-
you"
II have no objection. madam" he
replied. ''but an inspector must ac'
company you"
Mrs. Jeffreys started back. "Oh, hor.
rors! Neverw she protested.
"a woman inspector, madam" the
special explained. But Mrs. JET.
freys still protested vigorously. Mr..
JeureyS, IeellnS tHdt Tue scene uau
gone far enough. demanded to see the
official in charge Of the pier
II regret it. sir" he said. but your
wife will have to accompany the wo-
man inspector ON board the ship and
be searched"
1t is best not to follow the two wo-
men into that stateroom. The in
spectress came out with broken
Sevres vase and a whole one and sew
eral pairs of stockings.
''Now, madam" said the special .
1--WE shall not take into account the
new dress and hat you are wearing.
Under the circumstances l think you
would prefer to have us seize what is
left Of the pair Of vases. Now. If
your husband will step to the CASH
ier's office and pay the duty on $7OO
worth of goods, less $500 worth al
lowed for yourself and maid. think
the requirements of the law will be