A BAFFLED SMUGGLER

New Zealand Mail, 24 September 1902, Page 42

A BAFFLED SMUGGLER

In "Cassell’s Magazine,” Mr T. D. Tim ins writes on “The Orient Express,” and recounts an amazing experience with a smuggler. “I remember once, whilst on hoard a cross-Channel steamer, noticing a particularly fat pug dog. As pug dogs are wont to exhibit a plethora of ‘too, too solid flesh,’ I did not think there was anything specially abnormal in the animal’s appearance. But the Customs officer at Dover appeared to take <■, particular interest in that dog. The while lie examined its mistress’s innocent-looking trunk lie seemed to be more intent on watching the movements of the animal in question than on the actual business which ho had in hand. Finally, lie said to the lady, ‘What a splendid dog that is! I take a great interest! in pugs. Will you put him on the counter so that I may see him closer?’ The other passengers, who were waiting to have their luggage cleared, naturally waxed wrathful at this apparent waste of time, but their anger quickly gave place to astonishment when the lady, instead of doing as she was requested, hurriedly snatched up the dog in her arms and endeavoured to holt through the crowd, leaving her trunk behind her. But a policeman, who had observed the manoeuvre, was too quick for her, and the dog and mistress were forthwith captured and taken into an inner room of the Customs-house. When they emerged, oh! what a change was there! The pug had shrunk to half his former size, whilst tho official was triumphantly waving a false skin, under cover of which several thousands francs’ worth of valuable lace had _ been skilfully wound round the animal’s real body.”