BOOTLEGGER’S RUSE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21774, 13 October 1932, Page 14

BOOTLEGGER’S RUSE

"APE MYSTERY” SOLVED. Residents in the northern section of Richmond County, Ohio, United States, may roam the woods at night undisturbed, for the mystery of the “ ape ” has been exploded.' The sheriff’s office was notified last September that a huge ape was roaming at large Over the northern section of the county. An investigation followed. Several persons, who apparently had a keen sense of imagination, stated that they had the creature. The former county sheriff, Mr Aaron Davis, said that he had never been really satisfied with the case. With the hope that something more might be learned about the “ monster ” he continued investigating. The former sheriff learned the “ inside ” story a few days ago. He related it as follows: —“The huge ape was a man engaged in ’bootlegging/ He was a short, heavy-set individual, who was in the habit of hiding his wares in the woods. One afternoon about dusk he wanted to get some liquor, and, borrowing his wife’s fur coat, he started out. He became fearful lest he should attract attention from people near by, and he aped from tree to tree ns he dodged into the woods. Then he secured his package and escaped.” Mr Davis said that he had been advised that the “apeman” had left the county.