Misplaced Ingenuity.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume I, Issue 27, 27 November 1879, Page 4

Misplaced Ingenuity.

A very ingenious method has been adopted in France for smuggling- spirits into Paris. For some time past .the guardians of the. Boia do Boulogne had remarked a lady who, entering the paths reserved for riders, traversed them at. full gallop and disappeared,as if by enchantment before the employees of the Octroi could subject her to the usual formalities. It was chiefly through the Boulbgue Gate that the fair unknown passed, so one day, after putting their heads together, these worthy people determined to bo even with her. They waited a day or two in vain, but at last their patience was rewarded. On came the horse at . full speed, clearing the barrier, but alas, it took the bit in its teeth, and its rider screamed for help. The crisis was of short Juration. Down went the steed with its too bold rider, and two gentlemen' who were passing by rushed up to render assistance. Great was their surprise to find that the lady was a man after, all, - whose corsage of- indiarubber was: filled "with brandy, while the saddle was with the same liquor, which .was being smuggled almost every day into the ' capital. The. rider, thus detected,, slipped otf lus habit, and disappeared into an alley with the rapidity of a hare, leaving his horse behind him. The man has not yet since been seen, and .the animal remains unclaimed. ’