A Smuggler.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8051, 15 February 1906, Page 4

A Smuggler.

The chief of the New York customs—Caf ■ tain Byrne—pressed the button of an electric bell and then began to pace majestically up and down his office. A messenger appeared at the door. " Send Curtis at once," he said curtly. The chief resumed his walk, whioh was soon interrupted bv the arrival of Curtis, & keen-eyed, cleen-shaven man of about thirty, who respectfully saluted his superior officer. " Inspector, X have just received this cable from Paris." Curtis took the form in his hand and rapidly read the contents. " Purvis hRs sailed by Lucania with hundred thousand dollars' worth of diamonds* Look out for champagne." The inspector handed back the cable and looked enquiringly at the captain. simply scandalous the way that Purvis has been escaping you. To my knowledge, he has got through with his load at least six times." " I will do my best, sir." " Your reputation is at stake, inspector." "1 will have him this time. The champagne is a hint. I will keep my eye on that." The Lncania was making a very rapid trip. There were not many saloon passengers, and they were all inclined to be sociable. Perhaps the most popular man was the Honorable Cyril Pelham, who went out of his way to make himself pleasant with every one. Even the Chicago horse dealer did not get angry with, him when Pelham won 500 dollars from him at draw poker. " I gueßS it is a pleasure to lose to that teller. He is a gentleman I What?" Ala addition, Pelham earned his own "wine cellar" with him. "The ship's wine is not always of the best, don't you know," he remarked one day with a drawl. The Honorable Cyril had a large stateroom to himself, and it was customary for two or three men to go there about 11 o'clock at night to sample his wine—and to play poker. Invariably the host gathered a few hundred dollars from bis guests. Sandy Hook lightship appeared but too soon—from Pelbam's point of view. They were just in time to be boarded that evening, and at 7 o'clock the Hon Cyril Pelham was seated in a four-wheeler. His dressing case was beside him, on the roof of his cab there relted a large portmanteau and a deal case. Upon the latter was stenciled " Heidsick Dry Monopole, 1893." He gave the cabman directions to drive to the Hoffman House. He looked sharply around, but failed to see the keen-eyed young man who called a hansom and gave the same directions to the driver. Upon arriving at the hotel he engaged a sitting room and bedroom en suite. "Send my baggage up," he said to the porter, "at once, please. I want to dress," he added. "What about the case, sir?" the porter asked. " That can come up too," Pelham replied, carelessly. He leisurely began to dress. The first white tie did not please him. The bow was not good. .. "Hang the thing!" he exclaimed, irritably. Another one was taken, when suddenly ft knock w»s heard at the door, "Come in," he called. A young man, neatly dressed, with the all of a commercial traveller, entered hastily, " How do'? Glad to see you." " You have the advantage." Pelham laid coldly. "To what " "Just come to have a glass of wine Wi[b you." "Eh ?" "1* "Yes. I pitfer champagne and ——flß "Any particular brand may I ask 1", ™ "Heidsick, preferably." "Indeed. Any particular year?" Cyril drawled languidly. "Well, I think 1893 will do. It is handy,", he rejoined, pointing at the case. The two men faced one another. The visitor's expression did not change, and at last Pelham turned away with a laugh. He rang the bell, and when the waiter came he ordered him to open the case of wine. "I've got you this time, Purvis," the inspector said with a chuckle. " I fail to understand you. My name ii Pelham," the other rejoiued quietly. "Who may you be?" "Inspector Curtis—very much at your service, and so anxious to drink your health." " Very nice of you, I'm sure. lam never loath to stand a policeman a drink." With dexterous hand, Pelham removed tha wire. He then drew the cork, but there was no resounding " pop." "Flat. That's strange," he murmured. " I'll try another bottle." ,j "Never mind. I'll drink that. Let me pour it out." The inspector took the bottle and quietly emptied its contents into the glasses. He peered eagerly; and swore under his breath. "I think we will try another bottle," hfl said at last. Pelham took up another quart. " Curious, isn't it?" he remarked whed there was no "pop" to the second bottle. Heidsick ought to be good." f " Pour it out," the inspector ordered. The champagne was poured out. Again the inspector was disappointed. He emptied a third bottle himsslf, but with a like result. No "pop," no "fizz," no sparkle—not even of diamond#. Bottle after botile he opened, and he became angry as be held the twelfth and last. Pelham still smiled sweetly. " Now you're finished, perhaps you would like to take the bottles with you ?" " Yes, I will," he rejoined shortly. Pelham again rang the bell. ",A quarter of Heidsick, '93, quickly," hi ordered of the waiter. This time there was a resounding "pop." He quickly filled the tumblers. "Better luck next time, inspector," he said, genially, as he raised his glass to his UpS " •. Muffled in a fur coat, the Hon. Cyril Pelham might have been seen some few days later driving to a small house off Twentythird stieet. He was quicklyjjshered into an office and an elderly man eagerly rushed in. " Have you got 'cm ?" he cried eagerly. " You bet," was the laconic reply. Pelham leisurely took off his coat, from the pockets of which he drew, one by, one, twelve champagne corks. With deft fingers he took his knife and sliced oft the end of one, disclosing a small steel cylinder. A shake, and two or three lustrous diamonds fell to the table. One after another the corks were treated in a similar manner until the table glistened with a wonderful display of gems. " Well,l'm blessed!" the other ejaculated. "You're a wonder, Purvis!" " The Honorable Cyril Pelham " smiled a calm but modeet smile.