Page:Caine - The Author of Trixie (1924).djvu/160

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
156
THE AUTHOR OF "TRIXIE"

"Well," said Mr. Pankhurst, "suppose I just read on.

"Aged twenty-three, discovered attempting to smuggle six boxes of Dutch cigars into England at Harwich. Cigars confiscated and fine of two pounds ten shillings imposed.

"Aged twenty-seven, surprised with a penny on a wire, doing his best to empty of its chocolate an automatic machine on the deserted platform of Dentry Magna station. As his efforts had proved fruitless, was warned and let go; but it cost him a sovereign to the Stationmaster and ten shillings to the porter.

"Aged thirty-two, tried to bilk a hansom cabman at the St. James's restaurant. Cabman, having his suspicions, drove rapidly round Piccadilly through Air Street, and was just in time to be the witness of his fare's appearance on the pavement of Regent Street. Five pounds accepted in composition of this misdemeanour.

"Aged thirty-nine, while staying at the Hotel Beau Rivage et Belle Vue, Clarens, Switzerland, was required by the management to open his trunk, wherein 503 sheets and 479 envelopes of the hotel letter-paper were discovered. No action taken by the Management, but Mr. Roach required to shift his quarters without delay.

"Aged forty-one, found travelling first-class with a third-class ticket on the Great Western Railway