"They are as you say, Monsieur," he said, returning the permits.

Then he added timidly, "And the gun cases ?" "The gun cases!" The pipe spilled its coal to the floor.

"The gun cases!" "Yes, Monsieur." "And why do you wish to look into them ?" with agitation.
"Smugglers sometimes fill them with cigars." "Ah!" The Englishman selected two loaded shells, drew a gun from the case, threw up the breech and rammed in the shells.

Then he extended the weapon to within an inch of the terrified inspector's nose.

"Now, Monsieur the Spectacles, look in there and tell me what you see." The fellow sank half-fainting into a chair.