The Nervous Trunk: How an Inspector's Hunch Caught a Seattle Opium Smuggler

A smuggler named J. B. Bembois was arrested by Chinese Inspector Coblentz last evening, and $500 worth of prepared opium, which was found in his possession, was seized. Bembois was immediately taken before United States Commissioner Emery, where he admitted his guilt. In default of $1,000 bonds he was committed to jail for trial in the United States district court.

Last Sunday Bembois arrived in the city from Fairhaven. He had a small trunk, which he ordered placed in the same carriage with him, and displayed so much anxiety about it that he aroused the suspicion of Inspector Coblentz, who was at the depot. After the carriage left the depot the officer followed it to the Russ house. Then he went into the hotel and ascertained that the stranger had been assigned to room 86, and paid for one night's lodging in advance. The trunk, which was a good load for two men, was dragged up stairs to his room by its owner.

The officer watched the movements of the stranger closely, and dogged his footsteps whenever he left the hotel. Monday he communicated his suspicions to Deputy Collector of Customs McKenzie, and last evening both officers went to the Russ house and waited until Bembois went up to his room, intending to follow him, place him under arrest and search the trunk. While they were waiting two Chinamen came to the hotel, and Bembois immediately went to room 86, the Chinamen following him. The officers waited about five minutes and then went to Bembois' room. The door was unlocked and they entered without giving warning. Bembois was greatly alarmed and, when informed that he was under arrest for smuggling, became greatly excited and protested his innocence.

The trunk was opened and in it were found eighty five-tael cans of prepared opium. The man and his trunk were taken to the customs office. The two Chinamen, having satisfied the officers that they were laundrymen who had come to the room for some clothes, were not arrested. Bembois was immediately taken before Commissioner Emery. He took the commissioner outside, said it was his first offense and asked to be let down easy. He said he brought the opium down from Fairhaven for a friend, but would not 'blow on him.' He was then committed to jail. He gave his name as John Docey, but he registered at the hotel as J. B. Bembois, and a gentleman who knows him slightly said his name was not Docey. He is of medium size, is about 40 years of age, and assumes an air of respectability.