Merry Hog Plot

Christmas Shipment for Mister Hog

The goody two shoes banker named Hog follows the law only for appearances. It’s time to crack down on that vile pig!

There Is No Smoke Without a Fire

There aren’t many rich folk in town, so everyone knows Mr. Hog. In most people’s eyes, he is a respectable banker who keeps to the letter of the law. But there are rumours…

The police were only too eager to believe them – Inspector Barks, for one, certainly was! The rumour was that Mr. Hog was peddling acorns. That in itself wouldn’t be a crime, if only his operation was licensed. But the crafty boar didn’t have one. Of course he didn’t – licenses cost money, plus taxes, and that makes selling acorns far less profitable than it looks. Do it illegally, though, and that’s where commerce ends and crime begins.

A Criminal Known by Everyone

Moreover, Mr. Hog was selling animal feed by weight through his own people. It’s not hard to guess that they didn’t pay a single cent in taxes either. They say that this crafty boar, who had been confidently treading on the criminal path for many years, had an entire network of agents.

Every pig in town knew where to buy cheaper food, but the police had no evidence to open a case against Mr. Hog. People can say whatever they like, but words alone are not enough to press charges.

Christmas Gift for the Cops

Meanwhile, Christmas was approaching. Inspector Barks had been asking Santa Claus for a good present, and it seemed his wish was heard: a week before the holiday, a cat named Meows, who cooperated with the law, dropped by the police station. The informant told Inspector Barks about a truckload of acorns that had arrived in town the day before. He looked the vehicle up in the database and discovered that the valuable cargo wasn’t registered anywhere. Moreover, the acorns were generously sprinkled with sand that was supposedly meant to be delivered to a local construction site.

Inspector Barks could have seized the truck in a matter of minutes, but he chose not to rush. Of course, confiscating a large batch of illegal acorns was great! Perhaps he could earn a reward or even a new rank. But how was he supposed to link this cargo to the damned banker?! Only one option remained: to catch the criminal red-handed.

The Hog Goes All In

The deal was set to be a big one. Surely Mr. Hog would pay the merchant himself. And even if the cargo had already been paid for, he would still show up to receive it. Most likely, the acorns would be sent to the banker’s country estate, and that would be the place to intercept them and then press charges. The buyer of this batch, who had spent his life pretending to be spotless before the law, would end up behind bars at least until the investigation concluded. And after the trial, nothing good awaited him – the hand of justice would almost certainly be severe!

Inspector Barks tried to dig up some dirt on the banker through the banker’s lover, Hogsy, but alas, it was no use. It seemed she knew nothing about her partner’s shady dealings. The only option left was to follow Mr. Hog and hope that he would finally get caught in the act.

A Good Service Will be Generously Compensated

Unfortunately, the police are short on hands. Inspector Barks needs a reliable person to keep an eye on that crook! Naturally, the volunteer will receive a substantial reward, announced by the head of the police station, for any evidence against the vile criminal. Keep track of Mr. Hog – earn a lot of money and do a good deed!