In contrast I solicited sympathy, not interest.
A while back I went to Paris to collect a ww2 USAAF bomb trolley (think 3 wheel hydraulic pump-up platform) - anyway it was all totally rusty and had perished rubber tyres and filled the back of the Landcruiser with rear seats folded.
Coming back to the Eurotunnel terminal I got to Border Conrol and noticed a hatchback that had been pulled to one side with several gendarmes removing internal panelling from the back, the lone male driver standing to one side.
All of a sudden I was startled by a gendarme standing at my window, asking if I had come across from the UK that morning - "Yes" I replied.
Where had I been? - "To Paris".
Why? - "To collect that" I said, pointing behind me.
I noticed two colleagues were circling the vehicle peering into the windows, constantly exchanging glances with the one talking to me.
"And
what is
that?" (in a very derogatory tone).
"C'est le curiosity mechanique" said me, not really wanting to elaborate.
"
No - you must tell me more".
Oh gawd - this extracted an explanation of restoring an airfield bomb service truck on the back of which rode one of these little trolleys, and meeting someone who lived in Paris who would let me have a surplus unwanted one.
"And did you buy this?" "No it was a gift".
Then a long a period of silence with further furtive glances exchanged between the three - then the main man asks, in a very measured way:
"And
you - went
all the way to Paris - for
that?"
"Yep" said I looking somewhat sheepish.
Then a final exchange of glances, followed by:
"
I think you had better go".
Phew
As I moved off to join the loading line for the train I glanced at the hatchback, the internal components of which had all by now been methodically removed and un-methodically strewn all around, thinking he'd certainly miss the train and wondering who was going to put it all back.