A DISTINGUISHED BACTERIOLOGIST.
Although nominally a labourer, "William King is, in reality, a bacteriologist of a very virulent character. Dressed in tatters, he was perambulating the suburbs of Finchley carrying a large bag, in which be from time to time threw bits of rags and bones which he picked up in the streets, wailing at the same time, "It's a werry, werry 'ard world for a poor man to get a livin' in now." "What's tbe matter with you?'' remarked a vigilant officer whom be met "It's owin' to them mickelrobes } they're powerful strong round 'ere abouts in tbe rags and bones.*' "Owing to the what?" a*ked the constable. "The mickelrobes/' answered the learned rag gather ; "them thing!) as the doctor speaks of, werry small to begin with, but gettin' powerful large as they grow up." "Ah, you mean microbes," explained the constable. "Werly likely, con* tinued tbe semi»menclicant ; "l*ve been a study iV 'em lately, Curious things they are, aren't they P" The officer said they were, and then asked what be had in his bag. King asserted that Jie bad nothing— only a few rags and bones. . "Have you got any microbes ?" queried the constable ' * No," answered King ; "I ain't got none as I knows of." The officer opeted tbe sack and pulled, ont a large turkey. EjDg. pretended to be ancazed at the spectacle. "I told you," be cried, "that mickelrobes growed powerful strong in this neighbourhood, but I never saw one as 'gro wed as big as that. It will bite you." Art be said so he ran awa), leavi*pg ip ;" mickelrobe M in fche hands bt 'tHe^conatable, wlio at once gave chase and captured the amazed bacteriologist? -Kings from being a feeble old became a powerfnl fighter but the constable' stuck to him like a man, and held him till assistande' came. The turkey stealor liad been several times con victed, and is a well-known depredator of barn yards, while the plump bird, off which he, no doubt, expected to make an excellent meal, has been identified by its legitimate owner. At Higbgate he was committed to tbe sessions, : : \ where he Will have an opportunity of explaining further to a jnry his idea of microbes. Tbe Magistrate commended the officer for hisvigilance and pluck.
A DISTINGUISHED BACTERIOLOGIST.
Bay of Plenty Times, 18 November 1895, Page 6
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