HUSH MONEY.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 45, 4 February 1911, Page 2 (Supplement)

HUSH MONEY.

Not long since a large manufacturer telegraphed to a London safe-marker requesting that a man be sent at once to his place of business, a town about fifty miles from, the City. Upon reaching Ins destination the expert, with his kit of tools, repaired to the establishment, and was informed that the vault, an old-fashioned affair, which locked with a key, and which contained the safe and books of the concern, could not be opened. The man examined the lock and then the key, opened his kit, took out a bit ot ware, and began to dig a mass of crumbs, dust, and fluff out of the key. Then he inserted it in the lock, and when the proprietor, with a sickly smile, looked up, turned the implement and opened the door.

“What’s your charge?” asked the manufacturer

' guineas,” replied the expert, i know you are down here?” “No.”

“Well, then, here are six' guineas,” remarked the manufacturer. “I’ll <nve you a guinea extra if you’ll take first train back to London without telling anyone the price I’ve paid to nave a man dig dust out of a kev for me.