BRAVE WOMAN'S ORDEAL

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVI, Issue 3442, 12 March 1932, Page 3

BRAVE WOMAN'S ORDEAL

AFRAID FOR FIRST TIME. ENCOUNTER WITH THIEF. “London lions” are far , more dangerous and far more terrifying thrfn any African lion.” In these words Mrs. Hilda May Gordon, a worldtravelled water-colour artist, described her ordeal when an attempt was made lately to snatch her handbag at Kensington, London. She managed to foil the snatcher’s move, however.

Miss Gordon has recently returned from a tour from Africa with her brush and easel.

“Fifty miles up the River Limpopo I have slept while round about were all kinds of wild animals growling constantly, but they were afraid to come to near,” she said. “Luckily, I have no sense of fear, and it is possible to work anywhere, for unless the animals are hungry they will never attack a human.

“In all my wanderings around the world, during which I spent many years among the savages, I have never had to fighi; a man —until the other evening. It was awful, and for the first time I felt afraid. “A feeling of loneliness came down upon me, and my legs quaked and knees knocked together. “The bag I was carrying was one I had brought back from Africa with me, and has a pair of owls on the flap. I swear that I will never lose it.” ,

Miss Gordon was suffering for several days from strained muscles in the arms and back as a result of her encounter, and was able to walk only with difficulty.