DAVID CHRISTIE MURRAY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 9050, 12 March 1890, Page 5

DAVID CHRISTIE MURRAY.

HIS FIEST MEETING WITH AECHIBALD FOEBES. The following story is worth repetition i —David Christie Murray, when an undistinguished member of the Birmingham News staff, visited the scene of the Peleall Hall Colliery disaster, and found but a single unoccupied room at the inn, which he bargained to have at 2a 6d a week. As there was nothing particular to do on his arrival, he turned in for the night. Early next morning, as Murray emerged from the house, au individual attired in a rough, flannel shirt, innocent of a collar, slouch hat and trousers, tucked up midway to his knees, accosted him. “ Young man, did you come out of that house ! ” said the unkempt one. “Young man, I did,” replied Murray, “Now, look here/’ said the stranger, “I know there is but one unoccupied room in that house | it belongs : to me, and if you enter it again I will pitch you out of the window! ” “ I have bargained for the room,” said Murray, ranging up alongside the would-be aggressor, “ and, by Jove, if you attempt such a proceeding, I will chuck you out of the window.” “Are you a journalist P” queried the man, " Yes.” “So am I,” handing him a card bearing the name “ Archibald Forbes.” “ Had you said so before, I would willingly have given up the room and all it contains,” said Murray, deferentially ; but, by the way, there is a sofa in the room, let’s toss up who occupies that!” This was the beginning oi a friendship which has already lasted twenty ~years.