CLERK’S ADVENTURE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 228, 25 August 1938, Page 9

CLERK’S ADVENTURE

HOLD-UP IN LONDON STREET. TERRIFYING HALF-HOUR. LONDON, Aug. 4. His pocket bulging bis employer’s money, a young clerk went through a terrifying half hour in the midst of London crowds. John Asbury and Frank Compton, both 19, left the railway booking agency in Pentonville Road for the Westminster Bank’s night safe, 75 yards away. Asbury had £l2O, half a day’s takings, in his pocket. As they walked along the crowded pavement a man thrust what seemed to be a revolver in Asbury’s back and said: “Cross the road to the taxicab.” • Asbury thought that when he reached the rank the driver of the first cab would see that something was wrong, but lie did not. All three sat in the hack seat. The man stopped the cab and told Compton to. get out. At Highgate tube station the man said- to Asbury: “When you get out look away from the driver and say nothing.” ■ He felt a revolver pressed into his 'side. They entered a booking hall where there were dozens of people. The stranger asked Asbury if his name was Richards. When that was denied lie. said: “Are you sure you have not been out with my wife?” After the trembling clerk had said he didn’t know the lady, the husband said “0.K.” and caught the train. Asbury then deposited the- £l2O in the bank safe. '