"THE OLD GENTLEMAN."

Northern Advocate, 17 February 1911, Page 6

"THE OLD GENTLEMAN."

in the J

company of her mother, when she felt someone bump against her, and then discovered that the accused had his arm round her neck, and was endeavoring to kiss her. She resented the attention and said: "You blackguard." Cook shook his fist in her face, and was given into custody by the young lady's mother. Miss Levien added that she had never seen the man before.

Sergeant Mankey, to Mrs Levien: Is this the man you gave into custody?

Witness: Yes; that's the old gentleman.

"The old gentleman," entered the witness box, said he was a Quaker, declined to be sworn, and made a declaration. "I'm a journalist," he said. "I write for some of the local papers. I had been attending a. meeting and was on my way to the newspaper office with the report when I had an inspiration, and took out my note-book to add something to my report. Then somebody bumped against me. I never kissed her. I wouldn't kiss her if I was paid for it."

Sergeant Mankey: That's the unkind est cut of all. That's adding insult to injury. By the way, what paper do you work for?— The London "Field," and I write for local newspapers.

The London "Field." Is that a bigger paper than the London "Times?" —Oh, yes; his worship will tell you that.

Constable O'Brien: Sign your depositions.

Accused fiddled with the pen for a few minutes.

Constable O'Brien: "Can't you write? Well make your mark.

The Magistrate: You said you were a journalist, and yet you can't write.

Accused: I* can write, your worship but I want very powerful glasses. 1

want glasses like telescopes.

The "old gentleman" was fined £3, with the option of one month's imprisonment.