SURPRISE FOR BANDIT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21326, 29 October 1932, Page 12 (Supplement)

SURPRISE FOR BANDIT

MEETING AN EX-BOXER " THE BEST MAN WINS " A motor-cycle bandit got more than he bargained for when he tried recently to rob the owner of a lonely garage between Calne and Melksham, Wiltshire. Learning that tho proprietor, Mr. Charles Montagu, was alone, the bandit exclaimed, "In that case, the best man wins the money." The robber did not know that Mr. Montagu was an ex-boxer, who fought in the battle of Jutland while serving in the Navy. The fight that followed was described by Mr. Montagu a-s follows: " I was cashing up tho day's takings, just as it was getting dark, when I heard a motor-cycle stop. A man came in and asked for petrol. I concluded he had heard the rattle of the money. He asked me if I was alone, adding, ' Cashing up, I suppose.' I replied, 'That's it,' but I kept my eye on him as I followed him out to the petrol pump. " Suddenly the man turned round saying, ' Well, I conclude the best man wins tho money.' Ho aimed a blow at me. I dodged and knocked him down, cutting his lip. " The ruffian got up and came at me again. I guarded the blow and hit him in tho left eye, closing it and knocking him down again. As he got up for a third time I told him he could have some more if ho wanted it. But he ran to his machine and rode off toward Calne. " I was sorry the fellow went, for I was just getting warmed up."