CLERK'S ADVENTURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23117, 16 August 1938, Page 10

CLERK'S ADVENTURE

HOLD-UP IN LONDON STREET TERRIFYING HALF-HOUR LONDON, August 4 His pocket bulging with his employer's money, a young clerk went through a terrifying half hour in the midst of London crowds. John Anbury and Frank Compton, both 19, left the Railway Booking Agency in Pcntonville Road for tho Westminster Bank's night safo, 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 bo a revolver in Asbury's back and said: "Cross the road to tho taxicab." Asbury thought that when ho reached the rank tho driver of tho first cab would cee that something was wrong, but ho did not. All three sat in tho back seat. The man stopped tho cab and told Compton to get out. At Highgate tube station tho man said to Asbury: "When you get out look away from the driver and sa.v nothing." Ho felt a revolver pressed into his Bide. They entered a booking hall whero thero wero dozens of people. Tho stranger asked Asbury if his name was Richards. When that was denied ho said: "Aro you sure you have not been out with my wife?" After tho trembling clerk had said he didn't know tho lady, the husband said "0.K." and caught tho train. Asbury then deposited the £l2O in tho bank safo.