HOW MUCH OFFERED!

NZ Truth, Issue 106, 29 June 1907, Page 5

HOW MUCH OFFERED !

THE TRAGEDY OF TIRED TIM.

From Thirty Quid to a Quid— of Tobacco.

He walked into the Duke of Ediuhurffh, Wellington, and- caliniy selected his victim. He displayed a swelled ring ; it had escaped duty by some unknown method, and was to be had for £30, although its real v aiue was £50. The victim skouted and sough fc refuge m the Clarendon. Here he was indulging m the unlimited smiles of the bestf-looking barmaid when the man with the ring again appeared, and after a confidential convcioatioi'. about its merits and its slippiness m escaping the Customs people he brought the sale value of the ring down to £15, on account of urgent illness m the family, and the necessity for immediate action. The Victim again shouted and retired with preoipi'tancy. He went to the New Zealander where there was tranquility and beet until the awful personage again appeared. In consideration of the good looks of the possible buyer it was to be had for £10. Such an opportunity had never occurred to Mm 'in' his natural. The haunted prey seized a favorable moment and got away. He rushed along to the Royal Oak,, and had found temporary solace m the lemonade on the premises, when the nian with the ring again appeared. "Look -here, governor, you ca.n have it for a fiver ; s'help me, your fortune's made." .The VICTIM WAS GETTING FIGHTABLE, . ; and threatened his oppressor with summary punishment. He sought the Masonic, and was basking m the blandishments of the bar. belle, when a familiar voice remarked, "Look here, covey, will yer lend usa-dean-er on this," and the ring was produced. The fight which followed was unscientific but decisive. It was just oa ten when the individual so much described wandered wearily into the Terminus, and had not settled down when his ear was assailed with the remark, "Boss, you can haye it for a plug of tobacco." A person present stated \ m Court next day that murder would' have been committed;, had he not rushed ia between the two m v en.