BORROWED PLUMES

NZ Truth, Issue 1105, 3 February 1927, Page 3

BORROWED PLUMES

. Imppster's Sorry, Hard Luck Story (From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Christchurch Rep.) If William Henry Beaumont, the Christchurch butcher, were, as honest as he is plausible, he would not now be commencing a twelve months' "stretch" at Paparua prison. BUT that is William's portion, not- , withstanding, the sob-stuff, story he poured into the ears of Magistrate Mosley when appearing on charges of being: -a rogue and/ vagabond m that he had represented' himself to be somebody else for' the purpose of imposing on < individuals. Feeling very deeply about the hard blows Fate had handed out to him it was singularly appropriate that he should have chosen the name of Payne for his fraudulent activities. But the magistrate intensified the pain of the whole business when he softly murmured: "Twelve months' hard." But before the blow fell "William put up quite a good tale m a bid for sympathy. '. "I feel my position very keenly, your worship. Unfortunately, sir, I ha.ye previous convictions, and as you know when once a man has been "m" it is very difficult to get a fresh start." The plausible pleader sighed, and then gulped hard. • "If 'l told you the story of my life," he went on, "it would be a tragedy. "A tragedy, sir, if it were written down, but it will take too long to explain here. "I have been all over the country looking for work, but have been uni able.t o obtain any. "I have \had some very hard luck, sir. Five years ago I woke up one morning and found my wife dead. That was the cause of all my trouble." "Why did you change your name to Payne?" asked the S.M. /"Well, sir,, it' was like this," said V>Wiiliam hopefully. changed it because of the hard row. I -have " had to hoe as a result of my past troubles." : Another gulp, and then: "I don't expect to get off scot free, your worship. I expect to be punished for my wrongdoing, but do give me another chance, your worship." "Twelve months' hard labor," murmured the magistrate. For a' moment Beaumont looked as though he could not believe his eara, but suddenly it dawned upon him, and with downcast features he shuffled from the dock on the first stage of the journey to Paparua prison.