EALLEN ON DEAF EARS

Southland Times, Issue 21218, 20 October 1930, Page 8

EALLEN ON DEAF EARS

REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY LOAN?

TREATMENT OF “INJURED” LEG.

A “hurt” leg, a lack of finance and a sense of pride which forbade the consultation of a doctor without the necessary fee, were the factors which inspired a seedylooking individual to . approach a local householder, a complete stranger, for a temporary loan late on Saturday afternoon. Present economic conditions, a distrust of the applicant inspired partly on account of his unprepossessing appearance and partly on account, of the thickness of his voice not entirely due to the cold weather prevailing, and an urgent desire to return to his warm fireside, led to the sudden curtailment of the interview by the householder and the departure of the seedy one in search of pastures new.

Consequent upon a ring at the front door-bell had come a request to see the “boss.” The “boss” was summoned. “I want you to-do me a favour,” began the stranger huskily. “A favour?”

“I want to know whether you tan lend me five bob. I had an accident to-day about three miles out of town. I fell off my motor-cycle and hurt, my leg. I want to go and see a doctor and I haven’t enough money.”

At this he from his pockets coins to a total value of 5/6.

“I don’t like going to a doctor unless I can pay cash,” he continued. “I am afraid,” replied the householder, “that I cannot give you the money. I never lend on principle.” At the same time the householder quietly turned over in his mind whether the applicant was sufficiently convincing to have a just claim on his charity. The other evidently misunderstood the reply and began to express thanks, stating that his father who was arriving that evening, would repay the money. The householder took some pains to correct the wrong ..impression which the stranger‘-had gained and succeded in convincing him that there was ’ "nothing doing.” Beginning to speak excitedly the other said that he must have the money as the doctor would want to be paid cash. At the same time he rolled up the leg of his trousers to reveal a bloodstained bandage. At this stage the householder's suspicions had become so aroused that he lost patience and despatched the man with the parting injunction that no doctor would refuse to treat him if he explained the circumstances of his misfortune. The householder is now wondering whether there may not have been a more sensational climax to this story had he professed medical knowledge and a desire to treat the "injured” leg.