PAID FOR SILENCE

New Zealand Tablet, 3 September 1908, Page 37

PAID FOR SILENCE

1 Every safe - manufacturer has attached to his staff expert locksmiths, whose duties consist in opening safes which have got out of order. ~, Many of the- accidents" to safes oecur-from the gross carelessness -of their owners, and at times the honest safecrackers enjoy a quiet laugh at the expense of a group of bank officials or the proprietor of some important establishment. Not long since a large manufacturer telegraphed to a London safe-maker requesting' that a man be sent at once to his place of business, a -town -about fifty miles "from the city.". Upon reaching his destination, the expert, with "his kit of tools, repaired to the establishment, and was informed' that' the" vault, an old-fashionesd affair, which locked with a key; and which contained the safe and books of the concern, could not be opened. The man examined the lock and then the key, opened his kit, took out a bitj>f wire, and began ,to dig,..a mass oT crumbs, dust, -and lint out of the key. Then he. inserted it in the lock and, when the proprietor with a sickly smile looked up, turned the implement and opened the door. 'What's your charge?' asked the -manufacturer'-. \. ■? - • Five guineas,' replied the expert. - ■'. ' Does- anyone know you are in town?' 'No.' ' - • • ::. . * Well, then, here are six guineas,' remarked the manufacturer. ' I'll give you a guinea extra if you'll .take the first train back to London without telling anyone the.priceTve^'Rafdto have a man dig dust out of .a key for .me.' -