One “Virtue” Still.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 26, 11 August 1887, Page 3

One “Virtue” St ill.

“ You may abuse newspaper men all you please,” said a robust chap in the smoking room of a sleeping-car, “ but I want to tell you I have a weakness for reporters. A reporter once saved my life.” ‘‘How?’* "Well, three years ago I thoitghi I wks dying with consumption. My friends thought so too, It appeared to be a clean case. One day a reporter bustled into my room, took out hie pencil and note-book, and began business without unnecessary delay. ‘Mr Johnson,’ said he, ‘I understand that you are dying with consumption, Will you please give me a history of your life ?’ Well, gentlemen, but for that reporter I should not now be alive. I summoned all my remaining strength, threw the Reporter down stairs, slid down the banister, and jumped on him before he could get up, pounded him into a black swelling, and then threw him into the street. An hour later I heard he was likely to die from his injuries, and so I took the first train for the West, going clear up into the mountains and roughing it like a prospector. Now, look at me !” “Did the re porter die?” Not a bit of It; he s now the editor-in-chief of a paper.”-—The Journalist.