A London Crossing Sweeper.

Manawatu Herald, 29 October 1898, Page 2

A London Crossing Sweeper.

. . — ' » ■ ;_•' S ories of wealthy o'rossing'sweepers and " poor blinds " who solicit alms in the streets while possessing good balances with their bankers have become classical, and the following occurrence which took plaoe the other day will add to their number. A sweeper, whose "pitch", ia olose to a fashionable West-end . olub, recently went to the Isle of Wight for a few week 3 holiday while his patrons were temporarily ousted from their quarters by tbq painter?. He was returning a few days since, riding in a second-class carriage, well attired, and sporting an immaculate silk hat. At a> wayside station one of the club members, an army officer, entered the same compartment and was sainted with a " How do, General V The gallant officer courteously responded, and,-, then puzzled to know" who his travelling companion was, remarked, "You have tbe advantage of me. tMay I have the pleasure of exchanging cards with you ?" " 1 haven't one with me, General," was the response, " but I am the crossingsweeper outside your club." In recounting the adventure to an acquaintance the astonished officer asserted with vehemence, that " not another penny " would the " gentleman " get out of bim.