AH, HA! OH, HO!

NZ Truth, Issue 1199, 22 November 1928, Page 10

AH, HA! OH, HO!

Two Men's Surprising Intrusion Into Hotel Room "DR. HUNTER" AND A LADY (From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Auckland Representative.) *' Ah, Ha! We've got you this time. " These are harsh Words with which to usher m the dawn when spoken by one of two men who step unannounced into a woman's boudoir to find her talking to a man standing nearby. , The dramatic phrase is the keynote of a story which is circulating round Auckland. Woven through the story is the name of a "Doctor Hunter" and it is m the peculiar significance of this name that much of the interest lies, for it is a name which has had considerable prominence m a series of unsavory happenings during the last few months.

•"THE woman m the case is married, 1 and not without charm, though living apart from her husband. Naturally enough, when she received a telephone ring 1 from a man giving his name as "Dr. Hunter," who said he had just arrived from Sydney, and had been requested to convey kind messages from some friends of hers there, she was delighted. She asked him to call around, and having satisfied herself, it would seem, that he was a perfect gentleman, and all that was socially amiable, and that the message was genuine the couple took afternoon tea together oh several occasions at the Queen City's most elite tea-rooms. She was impressed with his charming | manner and conversation. Moreover, was he not a member of the medical fraternity, with a most interesting- record, having travelled widely, and held a host of important positions? That his physical attractions were not out of the ordinary was counterbalanced by his brilliant conversational ability, and the grass widow not having come into personal contact with a man of h'rs romantic prowess before, was quite fascinated. To such an extent did the friendship grow, that < when this captivating "Dr. Hunter" suggested that the lady and her little child , should accompany him to Hamilton for a week-end trip— everything above . board and all that "don't you know" — she consented. The little one had never been to Hamilton before, and the spin there m the car would be quite delightful m such entertaining company., Thus it came about that the lady, her child, and the "doctor" set forth, and m due course arrived at the pretty town on the banks of the Waikato River. Of course, they stayed at the best hotel. The thoughtful "doctor" had arranged for accommodation beforehand, and the grass widow found that they were to occupy adjoining rooms. She also found that the key ef her door was missing — but, after all, that is nothing unusual m the very best hotels m New Zealand. "Dr. Hunter" buzzed around with that savoif .faire which is the strong armour of some of those who come from the Old Country. He carried himself with just that amount of swank which is expected of those who have known only the best people, and which is so impressive m the best hotels, and that the evening might not be boring, or dull, to the lady, arrangements were made to have the child safely attended for the night while the "doctor" and the . lady trod a ■ measure or two at a local dance hall. Of course, it was a bit of , a comedown for a man who . had pranced to "~*~ the best bands which syncopated airs m the halls of Ciro and other giddy night clubs m London, amid the social lions and lionesses, not to mention Royalty, but after all, one needs must take things as one finds them and make the best of what is offering; hence what was missing m the way of high life was amply compensated for by the bright anecdotes which slipped fluently off the medico's tongue so glibly. A mild "spot" or two on their return to the hotel, and the boon companion and the lady parted, each to their respective rooms. Doubtless the lady drew invidious comparisons between her lawful hubby and the delightful companion of this most entertaining week-end, before she dropped into a sublime slumber. How is it that often the other fellow is so much more attractive and understanding than the man who is termed husband? It is but one more of the mysteries that woman's vaunted intuition has never satisfactorily settled. In the early hours of the following morning, so the story goes, the lady awoke to find the vivacious "doctor," dressed. m pyjamas, standing m her room, and no great distance, from her bedside.

Key Missing

In Pyjamas

Such an intrusion demanded an explanation, and the lady hopped out of bed, grabbed a dainty wrap, and asked her escort what he meant by it. What his apologies may have, been, or what words may have passed between them is. not very definitely known. The remarks may at some future date become public knowledge. It has been said that "Dr. Hunter" explained that he had come m while the light was good, and the sun low, to examine her eyes, and, after all, a medical man is the best judge of time for such matters. . As the couple stood there m the early morning light, the handle of the door turned silently, and two men stepped into the room, closing the door behind them. "Ah, ha, so we have caught you at last," said one of these men to the woman. "My God!" were the only words the lady m her semi-undress could utter. Astonished and distracted she stared at the two new intruders. What of the "doctor," the gallant "Dr. Hunter," who knew her Sydney friends? How did he comport himself m these distressing circumstances? Did he hurl himself on the men and drive them before him out of the room, or did he open the door and order __________________ them to leave? No. According to the story he neatly slipped out of the room, and without _ any loss of time ' left the two private detectives together with the woman. "Dr. Hunter" was only a gallant to a certain extent. The lady who entrusted herself to his protection and sense of chivalry found herself callously deserted. That is the last she saw of the "Doctor." He hastily dressed, rammed, his few week-end accessories into his grip, tripped downstairs to the hotel office, paid his own and the lady's bill, and with true medical hustle hurried to where his hired motor car was garaged, and "beat" it. Mylady, having- rid herself of the two private detectives, dressed herself and her infant, and m a state of mind better imagined than described, went to the hotel office to demand her bill, only to find that that most perfect of gentlemen, her "doctor" friend, had pair the bill for herself and child when he paid his own. This did not please her and she insisted on a separate bill being made out, and she paid her account before departing for Auckland — and her solicitors. While discussing her unfortunate ordeal of the early morning with one of the hotel staff, she discovered that the two men who had intruded on .her __________________ when the "doctor" was m her room had taken a room there the previous night. As a result _______________^ of notes which were compared by members of the staff, there is reason to believe that the man who posed as "Dr. Hunter" had on previous occasions used a similar norn de plume there. That the lady's husband has for some time been looking for evi.d.ence to get his freedom, and give his wife hers Has for some time been general knowledge m certain circles m Auckland, and her experience with the pseudo doctor no doubt will be seized upon as the opportunity for this purpose. The lady hag not set eyes on her gallant cavalier since that fateful morning. If this story, which is circulating widely m certain circles m Auckland, is true, and "Truth" has every foundation for believing that it is, a ver"y interesting divorce action is likely to be heard m the Auckland Supreme Court soon, but It is certain the co-respondent will not appear; for "Dr. Hunter," as constant readers of "N.Z. Truth," will know, is identical with one Gunter, and a story m another part of this issue imparts the information that he is now on the high seas, bound for England. And it is not likely that he will return to' New Zealand to give evidence on behalf of the lady he escorted to Hamilton.