MISTAKEN IDENTITY.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 30, 24 July 1875, Page 3

MISTAKEN IDENTITY.

We give the following account of a painful affair arising from “mistaken identity.” A gentleman named Slimmer, when proceeding to Reading by railroad, was imprudent enough at the depot to open the door of the ladies waiting-room and look in, A lady, surrounded by luggage and a family of small children, immediately rushed at him, threw their arms round Ids neck, nestled their heads on his breast, and hurst into tears of joy as she greeted him as her husband, whom she was exp'eting home after a long absence. Mr Slimmer at once attempted to disengage himself, assuring the lady firmly but gently that she was mistaken ns to their relationship. His efforts were in vain ; the lady only wept the loader in her delirium of delight, and to add to the embarrassment of the position, her children grabbed him by the legs of his trousers and hung on by his coat-tails, with affectionate exclamations claiming him as their papa. In the meant’mo several railway officials, boys, and others attracted by the scene gave vent to their indignation at Slimmer’s repudiation of his family obligations, and denounced him loudly as a brute and a scoundrel. At this juncture a stranger, hurriedly en'e/ed, bearing a carpet bag, and also a striking resemblance to Slimmer. He was, in fact, the real husband, whose arrival had been looked for, and seeing Slimmer in this doubtful situation, indignantly floored him with the carpet bag and sat on him. Slimmer was so much injured that he had to be removed to the infirmary on a stretcher, while his assailant went off with his wife and family in a cub. The next day, however, the husband paid a visit to Slimmer, and profusely apologised to him for the unfortunate mistake which had occurred and led to such lamentable results. Slimmer is now happily out of danger, but much “ shaken,” and unable to attend to business.—“ Pall Mall Gazette.”