A CURIOUS STORY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1051, 21 March 1882, Page 2

A CURIOUS STORY.

Australia plays a part in a curious story which has just come to light. The remoteness of the Antipodes has Jong made them in theory if not in practice a favourite sanctuary for those who wish to fly from the old country. As a matter of fact, tho the number of successful fugitives is few, now that inter-communication is rapid, and that the telltale wire can anticipate the runaway with full particulars of his appearance. But it is still possible for minor misdemeanants who abscond to get to Australia, and there remain perdu as long as you please. Mr Bemand Vice, of Norwich, who coolly deserted his wife and family many years ago, went to the other end of the world, and so effectually hid himself that he was given up for dead. But he did yet more. With boldness which secured immunity he returned to England, and took up his residence in Yarmouth, the very place where the wife and children he had abandoned were occasionally living. For years he evaded dectection. No doubt he was changed in external appearance, and was not to be eaily recognised. But when brought face to face with his wife there was an end to his duplicity. It appears that he was carrying on the business of a shoemaker, and that his own wife came into his shop and spoke to him across the counter. Something in his face recalled her missing and long absent husband. Identification soon followed, and the game was up.

A solicitor in a country township (says “ uEgles ” in the Australanian) having completed some legal business for the landlord of the principal tavern in the place, presented his bill of costs in person. The landlord scanned the items, and added, “ If you pay for a bottle of wine, I will give you a cheque.” The lawyer, delighted with such unexpected promptitude, at once assented, and the wine was bought, paid for, and imbibed. When the sitting was was finished (with the bottle), the landlord said, “ I will go and fetch you that cheque.” Ina few minutes he returned, and handed Che expectant a cheque, signed by the attorney himself (for a pound or two more than the bill), dated 18 months previously, and marked with? macia initials “ N.8.F.”