HELPING TOMMY.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 31, 7 February 1916, Page 2

HELPING TOMMY.

"Can you tell me how far it is to Victoria? ’ ’

The speaker was a tired and warworn Highlander. The scene, Soho, London. Time-,.11.35 in the morning.

"I’ve got to join my unit at Victoria at 12,’’ he explained. "Been in hospital?’’ the stranger asked. ~

"Two months; home a fortnight to pull up, ’’ and he gave a little pull at his kit-bag to ease it on his shoulder. The man looked a trifle haggard and grey, a.nd by no means set up by his convalescence.

The stranger called a taxicab and helped him in with the bag. "What is the fare to Victoria?” he asked the driver.

The man eyed him with kindly in telligence.

"You’re standing this, sir?” "Yes.”

"Eightpenee. ” The stranger demurred to the eightpenny fare and gave the man a shilling and a sixpence. The driver solemnly returned the sixpence. "I’m in this, too,” he said. "Think I can’t do my bit?” And he drove off proudly with his freight.