In the afternoon quiet a man approaches the ticket window. Strange looking pale guy, thinks the clerk - is he singlehandedly spearheading some retro fashion thing or something? Weird hat, long coat.. very odd. Still, you get all sorts of people through here, and he's seen stranger than this.
"Can I help you?"
"Good afternoon to you. I understand this is the departure point
for the new underground train to the City?"
"Well, yes.. we're on the Northern Line, if that's what you mean."
"Ah, excellent. Well, a friend and I have a small wager, which I
intend to win. One ticket to King William Street, if you will."
"King William.. don't know it. Whereabouts is it?"
"Why, in the City, of course. Adjacent to the Bank."
"That'll be Bank station, then. Two pounds twenty, mate."
The man's eyes widen in surprise. "Sir, I intend to travel on your railway, not purchase it outright! I certainly cannot burn such an amount on a simple wager. I must say I fear for the future of the City and South London Railway Company if you consider such an amount a reasonable fare. Good day!"
The puzzled clerk shivers as the man turns and walks away, shaking his head. The room suddenly seems warmer.
Posted by mpk at July 4, 2004 5:56 PM | TrackBack