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MISTAKEN IDENTITY
MISTAKEN IDENTITY 
 

Western Mail, Thursday 24 August 1933, page 2

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

One of the best jokes I ever had put over me occurred at Rockingham during February, 1915. I was one of six dumped there on January 31 to look after camps and stores left intact after the embarkation of the 10th Light Horse until another camp was formed. The orders were all to be in bed at 11 p.m. I was safely asleep at about 1 o'clock one night and was awakened by the beat of a car engine. Suddenly it ceased, and was succeeded by two stealthy footsteps hastening right past the camp I was bedded in. They made straight for the big store. I followed. A key turned the lock; a match was struck; and an attempt was made to ignite a dark lantern (so I took it for)!

"Hands up!" I roared.

"Oh! This IS a joke!" one replied.

"No joke at all unless you like to make it one! Put 'em up! Right up, and come along quietly!" I rejoined.

"But we own this joint and just came to have a look," he protested.

It was quite true. They owned the store and had motored from Midland Junction after closing their billiard saloon there. The "dark lantern" proved to be a spirit stove, around which we all sat to enjoy a bonza supper.

"398,'' Wagin.