Accounting

Pan American Airways' auditing department received a bill from the constabulary of Wanhsien, China, which, translated, read: "Board bill for one rescued soul, $3.18, Mexican." Cheap enough, agreed the auditors, but why the bill? Intracompany investigation led to Captain C. S. Vaughn, P.A.A. pilot on the Miami-Rio de Janeiro run, who used to fly on the China run.

His story: Four years ago, at Wahnsien, on the rushing Yangtze River, he called for help to a watching throng as his ship was about to collide with the landing float. "First to volunteer," explained he, "was no strong husky male but a frail Dresden China 'doll'. . . . Other persons promptly followed and, in their eagerness, pushed the celestial maiden overboard. . . . Although the girl was drowning in full sight of thousands of Chinese they, with much better appreciation of China's tremendous population than I, passively watched her float past. . . ."

Thereupon Captain Vaughn jumped in, swam ashore with the young woman and with difficulty persuaded a constable to take charge of her. Seven months later, the police handed Captain Vaughn a bill for her maintenance. She was his responsibility, said they. He paid the bills for a while, but finally decided the line was responsible and directed that they be sent to P.A.A. headquarters. From P.A.A. auditors to Captain Vaughn in Miami, nevertheless, went the latest bill for $3.18, Mexican.

82

In Elizabeth, N. J., Mrs. Mary E. Osborn, 82, was awarded a divorce after telling the court that her husband still insisted on knowing where and with whom she spent her time.

Fishy

In Ocean Park, Wash., fishermen reported that an oyster snared a duck by its foot at low tide, drowned it when the water rose.

Want Ad

In El Paso, Texas, the Herald-Post carried under "Situations Male": RESTLESS, UNENERGETIC, young, unreliable man DON'T NEED but will accept good position. Don't like to work or have responsibilities but needs spending money for pleasure and hobbies. Job with long future no object. Can do anything half and will assume boss' responsibilities first week. High salary and short hours preferred. Have several years of poor sales and office experience, no car but should own one in 10 days under right proposition. If you have good opening call E 1360-J for appointment, after 9 a.m. as I need my sleep. No good references.

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