Page 79 - It's a Rum Life Book One "In the Beginning 1947 to 1960"
P. 79
(Boston) I watched the buildings in all the streets to make sure
the auger did not go through any windows or catch any lamp
standards. Just by the Odeon Cinema, I arrived at some traffic
lights; as I was slowing gradually, eyes in all directions at once,
someone hooted their horn.
My eyes were diverted for just a second or two and in that
instant a double decked bus had decided to stop directly in
front!
Rapid stamping on my brakes resulted in the truck dipping
forwards and the two steel support rods ended poked through
the back of the double deck bus just below the rotary sign that
tells you where it is going!
I did manage to stop before the rods went in too far; that is
into the seats! As the truck rocked back on its suspension, the
two rods reappeared and left two “staring eyes” dead centre in
the bus body just a short distance below that signboard.
The driver appeared and looked somewhat bewildered.
“well I never did!” he exclaimed, “nothing like this has ever
happened before.” Or words to that effect!
The auger did not seem to have sustained any damage and
the bus driver was somewhat amused.
There were two beautifully symmetrical holes close to where
his vehicle number was painted and nothing else to see.
The bus depot was on route for both of us and we called in,
complete with a bus loaded with amused passengers. Together
we confront his supervisor. Disbelief and baffled, would possibly
describe his reaction; I left my details and went on my way
closely followed by the bus that decided to let me go ahead this
time!
I don’t think I ever heard anything else about this incident;
perhaps it was too far-fetched for even a bus company
management to believe?
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