Page 86 - IT'S A RUM LIFE BOOK TWO "BOSTON 1960 TO 1970"

This was one of the catalysts that contributed to my
catastrophe, that and the short fixed hose.

CATASTROPHY
I can still picture the situation clearly today. There is also
something I have not mentioned; the pumps were mounted on
a small concrete island. It was necessary to step up and step
down to fetch and return the hose and nozzle.
The filler on the Reliant was on the side of the vehicle away
from the pump. Which meant that the hose had to be stretched
to its fullest extent to reach.
First of all, somehow, stepping down from the pump, I
managed to get the fuel hose wrapped around my legs. Then
just as I approached the Reliant Robin from the back, it finally
entangled my feet with the grip of an eel.
I lost my balance.
My hand reacted quite naturally by gripping onto whatever
it could, in this instance the fuel nozzle dispensing lever.

A rapid flow of 95 octane two star petrol shot from the end
of the nozzle and jetted in a steady stream over the centre of
the roof of the car.
The owner stepped back quickly, eyes staring wide, mouth
agape and speechless.
My automatic reactions engaged quickly to tell me
something was not quite right here and my hand released the
nozzle.
My first thoughts were, “how am I going to enter this on
“Mot’s” petrol sales sheet?
The car owner and I stood there for just a moment side by
side totally stunned.

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