‘This cab is taken’
It was election day. The cab drivers were all busy taking men around the city to vote. One politician asked to hire Jerry’s cab for a whole day but he said, ‘I don’t want his posters stuck all over my cab. It’d upset my horses!’
We were waiting for our next ride when a woman carrying a heavy child struggled along. She seemed lost and after a bit asked Jerry, ‘Which way is it to St Thomas’s hospital?’
It was the lady’s first visit to London. She had come up from the country to get help for her sick child. The boy was crying with pain and even though he was four-years-old he couldn’t walk.
‘The hospital is three miles away,’ said Jerry. ‘Too far to carry a sick child – especially today when it’s so busy!’
‘Thank you, but I’ll manage,’ said the woman.
Jerry would not hear of letting her walk. The woman didn’t have any money for a taxi but Jerry said he would drive her for nothing. He was helping her into the cab when two men barged past and climbed in.
‘We were here first,’ they said. ‘Hurry up, driver, and take us where we want to go.’
‘This cab is taken,’ said Jerry politely.
‘Yes, by us,’ said one of the men, sitting down. ‘And we’re staying right here!’
‘All right, sir,’ said Jerry pleasantly. ‘Stay as long as you like.’
He turned his back and refused to move until the men angrily climbed out of the cab and went away.
The young woman was very grateful and could not thank Jerry enough. It was raining when we reached the hospital. Jerry helped her carry her son to the hospital door.
On his way back to me, someone called out, ‘Jerry. Jerry Barker!’ Another lady, whose name was Mrs Fowler, hurried towards us. ‘Jerry, lovely to see you! Especially as I need a ride to Paddington Station.’
Jerry was pleased to see Mrs Fowler too. Years ago, Polly had worked for her and there was lots of news to swap. When we arrived at the station, Mrs Fowler gave Jerry some money to spend on the children.
‘You’re a good driver, Jerry,’ she said. ‘If you ever want to move from the city to the country, let me know. I could easily get you a job.’
Jerry thanked her and drove home in a very good mood.