It was a cold night and the sleet was whipped by a strong north wind. The 
pub, George and the Dragon, was about to close when on old man pushed open 
the door. The owner's wife, behind the bar, said, "We're closin' in ten 
minutes," and the old man asked, "Please, mum, I ain't 'ad a bite to eat all 
day. Could you spare a crust and a cuppa tea?'

The woman slammed down her hand on the bar and said, "I ain't worked all 
night just to give my food and tea to an old beggar."

The old man looked at the carved shield over the bar, depicting King George 
slaying the fabled dragon and asked, "Please, mum, could I speak with 
George?"

Leon