handbag snatchings, hotel break-ins and other unpleasant experiences, one couple has reported a most heartwarming tale.

In a letter forwarded to Premier the Hon Sir John Swan, Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Barbara Scott Preiskel of New York told how during a visit to Bermuda they lost a wallet containing cash, credit cards and travellers cheques.

They hunted everywhere for the missing wallet, retracing their steps and checking their hotel but search proved fruitless and they returned home without it.

After a final phone call to see if the wallet had been turned in, they abandoned the search.

But veteran taxi driver of more than 40 years, Mr. Ralph (Slippery) Adams, discovered the wallet as he was cleaning out his cab three days after giving the couple a ride.

His inquiries at the hotels where he worked showed Mr. Scott Preiskel had indeed lost a wallet.

"When the security people at Castle Harbour told him we were missing a wallet, he secured our phone numbers in New York and called both Bob's office and our home phone, leaving messages in both places,'' Mrs. Scott Preiskel said in her letter.

She said Mr. Adams first apologised for his delay in finding the wallet, and then offered to place it with an airline or mail it.

"I suggested that he mail it, keeping $50 for himself and use the remaining cash for any mailing costs,'' Mrs. Scott Preiskel said.

"Mr. Adams on his own called me the next day to give me the United Parcel Service tracking number and to say that there was some cash remaining after mailing costs, and after he took the $50 that we had offered him, but that the UPS would not let him ship it in the wallet.'' When she suggested he keep the extra cash, Mr. Frank offered to deliver it personally when he visited New York the following month.

And sure enough, the wallet arrived the next day complete with credit cards, travellers cheques and licences.

"I have never in all my years of travelling around the world or in New York City ever encountered anyone who was so willing to give back money,'' Mrs.

Scott Preiskel enthused.

"Ralph Adams is indeed the kind of person who makes Bermuda the kind of place which we will always want to visit.

"He and the people at the hotel were most helpful and I am indeed grateful.'' Yesterday Sir John commended Mr. Adams for his actions. His behaviour, he said, was a credit to the taxi industry.

"I have heard it has been done before. It shows the integrity of the taxi industry which often goes out of its way to ensure people are looked after.

"I was very impressed with the contents of the letter.'' But Mr. Adams had little to say when asked why he went to the trouble he did.

"Bermudian taxi drivers are honest,'' was all he said.

CARING CABBIE -- Taxi driver Mr. Ralph (Slippery) Adams was commended by Premier Sir John Swan for going beyond the call of duty to return a lost wallet to its owners in New York. The couple wrote a letter praising Mr. Adams for his good deed.