The Czar and the Sentinel.
A story illustrating the rigid discipline of the Russian army,' in which the Emperor played a leading part, is -told rby Mr C. Johnsbon in bhe ' Eaabern and Western Review ': —
One of the Grand Dukes told the Czar thab a sentinel on the level crossing ab Peterbof had rofused to raise the toll-bar tor his carriage, although the train was not due for bhree or four minutes: 'It is against orders, your Imperial Highness ! I can't do it, your Imperial Highness !' bhe soldier had replied : the rule being thab, once the toll-bar is shut, ib musb nob be opened until aiier the train has passed. Tho Czar said he was very glad to hear that the soldiers knew how to obey orders, as discipline was the very life of the army. The Grand Duke laughed, bufc said he was certain that if bhe Czar himself had been present discipline would have given way before bhe Imperial presence. The Emperor did nob reply, but a few daya afterwards pub bhe matter to the test by driving up with the Empress to the level crossing jusb after the toll^bar was crossed.
The Emperor called to the sentinel of the day to let him pass. The sentinel, in dire trepidation, saluted, bub did not sbir to the bar. ' Open the bar, I tell you !' cried the Emperor; 'don't you know who I am?' 1 Yes, your Imperial Majesty ! I know, your Imperial Majesty ! bub I can't, your Imperial Majesty ; it's against orders, your Imporial Majesty !' answered the sentinel, still saluting, and turning almost blue with anxiety, bub nob moving an inch from his place. ' I am bhe Emperor, and I command you to open !' cried the Czar again. • Can't do ib. your Imperial Majesty,' despairingly cried the sentinel, still standing firm, bub boo disconcerted to note the smile in the Emperor's eyes. Just then the train passed, the Emperor burst into a fit of Homeric laughter, and warmly commending the astonished sentry presented him with a twenty-five rouble note and drove back to the Palace.
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Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 156, 2 July 1892, Page 12
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347The Czar and the Sentinel. Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 156, 2 July 1892, Page 12
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