TRICKS THAT FAILED.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 237, 3 October 1908, Page 15

TRICKS THAT FAILED.

TWO YOUNG RUSSIANS WHO DIDN'T ESCAPE MILITARY SERVICE. Wben a mole citizen of Russia attains the age of 21 he is summoned before the military official of the district In which he lives, and is compelled to undergo a mental and physical test. If he is found defective iv either he Is excused from service In the army. A story is told of a young man who tried the following trick in his anxiety to escape duty The day of his examination having arrived, he appeared at the military depot ready to be examined. Being able to twist the thumb of his right hand back in sucn a manner as to render him incapable 01 grasping anything, he did so, and explained to his examiners the absurdity of enlisting him, as he was unable to hold a gun. The applicant, being prepared, evaded the truth 60 skilfully that he was about to be excused, when on second thought the doctor asked: — "In what position was' your thumb before It became dislocated V "Why, so 1 ." he, without thinking, answered, straightening It Into Its natural position. Still another story ls told of one, trylug to escape from duty, pretending to be deaf. "Twenty-one," he answered, looking Innocent, "No; what's your name?" again querieo. the official. The applicant explained thai he was deaf. Thus, every question put to him had to be repeated several times before the correct answer could be obtained. The examiner being unable to find anything wrong with the applicant's hearing apparatus, hit upon a plan by which to test the truth of his claim. "Take your valise and go home," he said iv a low voice, turning away. The uiiinicuut tfuatclica Ills v&llcse' and — but uo was .-HopiiL-a.