A GOOD OLD STORY.

North Otago Times, Volume XXV, Issue 979, 21 June 1902, Page 1 (Supplement)

A GOOD OLD STORY.

General De Gallilcl, the late French Minister ol War, possessed presence of mind- in a high degree. During the war ol the Commune he once found himself at a bridge in Paris surroundcd on three sides by the insurgent National Guard. He was accompanied by a lieutenant only, Escape was impossible. Over 3,000 National Guards had their guns aimed at the breasts ol the two officers, "We shall never get out ol this alive ! " said the lieutenant.

" Well," said De Uallifet, " perhaps not, but I think we shall. Follow me! "

De Gallifet proceeded to ride at a slow trot directly towards the insurgents. Presently the Communist Com mander, a man with a white beard, evidently not a soldier by occupation, stepped out, and called :- " What do you want ? " Then De Gallifet proceeded to make a speech in a somewhat grandiloquent manner. He pretended that he had come on a mission from President Thiers at Versailles.

" Frenchmen! " he said, " listen! Shall it be peace or war between Paris and Versailles ? Shall we not have peace ? Lay down your arms and all shall be well. If you persist it is war to the death ! Frenchmen, choose I "

A great clamour rose from the Conv munists. The commander spoke up. " (Jo back to President Thiers," he shouted, " and tell him it is war! " " I go " said De Gallifet. He wanted nothing better as his " mission " was a pure invention and he was as good as a prisoner. He and the lieutenant rode away. The lieutenant's horse struck into a gallop,

" Hold on! " cried De Gallifet. "Don't let them think we are in a hurry or they'll know what's up ! "

So the two officers walked their horses out of range ol the insurgent's rifles and rejoined their command. Two months later the grey-haired Communist commander fell into the hands of De Gallifet, who gave him his liberty in agreeable remembrance of the incident.

Former resident: " What did Prodigle do with the big fortune that was left to him ? Ran through it in a year I suppose ? "

Friend: "Oh no, his wite prevented that."

Former resident: " Good for her I " Friend : " Yes; she ran through it in six months."

Clerk (to his employer just leaving the office): " Oh, Mr System have you forgotten your umbrella ? Its raining." Mr. System: "Can't help it. I've made a resolution lo have one here and one at home, to provide for all emergencies. Now if I take this they will be both at borne."