EDITOR'S WALLET

Otago Witness, Issue 1898, 19 June 1890, Page 42

EDITOR'S WALLET

Hoist With His Own Petard.

A laughable illustration of practice following theory and precept carfied immediately into example occurred not long since in one of the Royal dockyards. The superintendent — a mild but zealous disciplinarian, who is admitted to be thoroughly acquainted with the most insignificant details of his noble and gallant profession, from the duties of the energetic boatswain to those of the dignified commander-in-chief— was briskly passing a sentinel, on his way to his official residence, when he turned upon the stalwart guardian of the Royal establishment, and demanded the reason why he did not challenge him. In vain the sentry declared that he knew him to be the superintendent ; he was emphatically told his duty was to challenge every person who approached him, and, warming with excitement, the gallant superintendent exclaimed :

" Challenge all I Challenge me, sir ! "

" Well, then," said the sturdy pupil, lowering his musket and bringing it to the charge, "I do challenge you. Give the parole, sir 1 "

And the hasty superintendent, having in the course of his practical instruction allowed the parole to slip his memory, was forthwith made a prisoner and driven into the sentrybox. So situated, the worthy preceptor waa soon granted another opportunity of estimating the effects of his teaching.

A policeman, passing, demanded why the sentry had imprisoned the gentleman.

•' You foolish fellow," said he ; " why, it is the superintendent 1 "

But the only reply from the sentry was the vociferous demand :

" Give the parole ! "

The policeman, deeming his uniform to be a sufficient authority for passing the sentry, had also forgotten to learn the parole ; and he too was ordered into the sentry-box, from which he and his distinguished fellowprisoner were rescued only when the sentry was relieved from his post.