A SOLDIER'S SURPRISE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 26, 1 April 1915, Page 2 (Supplement)

A SOLDIER'S SURPRISE.

In the early part of the campaign (says a sergeant of one or the county regiments) I was engaged in a disastrous exploit which eventuated in an unexpectedly pleasant manner. I, with six privates of my regiment, had got cut oif trora the battalion during the lighting near Mons. Espying a group of Germans on an adjoining eminence, wo made off to dislodge them, and a sanguinary encounter ensued. We killed and wounded about thirteen of the enemy, and then, aided by some Uhlans who had gallopeu to their assistance, they compelled us to retreat. Everyone o'r our little party was wounded, and it was fortunate for us that just before nightfall we fell in with our regiment apiin.

Immediately afterward-- I was commanded to appear before the colonel, and, trembling in my boots, I hastened to receive the punishment I expected. To my surprise he expressed gratification at what we had done "on our own," and explained* that our little "scrap" had diverted many of the enemy, who had got him and his regiment in a ti t 'ht corner. Instead of a reprimand, I received promotion, and was made sergeant the following day. Moreover, he made me a nice little present, which T value exceedingly, and which encourages me to do my best for him when I. return to the front. CHANGING THE OLD ORDER. Brown met a benevolent old party in a railway train one day, and as the acquaintance ripened a bit he began to spread before the other the history of hV life. " YV vn I was an assistant ui a grocer's shop," remarked Brown, "J received only thirty shillings a week, and like many other young men, 1 fell in with bad companions and began to gamble. I "

" I see," interrupted the benevolent party, sadly, "you were tempted and took money which did not belong to von.'

"Oli, no!" cheerily responded Brown. " In less than a month I won enough to buy a shop. "

An excited orator during the American Civil AVar exclaimed:—

"We have taken Atlanta, and we have taken Savannah, Columbus, Charleston, and now at last we have captured Petersburg and occupy Richmond: and what remains for us to take?"

An Irishman in the crowd shouted : "Let's take a diink!"

The crowd dispersed in adifferent di rcctions.