ACHILLE, THE MOCKING BIRD.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14642, 21 February 1918, Page 3

ACHILLE, THE MOCKING BIRD.

GERMAN OFFICER LURED BY A '•MGHTLN'GALifi."

One of the most remarkable characters brought to light by the war is Achille, -who is attached to the French war-dog kennels. He was a canal boatman before the Avar; he can imitate every bird, and call them down from the trees. He has eA-en been knoAvn to call the frogs from the canal to his knees.

Onco he utilised his peculiar gift to effective military purpose. In a quiet sector nightingales used to sing in the forest hills between the opposing trenches. Achille, hearing the song, made a bet with-tAvo. of. his iellow poiius that he Avould bring in a German, prisoner before daybreak. Taking them to a spot near the enemy's trenches, he hid them. Soon a nightingale Avas heard. Its liquid notes died on the air, and ail was silence. A third time the notes ascended. The witnesses grew impatient. There Avas a rustling in the forest. Beyond they beheld a human b.snire. A German officer Avas standing listening in rapt attention to the nightingale.

The bird seemed to move a little distance backward in the trees. The German followed. The two witnesses held their breath. Again, the sweet notes came more faintly from the direction of the French trenches. The German officer hesitated ; followed. Suddenly there was a noise of a struggle, and the voice of Achille Avhispering hoarsely • 'Bring those ropes, you follows I" That eight Achille brought in his prisoner and won his bet.