FAILED TO PASS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12065, 21 July 1917, Page 5

FAILED TO PASS.

IRISH GIANT AND FREDERICK THE! GREAT. Frederick tho Great, King of Prussia, the illustrious ancestor of Kaiser Wilhelm, had a fancy for giants in his bodyguard. One day a recruiting officer spied in Berlin an Irishman whoso height was 6ft *lin. Tho officer's hopes were too, hilt, there was one difficulty—Pat con la not speak a word of Gorman, and tho King had always insisted that his men must know that language. The recruiting sergeant having got his man to enlist without much trouble, saw a way out, '• Pat," said he, " his "Majesty will ask you three questions in Germau. I will teach ycM tho words, and you must get them right." "He will say to you, 4 How old are you?' You will reply. 'Twenty-seven years.' Then he will ask, ' Hojw loivci Save you been in the army?' Tton will respond, 'Three weeks,' and then he will say, 'Are you satisfied with your lodging and your food?' and you answer, •' Roth, your Majesty,' and then you will salute the King.'' Pat crot the German thoroughly. When reviewing his troops, tho Iviug immediately sighted tho newcomer. " Ah,'' he said, with a satisfied *nUe at the giant Hi be nu an, "my friend, how lons have yc,*u been ( in the armj r " Twentv-seven vears." " What J" yelled his Majesty. " Why, how old are you?" "Three weeks." "Donner und blitaen!" shneked the infuriated despot-. "Am I a madman or aro you?" . ~ " Both," replied Pat, imperturbaoiy, flPcl the Kmc was removed, fainting.