CARRYING OUT HIS INSTRUCTIONS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2802, 28 June 1890, Page 6 (Supplement)

CARRYING OUT HIS INSTRUCTIONS.

♦ A LAUGJiAJiLE illustration of practice following theory and precept oarried 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 iind 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, "Challengeail! 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 !" Aud the hasty superintendent, having in the course of his practical instruction allowed the parole to slip his memory, was forthwith made a prisoner aud driven into the sentry-box. So situated, the worthy preceptor was 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 tho superintendent!" Bat the only reply from the sentry was the vocifero'is 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 iuto the sentry-box, from which he and his distinguished fellow prisoner were rescued only when the sentry was relieved from his post.