A Bit of Strategy.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVII, Issue 14, 6 October 1906, Page 30

A Bit of Strategy.

Trooper Brown had lately joined the Mounted Rifles, and was at his first eamp. lie. had hired for the training a huge steed, which had probably once graced a local dray. But though not a beautiful animal, it was possessed of the wisdom of the serpent, for during a long and useless life it had learned that the liest, easiest, and altogether most satisfactory way to get on in this life was to keep one’s mouth shut. And as the mouth of the nag of Trooper Brpwn usually closed as tightly as a five-barred gate, with a double padlock, it was diftieut, indeed —nay, impossible—to get the bit therein. On the first morning parade the lieutenant rode down the lines of his company, and asked:’ “All the men turned out, sergeantmajor?” “Yessir.” said the sergeant-major. “All, except Trooper Brow. He’s waiting for his horse to yawn, so’s he can slip the bit in, and the worst of it is, sir, the brute ain’t a bit tired.”