The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-07-16
Testing a Sentry.

just after the Franco russian war the
Adjutant-Major of a certain French
infantry corps, in order to test a new
sentry, who had been placed on re-
sponsible post, and affecting to have for
gotten the word, at length, by means of
threats, prevailed upon the ignorant
soldier to allow him to pass without
giving the word. This he immediately
reported, the result being that the poor
fellow was sentenced to be shot, this
decision being fortunately committed to
Punishment to Algeria by influence
brought to bear from high quarters
This Adjutant-Major at length met with
q well-merited rebuff, as the following
narrative-the dialogue of which we give
in English-shows. Finding a newly
joined man placed on similar duty, he
determined to repeat his former expert
,nent. Fortunately, however, the sentry
had already been warned by his COM
rades, and was resolved not to be out
witted. AS the night wore on he OBJ
served the officer approaching alone,
lantern in hand, and at once challenged:
EsWho goes there?" "Officer of the
guard!" at once came the response.
"Approach with the word, officer of the
guard" continued the sentry. The Off
Ger, approaching, said: CT have
forgotten the word, and you must
let me finish my round without
it," But, forewarned, the only reply
made by this sentry was "The word
Stand back, or l fre!" 81 have for
gotten the word, l tell you," persisted
Che officer. "Can't pass without the
word,'' was the only answer made by
the sentry, as he kept him at bayonet's
point. "You know me perfectly" in
sisted the officer, in tone of chagrin.
81 am your oflicer-your Adjutant. "
81 Gont know you. Keep back, or l
fire." was the only reply vouchsafed
him. "Ycu dare not fire on your supe-
rior; and as it is will have you severely
punished for thus OBTAINING me from my
duty So saying, the officer seized
force his way past. The sentry, once
again shouting, "Stand back!" drew
away his bayonet and made as if to
charge the officer. Stepping back, the
officer drew his sword and came on
again, but was instantly disarmed by
the sentry. Selling hold of the muzzle
OF inc rlne, ne next enueaV0red TO WreSt
it from the sentry's grasp. The sentry
being new to the corps, and knowing
perfectly who his opponent was, re.
trained from firing, not knowing what
the consequences might be of firing on
his superior, even though the pass had
been refused. In the struggle, however
the rifle went off and the bullet whizzed
past the officers ear, carrying with it 6
piece of his headdress. Half stunned
and utterly confused by this unexpected
turn of affairs, the officer lost his pres
ence of mind, and actually took to hi
heels, and without rejecting on the
probable consequences of his act he re
ported the fact of his being fired on BY
the sentry, who was at once taken to tn,
guard-room. Next morning court
martial was convened, and the sentry
after having been charged with firing
on his superior, was asked what defens
he had to make. In few simple word
he explained that he had been placed OIL
duty at q certain spot, with strict order
not TO allow any one to pass withou
giving the countersign; that an officer
whom he now recognized to be the AID
ijutant, had endeavored to force pas