The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-11-09
THKE SENTINEL.
a Wtsy AdJutaze Major Caught In Hls
Own Trap.
chambers Journal.

Jutant Major OF q certain corps of Infantry,
il order to test a new sentry, who had been
placed upon 9 responsible post, approached
and, affecting to have forgotten the word, at
length, By means Of threats, prevailed On
the Ignorant soldier to allow him to pass
without giving the word. This he immedi-
ately reported, the result being that the poor
young fellow was sentenced TO be shot, this
decision fortunately being committed to ban
ishment to Algeria by influence brought to
bear from high quarters. The Adjutant Ma
jor at length met with u we'll merited rebuff,
as the following narrative, the dialogue Of
which We give in Euglish-shoWs. Finding
q newly joined man placed on q similar po-
sition, be determined to repeat bis expert
ment. Fortunately, however, the sentinel
had already been warned by his. comrades
and had resolved not to be outWitted. AS
night wore on be observed the officer ap-
preaching alone, lantern in hand. 'sWho
goes there q "Oncer Of the guard !" at
once came the response. stApproach to the
word, officer Of the guard continued the
sentry. The officer approaching, said II
have forgotten the word, and you must let
me finish my round without it, But fore
warned, the only reply the sentinel made
was 1.-The word Stand back, or I fire !"
Z have forgotten the word, ! tell you,' per
sisted the officer. Cant pass without the
word, = was the only answer made BY the
sentry, 80 be kept him at bayenet's point.
You know me perfectly, insisted the Off
cer in q tone of chagrin. Il am your
officer-your Adjutant." 81 don't know
you. Keep back Or I fire." was the only re-
ply youchsafed him. ''You dare not fire on,
your superior officer and, as it is, / shall
have you severely punished for thus detain-
ing me from my duty" So saying the Off
Ger seized hold Of the, bayonet and endeaV-
ored to force his way past. The sentry once
again shouting, s''Stand back" drew away
the bayonet and made IS il to charge the
officer. Stepping back the clcer drew his
sword and came on again, but was instantly
disarned by tbs soldier. Selling hold Of the
nauzzle Of the rifle, he next a~ndeavOred to
Wrest II from the sentry's grasp. The sentry
being new TO the corps, and knowing per
fectly who bis opponent was, refrained from
firing, not knowing what the consequence
might be Of firing on his superior, even if
the pass had been refused. In the struggle,
however, the rifle went off and the bullet
Whizzed past the officers ear, carrying with
~ q n;aan IF Esc hanl 1waca =@ EI.1f o4ro.,cS
and utterly confused BY this unexpected turn
OF affairs, the officer lost his presence OF
mind and actually took to his heels, and
without rejecting upon the aprobsble! conse-
quence Of his act he reported the fact Of his
being fired upon BY the sentry, who was i'm
mediately marched off to the guard-room a
prisoner. Nextmorning q court martial was
convened, and the sentry, after having been
charged with firing N his superior, was
asked what defense he had to make. In a |
few simple words he explained that he had
been placed on duty at q certain post, with
strict orders not to allow any one to pass
without giving the countersign that an off,
Ger whom he now recognized as the Adjutant
had e~ndeayored to force past without giving
the pass, and on being prevented had seized
his rifle which had been discharged by acct
dent. The Adjutant Major on being %interro-
gated could not but admit the truth Of this
statement, and the Colonel, a severe but Just
disciplinarian, amid the cheers Of those pres
ent, gave judgment as follows: ssThe Ad-
jutant will remain in his quarters during the
next eight days, having unnecessarily caused
private to perform a breach Of duty. The
Of private D. will be catered on
he ordres du jour, and remain their during
he same period" This was equivalent to
days imprisonment to the officer and to
he highest praise given to privates, the entry
d the ordres duj Jour being read to the as
embed regiment at each morning parade
s follows: "Monsieur le Colonel compli-
nents Private D-- on the Jealous per
ormance Of duty under the most trying cir
umstances.' This public rebuke to the
ncer had q saIutary effect. However, to
is credit be it said, he never attempted in
ny way to modest the sentry for his share in
be affair.
a YIeIOns Remeay.
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