Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1896-11-02
INyOLUNTARILY 4 HERO.
Two Pieces of Hot Ham Win Honor
ana Prom otion in war.

n l. Ollbu OluC6I, uOW ucdu, WIN
came to the United States soon
after the Russians suppressed the
Polish instruction under General
Chlopicki, in 1881, used to tell
with n UGH zest the story of his
promotion from the ranks, says a
writer in the Youths Companion.
He was private of cavalry when
Chlopicki's retreat began. The
troops had made a weary night
march, and were in bivouac for
breakfast when scouts brought
word that they were almost sur
rounded by Russian force. In
stantly the Poles hurried to their
saddles, mounted and sought
way of escape.
The young cavalryman had
been boiling some pieces of ham
for himself in a camp kettle.
Anxious to "save his bacon" he
dumped the half boiled meat into
his saddle-ba and joined his
com panions. Two minutes later
his horse became FESTIVE, at
most inopportune moment, for on
surmounting a ridge the Poles
had found themselves confronted
by Russian force of infantry.
There was but one thing to be
done. The Russian line must be
broken through at once. 1t was
being rapidly re. enforced. If
the Poles should fail to cut their
way out at the first charge they
must all he captured.
On they rushed at the order to
charge, and now our young
troopers horse had become fairly
frantic and quite uncomfortable.
He sprang away far in advance
Of the charging line. The rider,
determining to make the best
fight he could, swung his saber,
took a stronger grip with his
knees, and gazed hard at the face
Of the Russian he expected to be
launched against,
Just then volley hurled into
the charging line, but the fore
most horse and rider escaped I'M
harmed. A few moments and they
were upon the enemy. Usually a
horse refuses to leap at bayonets,
but this one jumped furiously at
the kneeling front rank, and such
was the momentum and fury of
the beast that the Russians just in
his front lost nerve, broke, and
gave him entrance.
Through the gap thus made
other Poles sprang moment
later. Striking right and left
they widened the breach, and in
ten seconds the Russian infantry
was demoralized. The Poles es-
capped with slight loss, and it was
not long before the young-,eader
quoted his steed, disnl.oupted and
found a chance 20 examine his
hale sos,iea nam.
II A few hours later the Polish
general Of cavalry rode up to the
Captain of the troop that had so
distinguished itself, complimented
him and said: "By the way,
Captain, who was that splendid
young officer that led you all imp"
" He wasn't an officer; that was
only one of my boys"
/" Not an officer! May the bull
lets strike me if | don't make him
one! Call him out here at once
The General shook hands with
the youth, promoted him to a lieu.
tenancy then and there, and gave
him a place on his staff.
Some days later, when the Cap
tain called at headquarters, he
sought out the new Lieutenant
whom he found dolefully con
templating his unsaddled horse
which had a huge, raw sore or
each side.
What on earth is the matter
with your horse ?" asked the Cap
tain.
Oh, nothing much"
But what made those terrible
sores ?"
/" The same thing that made me
a lieutenant" said the hero. "A
big chunk of hot ham in each sad
die bag; but, for the love of the
saints, don't tell the general o.
the boys"