In a Tight Place.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 21 May 1891, Page 2

In a Tight Place.

During the time the late Charles Bradlaugh was a soldier, he found himself in some awkward positions. It is related that at one time he was orderly-room clerk, and a newly arrived young officer came into the room where he was sitting at work, and addressed to him some discourteous order. Private Bradlaugh took no notice. The order was repeated with an oath. Still no movement. Then it came again and with some foul words added. The young soldier rose, drew himself to his full height, and, walking up to the officer bade him leave the room, or he would throw him out. The officer went, but in a few moments the grounding of muskets was heard outside, the door opened, and the Colonel walked in, accompanied by the officer. It was clear that the private soldier had committed an act for which he might be court-martialled, and as he said once, " I felt myself in a tight place." The officer made his accusation, and Private Bradlaugh was bidden to explain. He asked that the officer should state the exact words in whjeh he had addressed him, and the officer who had, after all, a touch of honour in him, gave the offensive sentence, word for woid. Then Private Bradlaugh said addressing his Colonel, that the officer's memory must be at fault in the whole matter, as he could not have used language so unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. The Colonel turned to the officer with the ■ remark. ' • I think Private Bradlaugh is right-; there mmt be some mistake," and he left the room.