A SENTRY'S TRIAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 216, 10 September 1881, Page 4

A SENTRY'S TRIAL.

Just^ after the Franco-Prussian War, the adjutant-major of a certain corps d'infanterie, in order to test a new gentry who had been placed upon a responsible post, approached, and affecting to have forgotten the word, at leagth, bymeans of threats, prevailed on the ignorant soldier to allow him topasg without giving the word. This he immediately reported, the result being that the poor fellow was sentenced to be ehot, this decision fortunately being commuted to banishment to Algeria by influence brought to bear from high quarters. This adjutant-major at length met with a well-merited rebuff, as the following narrative— the dialogue of which we give in English— shows. Finding a newly-joined man placed on a similar duty, he determined to repeat h ; s former experiment. Fortunately, however, the sentry had already been warned by his comrades and was resolved not to bo outwitted. As the night wore on he observed the other approaching alone, lantern in hand, and at once challenged, "Who goes there ?" " Officer of the guard," at onco came I

the response. " Approach to the word, officer of the guard," continued the sentry. The officer, approaching, said, "I have forgotten the word, and you must let me finish my round without it." But, forewarned, the only reply made by the sentry was, "The word ; stand back, or I fire." " I have forgotten the word, I tell you," persisted the officer. " Can't pass without the -word," was the only answer made by the sentry, as he kept him at the bayonet's point. " You know me perfectly," insisted the officer, in a tone of chagrin, " I am your officer — your adjutant." " I don't know you. Keep back or I fire/' was the only reply rouchsafed him. " You dare not fire on your superior ; and, as it is, I will have you severely punished for thus detaining me from my duty." So saying, the officer seized hold of the bayonet, and endeavoured to force his way past the sentry. 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. Seizing hold of the muzzle of the rifle, he next endeavoured to wreßt it from the sentry's grasp. The sentry, being new to the corps, and knowing perfectly who hisopponemenl was, refrained 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 officer's ear, carrying with it a piece of his head-dress. Half stunned, and utterly confused by this unexpected turn of affairs, the officer lost his presence of mind, and actually took to his heels, and, without reflecting on the probable consequences of his act, he reported the fact of his being fired on by the sentry, who was immediately marched off to the guard-room a prisoner. Next morning a court-martial was convened, and the sentry, after having been charged with firing on his superior, was asked what defence he had to make. In a few simple words he explained that he had been placed on duty at a certain spot, with strict orders not to allow any one to pass without the countersign ; that an officer, whom he fully recognized to be the adjutant, had endeavoured to force past without giving the word, and on being prevented h»d seized his rifle which hsd gone off by accident. The adjutant-major, on being interrogated, could not but admit the truth of this statement, and the colonel, a severe but just disciplinarian, amid the cheers of those present, gave judgment as follows : " The adjutant will remain in his quarters during the next eight days, having unnecessarily endeavoured to cause a private to perform a breach of duty. The name of Private D will be entered on the ordres dujour, and remain there during the same period." This was equivalent to eight days' imprisonment for the officer and to the highest praise given to privates, the entry in the ordres dujoux being read to the assembled regiments at each morning parade, as follows : " Monsieur le Colonel compliments Private D — — on the zealous performance of duty under the most trying circumstances." This public rebuke to the officer had a salutary effect. However, to his credit be it eaid, he never attempted in any way to molest the sentry for his share in the affair.