SPEECH BETRAYED HIM.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 110, 19 November 1915, Page 1 (Supplement)

SPEECH BETRAYED HIM.

There used to be a certain stern old coioiu'l stationed at Aldershot who was a gi'eat stickler for all the officers being acquainted with the names and gynecologies of the various men of their troops. A well-known jovial cap. tain, who was never yet at a loss for a reply to any question asked him, was once put sublimely through his facings. "Captain Dash," said his superior officer, overlooking a posse of young recriuts, "what is this d*d where doe 6 he come from?" " His name's Brown, sir, and he is i native of Derbyshire," remarked the calm captain, prepared for any amount nf fabrication, but in reality not know, inj; one single point upon winch lie wn« likely to bo questioned. "And this man. what is bis name, and where was he born?" was the next inquiry- . , . , , , , "Ob, bis names Smith, and lies .; native of Devon,'' answered the plunging captain, as eooly as though he were tell ing the truth. "Of Devon," repealed the colonel. "Dear me! niv own native place. So, mv man"- -addressing the grinning recruit—"you are actually from Iwvon?" , i i n. "Faix, vis. ver honour; and t.roiii jfc, „ grand place inDoirely, so it is. was the reply. Tho colonel fell bark very much astonished, and Captain Dash had to see him biter on iu private.