REAL GALLANTRY.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 12, 15 January 1916, Page 7

REAL GALLANTRY.

"One French infantrym'an, who had lost his kit and his Company, came upon a young German s oldier, similarly lost, but very much better equipped. He was sitting on a fallen, log by the roadside, this young German, eating a full meal from his bulging knapsack —a beautiful, brand-new knapsack of red cowhide. The Frenchman coveted this knapsack above all things. So he rushed for the German and bowled him over in the mud. They fought on the ground, and in the end the Frenchman won. He claimed the Ger<man as his prisoner, but let him go on the condition of the rich ransom of his cowhide kit and its contents. In the knapsack, in addition to the ordinary necessaries of a soldier, were many strange things, some of -which very much surprised the simple French Tommy into whoe hands this previous loot had fallen. They included a new set of safety shaving ■ appliances, a small silver-rimmed mirror, 'a scent-spray, a manicure set, and a natty little pocket brush and comb. The Frenchman, though simple, was polite ,as all French soldiers. He bowed to his beaten enemy. " 'Mademoiselle,' said he, 'I must apologise for my treatment of you. I was not aware that 'I was fighting a lady!'"