A CROW STORY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1062, 1 February 1883, Page 1

A CROW STORY.

The following interesting story is told in Harper’s Magazine :—A regiment of the United States army was quartered near the Niagara Palls, One of the privates, who was notorious for getting into scrapes, asked and obtained leave to go for a day’s shooting. He was returning, after a poor day’s sport, when he saw a crow perched on a tree within easy range. The temptation was not to be withstood. He shot the bird, which fell almost at his feet. He was not aware that it was a tame crow, belonging to an old general, who had been an unseen spectator of the death of his pet. The general determined to be revenged. Coming forward in a friendly manner, he said to the soldier, ‘ You’ve got a fine gun then-.’ ‘ Yes ’ was the reply ‘that’s just the neatest double-barrelled gnu in the diggings,’ and he handed it to the General. The latter put the barrel that was still loaded at full cock, and then pointed it at the soldier, telling him that, as he bad shot his pet he must eat it. The, soldier explained, and begged, and prayed to be let off, but all to m> purpose. The general told him he must cat the crow or die. Satisfied that there was no help for him, the soldier shut his eyes and began his meal of carrion ■

After he hail succeeded in swallowing a few mouthfuls, the general told him that he might leave the rest and go, and gave him back Ids gun. No sooner had he done so than ihesoldkr presented the loaded gun at him and told him ho must finish the crow or (Ik. The general raged and stamped, and swore, but it was of no avail. Tim soh'ier made him eat the rest of the crow. The next day he went to the colonel of the regiment and told him that he had been grossly insulted by one of his men. fie gave the colonel a description of the offender, whom an orderly was immediately sent to bring. When the soldier was brought in the colonel asked him, I Do you know this gentleman V ‘ Yes,’ replied the soldier, ‘we are slightly acquainted. We dined together yesterday.’ The general was so much amused at the witty impertinence that he hurst out laughing, and asked the colonel to let the nian go, as he heartily forgave him.