PADDY'S THREE ANSWERS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue 24, 25 July 1868, Page 5

PADDY'S THREE ANSWERS.

Frederick of Prussia had a great mania for enlisting gigantic soldiers into the Eoyal Guards, and paid an enormous bounty to his recruiting officers for getting them. One day the recruiting sergeant chanced to espy a Hibertiian, -who was at least seven feet high. He accosted him in English, and proposed that he should enlist 1 . The idea of military life and a large bounty so delighted Patrick, that he immediately consented. "But unless you can speak G-erman, the king will not give so much." " Och, bo jabers !" said the Irishman, " sure it's that— l don't know a word of German." "But said the sergeant, " three words will be sufficient, and these you can learn in a short time. The king* knows every man id the Guards. As soon as he sees you, he will ride up and ask how old you are? You will say • twenty-seven. Next, how long have you been in the service ? You must reply, * three weeks.' Finally, if you are provided with clothes and rations ? You answer ' both." Pat soon learned to pronounce his answers', but never dreamed of learning the questions'. In three weeks he appeared before the king in review. His Majesty rode up" to him: Paddy stepped forward with " present arms." " How old are yon ?'' said the king. " Three weeks," said the Irishman. " How long have you been in the service ? " asked the king. " Twenty-seven years.'' " Am I or you a fool?*' roared the king. "Both," replied Patrick, who was instantly taken to the guard-room, but pardoned by the king after he understood the facts of tha case.