A Novel Password.

Waikato Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2084, 14 November 1885, Page 2 (Supplement)

A Novel Password.

DrniNfi a recent campaign, the pickets of a pertain regiment found considerable difficulty in preventing the men from Absenting thempelves without leave— a circumstance for tbe Urge contingent of pretty girls of the town —(■mall blame to them— were chiefly accountable. One particularly sultry evening, while the rentinels were pacing their beats with their tongues fairly hanging out of their mouths with beat, and wondering whether the pirates in the mess tent would drink every last drop of beer before the " relief" cam?, one of tbe gturdft- observed a private approaching, who was staggering along under tbe combined load of much conviviality and an enormous watermelon under each arm. 11 Who Roes there ?" " Friend," responded the truant. "Advance, friend, and give tbe counterifgn." 'Hain't got no countersign," amiably replied the private \ " but I'll give yer— er— a warmellin 1" Pretty soon the oflicer of the day came round and said to the sentinel, who was absorbed in munching a huge piece of watermelon stuck on tbo end of bis bayonet— " Did Perkins pass ycu just now ?" •• Ycc, sir." " Did he give you the countersign ?" inquired the lieutenant, taking a bite as the man presented arras. " Well, no," said the sentinel, confidently. " The password wai " Cholera," but be said " Watermelon," so I parsed him and put the other half in your tent." " Did. eb ?'' mused the cllicer. " Hum I watermelon, eb ?" Well, I suppose that was near enough! '