GOVERNMENT
PROPERTY? SURE!
Jim belonged to a
detachment which had been brought from the city to guard a certain bridge
somewhere in ---------. And Jim was some sentry. In less than two days he was
in the guard house for leaving his post and becoming engaged in a fist battle
with a fellow private. Inasmuch as Jim had emerged victorious it was quite
natural that the sergeant should inflict upon him the heavier punishment. For a
long time the prisoner asserted that he was simply carrying out his general orders.
The officer found out that a pretty girl was at the bottom of the affair and
was puzzled to know what she had to do with Jim’s general orders. Under a
threat of severer punishment Jim was induced to speak.
“General order number
one, sir,” said Jim.
The sergeant nodded.
“It tells me to guard
all government property in view, sir, does it not?”
The officer was
forced to acknowledge the truth of the statement.
“Well, sir, this guy
here was bothering Miss ----- against her will. She had a date with me when my
time was up.”
“Well, how does that
clear you?” snapped the sergeant.
“General order number
one, sir; she’s the post-master’s daughter!”
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