New Recruit On His First Sentry Duty

 

The officer of the day, during his tour of duty paused to question a Sailor standing sentry duty who was a new recruit.

 

“If you should see an armed party approaching, what would you do?”

 

… asked the officer …

 

“Turn out the guard, sir.”

 

“Very well. Suppose you saw a battleship coming across the parade-ground, what would you do?”

 

“Report to the hospital for examination, sir!”

 

… was the prompt reply.