Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 200, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 September 1917 — A New Place for Orderlies. [ARTICLE]

A New Place for Orderlies.

There is evidence that life in the army has its humorous side even in war time. In a story that recently wqnt the rounds of the English press, a newly appointed officer who was making his first visit to the mess, with the usual inquiry of “any complaints?” arrived at one mess somewhat earlier than he was expected, and the orderly of the day, being taken by surprise, and in his shirt sleeves, diyed under the table to save a reprimand. “Any complaints?’’ : cer. The corporal, grasping the situation at once, answered for the absent orderly. “None, sir.” “Who is this?” asked the officer, suddenly catching sight of the orderly under the table. The corporal again rose to the situation. “Orderly of the day, sir,” he answered. “Oh I” said the officer, and passed on. The next mess was quite prepared, with the orderly, spick and span, standing at attention at the head of the table. “Any complaints?” “None, sir,” answered the orderly. The officer looked him well over. “And who are you?” he asked. “Orderly of the day, sir?” “Then why the dickens aren’t you under the table?” was the unexpected retort.