Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 April 1919 — STEAK HONORED WITH SALUTE [ARTICLE]

STEAK HONORED WITH SALUTE

Acts of Mexican Soldiers Drew Witty Epigram From Imprisoned British Soldier. Col. I. Tbord-Gray, an “old-timer” of the British army, now chief of intelligence with the Canadian expeditionary force in Siberia, once was arrested in Hermosilla, Sonora, Mexico, .where he joined the constitutional revolutionists, with whom he later served as a cavalry commander. The arrest was an error, but Gray didn’t know it, neither did the Mexican captnin in charge of an adobe house which served as a military jail. Colonel Gray demanded food after an elapse of 12 hours. He was brought a piece of half-raw steak wrapped In butcher’s paper—no plate, knife or fork. With an oath, the Britisher threw the steak, paper and all, out of doors. The guard, a squad of West Coast Indians, was lined up on either side of the entrance. The Mexican soldier, like the horse, excels at sleeping while standing. As the steak and brown paper rustled by the guard awoke, and each man presented arms. The prisoner finally got word to a friend, who arrived soon after with ft fine meal and a bottle of champagne. The wine had been much jostled in the carriage, and when the wire was out the cork popped out with a noise like a pistol shot and the champagne was sprayed up to the ceilihg. At this the guard at the door awoke the second time, and each man stepped back and threw a cartridge into the barrel of his Mauser. “The Mexican makes the best soldier in the world—when he is asleep.” said Gray, “always ready to give honors to a piece of steak or battle with a bottle of wine.”