Page:St. Nicholas (serial) (IA stnicholasserial321dodg).pdf/252

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was a boy of about seventeen be was sent to a military academy, In this school the boys had to work very hard, but they were allowed one day each week when they could play to their hearts’ content for twelve hours, on the condition that they would act as gentlemen.

On one of these holidays, Kuropatkin was strolling down the street, when he saw two of his school friends grab the contents of a small candy-shop and run away with them.

The next day while the boys were at their lessons the candy merchant came in and complained. The head officer asked him to pick out the two boys. But, alas! the poor little candy-seller had been too frightened to notice the thieves! faces. All he knew was that two boys wearing the uniform of the school had robbed him, and that a third had seen them do it. In despair the officer sent him away and turned toward the school.

“Boys,” he said, “you have all heard this story. Now I am going to ask of you three questions, which I want you to answer truthfully.” And then, beginning with the first row of expectant boys, he asked each one these questions:

“Did you steal the candy?

“Did you help steal the candy?

“Did you see the others steal the candy?”

They all answered no until it came to Kuropatkin. He denied having done the first two things, but he answered yes to the third. Then, getting up from his seat, he saluted his teacher.

“Sir,” he said, “I know who did the robbery, for I saw them do it, but I shall not tell you. They have already denied any knowledge of the affair. Now," and his voice rang out clear and true, “let them stand up and confess, and be Russians and be men.” ‘Then, saluting again, he stepped back to his place.

A murmur of applause ran through the room, and during it the two culprits stood up and acknowledged their guilt.

After this incident Kuropatkin was treated as a hero by all his friends.