Chinese Merry Tales (1909)/Military Examinations

Chapter XXIV.—Military Examinations. (武弁夜巡.)

THERE was a military officer on duty at night who arrested a prisoner prowling about in the dark. The thief called himself a student, and said: "I was in a friend's house doing some literary work. It was far in the night when we parted; hence we were late in coming home." The officer said: " Since you are scholar, allow me to examine you." The scholar replied: " All right, will you kindly issue a subject that I may show my ignorance." The military officer cogitated for a long time, and could not think of anything, so he said: "Begone; it is your good luck to-day that I have no subject to give."