The Prussian Officer

"Schöner!" he said.

The soldier was a little slower in coming to attention.

"Yes, sir!" The youth stood before him, with pathetic young moustache, and fine eyebrows very distinct on his forehead of dark marble. "I asked you a question."

"Yes, sir." The officer's tone bit like acid. "Why had you a pencil in your ear?"

Again the servant's heart ran hot, and he could not breathe. With dark, strained eyes, he looked at the officer, as if fascinated. And he stood there sturdily planted, unconscious. The withering smile came into trie Captain's eyes, and he lifted his foot. "I---I forgot it--sir," panted the soldier, his dark eyes fixed on the other man's dancing blue ones.