On the Parade-ground
A squadron of cavalry was drilling for a review, which was to be held shortly. The Prince, riding past, looked on. An attack was executed which closed with a jump across a ditch. One rider fell with his horse and rolled into the ditch. The Prince rode up, asked the man if he was hurt, gave him a ten mark piece, and rode slowly away.
“Sergeant,” called the Captain, “give that fellow three days in the guard-house!”
Hearing this, the Prince rode up to the Captain and said:
“Could not you let the poor devil off for once?”
“Your Highness,” returned the Captain frankly, “if you give to every soldier who falls, a ten mark piece, my whole squadron will be in the ditch to-morrow.”