古德明《征服英语》之英语军事故事，古德明，香港英语教育作家，他开了一个《征服英语专栏》，在专栏中专门用英语写了世界近代史上的军事小故事，用英语讲述历史中那些惊心动魄的战争。
但有进,不有退
in britain's war with france, previous to the revolution in that country, an english drummer, not more than 15 years of age, wandered from his camp too near the french lines. he was seized, and brought before the french commander.
the commander asked who he was. he answered,"a drummer in the english service." unconvinced, the commander sent for a drum, and asked him to beat a couple of marches, which he accordingly did.
the commander's suspicion being not quite removed, he desired the drummer to beat a retreat."a retreat, sir?" replied the youthful briton."i don't know what that is."
this answer so pleased the commander that he dismissed the drummer, and wrote to his general, commending his spirited behaviour.
