§ 156 Openings in the Higher Branches
Fourth of July was supposed to be a holiday in a certain garrison of the regular army out West, but a grizzled old sergeant named Kelly, in charge of the guard house, had his own ideas about this holiday notion. After breakfast he ordered all his prisoners to line up outside their prison quarters, and he made a short speech:
“There is no doubt in me own mind,” he said, “but that a good many of you men should not be prisoners at all. You’ve neglected your opportunities, that’s all. Some here has had educations and should make good company clerks. Maybe there’s some others amongst you who’d like to be company barbers and earn a little money on the side.”
A murmur of assent ran through the lines.
“Now, thin,” went on Sergeant Kelly, “all you men who are educated or who think ye cud learn to do paper work, step two paces to the front.”
About half of the prisoners came forward.
“Now, thin, all who’d like to learn the barberin’ business advance two paces.”
All save two moved toward him with alacrity.
The sergeant addressed the remaining pair:
“What did the two of you do before you joined the army?” he asked.