The War Romance of the Salvation ArmyHill, Grace Livingston
History
The War Romance of the Salvation Army
Hill, Grace Livingston
World War, 1914-1918 -- War work -- Salvation Army
She was hard at work when her secretary appeared with an air of
reluctance to tell her that the elevator man said there were three
ladies waiting downstairs to see her on some very important business.
He had told them that she could not be disturbed but they insisted that
they must see her, that she would wish it if she knew their business.
He had come up to find out what he should answer them.
The Commander said she knew nothing about them and could not be
interrupted now. They must be told to come again the next day.
The elevator man returned in a few minutes to say that the ladies
insisted, and said they had a great gift for the Salvation Army, but
must see the Commander at once and alone or the gift would be lost.
Quickly interested the Commander gave orders that they should be
brought up to her office, but just as they were about to enter, the
secretary came in again with great excitement, begging that she would
not see the visitors, as one of the men from downstairs had ’phoned up
to her that he did not like the appearance of the strangers; they
seemed to be trying to talk in high strained voices, and they had very
large feet. Maybe they were not women at all.
The Commander laughed at the idea, but finally yielded when another of
her staff entered and begged her not to see strangers alone so late at
night; and the callers were informed that they would have to return in
the morning if they wished an interview.
Immediately they became anything but ladylike in their manner,
declaring that the Salvation Army did not deserve a gift and should
have nothing from them. The elevator man’s suspicions were aroused. The
ladies were attired in long automobile cloaks, and close caps with
large veils, and he studied them carefully as he carried them down to
the street floor once more, following them to the outer door. He was
surprised to find that no automobile awaited them outside. As they
turned to walk down the street, he was sure he caught a glimpse of a
trouser leg from beneath one of the long cloaks, and with a stride he
covered the space between the door and his elevator where was a
telephone, and called up the police station. In a few moments more the
three “ladies” found themselves in custody, and proved to be three men
well armed.
But when the Commander was told the truth about them she surprisingly
said: “I’m sorry I didn’t see them. I’m sure they would have done me no
harm and I might have done them some good.”
But if she is courageous, she is also wise as a serpent, and knows when
to keep her own counsel.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account