HE HAD BACKBONE | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Dec 27, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 52.

HE HAD BACKBONE.

Not all boys would have done as did Harry Shepler, who was in the signal service. Harry was ordered one morning, by a sergeant, to report for duty at the canteen. He refused to do so, and the sergeant threatened to report him to the officer of the day. "All right," said Shepler, "go ahead. I did not enlist to be a bartender, but a soldier, and I will not report at the canteen." He was duly reported to the major, who sent for him. Shepler went with trembling knees, but with a steady heart, for he knew he was right. When he came before the major, that officer said to him:

"Are you the young man who disobeyed orders this morning?"

"Yes, sir; I am."

"Why did you do it?"

"Simply because I do not believe it is right to do what I was asked to do. I enlisted to be a soldier, and not a bartender."

The major arose quickly from his stool, and, extending his hand, said:

"Shepler, you are the kind of man we want. I am glad to see a fellow who has the courage of his convictions. You are not obliged to report to the canteen."