Page 198 - TRWRR 8-6-2016_Neat

The Red Well-Read Reader

Story 357

A Dishonorable Refusal

The idler mused over whether to join the Navy, but
refused fearing his talents would be misused and his body
abused.

He said, "Sergeant, your promise to travel the world is
just a ruse. Surely I would get an ocean cruise, but as to
where . . . I couldn't choose. Besides, Navy work is hard
and I wouldn't get my daily afternoon snooze, and I hate
G.I. 3.2 booze. And the Navy – having so many do's and
don'ts – might cause me to blow my fuse, start a fight and
even get a bruise. I'd seldom get any hometown news, and
before long I'd be singing the blues.

"Sorry, Sarge, but I am simply not a bit enthused. Find
someone with just half a brain to lose, someone who's just
dying to pay mortal dues !"

-178-