Mr. Smith, the personnel officer : a novel

Front matter

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Copyright N° hi

COPYRIGHT DEPCSrr.

Chapter I. Leaving For Camp

There are days when our natural environment is so perfect that we may sit for hours dreaming dreams and seeing visions. It was such a day in the little county seat village of Bentonville in the purple-topped hills of the Ozarks. Circuit Court had adjourned the previous week and with the passing of the chief event of the season the people returned to their accustomed walks of life while the lawyers sat idle waiting for another term of court.

As they sat in the May sunshine and discussed the events of the past court there was continually heard the name of the young deputy prosecuting attorney. This young lawyer was a rare subject for discussion because he had come from another state and in a short time won a place for which custom said an “outsider” must work for years. Many and various opinions were expressed. Suddenly the discussion was terminated by the appearance of the young lawyer in person. Quickly the conversation was changed to the all important and always interesting subject, the war. This seemed to be the subject always uppermost in the young lawyer’s mind and he was always eager to say and do something for the Allies.

In fact his eagerness was so marked that it began to be whispered that “He is anxious for others to go. Why don’t he enlist himself?” Others said, “He is intending to get an easy place at home.” One wise lawyer even predicted that he was working to get to be a personnel officer and get to stay in the United States and use his influence for political advancement after the war.

How happy we are when we do so much work for good that we never have time to listen to what gossip has to say. Such was the life of Jewell Black, deputy prosecuting attorney. Though daily idlers weighed him in the balance and oft-times adjudged him lacking, he never ceased working for the Allies and never knew of the criticism.

On May 9th, 1917, gossip had something to work on. The news was passed from mouth to mouth that the deputy prosecuting attorney had resigned. Close on that followed the sure fact that he had closed his law office. Gossip would have had a fertile field if an irate mother had not seen Black crossing the street and stopped to tell him what she thought of him for persuading her son to join the Navy.

Always when this fond mother defended her son there was something interesting. For this reason the town people gathered around to witness the onslaught. After the terrific bombardment there was a lull and the cool attorney answered. In place of resentment there was sympathy. In the place of anger there was sadness and love. He told her that it was best for some to suffer and die that the world might be free. Then he drew from his pocket an order directing him to report at Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia, to the first officers' training camp. He explained that he had only a little time to report and that he must return to his home in Tennessee and bid farewell to his people, possibly for ever. How different the scene from that anticipated as that mother bade farewell to the young attorney and bid him God-speed as he went to join the Army. The true heart of the American woman gained the ascendancy and she asked him to write to her.

The first boys were leaving for the camps. The war had become a reality. Mothers, fathers, wives, and sweethearts all forsook their ordinary course and lent their energy and time to help win the war.

Our one time irate mother got so busy with Red Cross and other war work that she forgot her selfish interest in her son and gave her time for the good of all.

We can well guess the course of the young attorney for the next few days by reading letters which are now among the most valued treasures of a one time irate mother.

Dear Mrs. Holmes:

After spending a few hours with my parents

and friends in , Tennessee, I am leaving

for the camp.

The spirit of Tennessee is right. Instead of wanting me to stay at home my people wanted me to go. Was so proud of my father as he said, “The Volunteer State has never known dishonor. Do your bit; it matters not how small. You should be proud to go from the state of James K. Polk, Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnston.” Mother said, “Your forefathers fought for the South. Now you can fight for both the North and South and all humanity. I want you to go and do whatever they want you to do. Don't try to promote yourself beyond what you deserve but hold your country first.”

Will write later. Do all you can for the Red Cross and the Y. M. C. A.

Yours very truly,

JEWELL BLACK.

In a few days this note followed :

Dear Mrs. Holmes:

Just to let you know that I talked to your son's immediate commander and to tell you that I learned he is making a record and will be heard from in this war.

Yours very truly,

JEWELL BLACK.

Chapter II. Mutual First Love

On the morning of May 12th Black arrived at Chattanooga, Tennessee. From there Ft. Oglethorpe was soon reached by automobile.

Already the men from Tennessee and the Carolinas were arriving. All was bustle and hurry. There was no time to lose. As soon as men arrived they were organized into companies and began to learn the elements of drill. Among a hundred and fifty others Black was assigned to the 15th company.

When the first week's work was over many of the men went to Lookout and Signal Mountains to spend the day at ease. Some remained at camp, while others went to Chattanooga. Black, in company with four members of his company, hired a car and went to look over the park and old battle ground.

These were red-blooded young Americans. No wonder they felt pride and ambition as they stood where their fathers stood in the sixties and read on monuments the deeds of the fallen brave. Thus passed away the day before they realized it. Passes did not expire until 11 p. m., but they wished to be at camp to stand retreat at 5:30. With this in view they started for the camp.

The sun was low in the west. The air became cool as the breeze came down the valley from off the mountains. The road was clear and they drove as fast as they could to reach the camp for retreat. Just as they came in sight of the flag the first note of the bugle sounded. Suddenly the car stood still and five young student officers sprang out and stood at attention saluting the flag.

As the last note sounded and they turned to enter the car they saw the hand of a young lady snap to her side as she went about arranging some wreaths at the foot of a monument. Proverbially the soldier is gallant. Even a civilian personnel officer would have been attracted by the girl who was the object of their admiration. Quietly she went about her endeavors, apparently not noticing the enraptured soldiers. For some time she toyed with the flowers. Then after they were properly arranged she stood and looked at them. The sun cast its lingering rays on the tree tops. The still of the approaching night came on. Yet she stood and gazed at the flowers and the monument. As if held by enchantment five young student officers stood and gazed at Eolene Norvill. Tears dimmed two soulful eyes. A dainty handkerchief brushed those tears away. Then as if by a mighty determination she stood erect, her eyes flashed fire and upon her countenance was written victory. As if speaking to those fallen braves she said, “Here lie brave men, I will maintain their honor.” Turning she saw the young student officers.

The shades of night were falling fast. None had noticed the passing of time. Realizing her loneliness and the hour, she slightly shuddered. Then she seemed to realize that she was with future members of the U. S. Army and became confident. As five gallant men stepped forward, she was at ease.

As if she must tell some one she said, “This is the monument erected to my grandfather who was a Federal major of artillery. He stood here in the thickest of the battle until h } was wounded, never yielding an inch. He was carried to a hospital where he died. If there had been sufficient nurses he would have lived. Today I have promised him that I will forsake all and become a trained nurse.”

In answer to their request that they see her safely home she said, “Before the war is over your life may be in my hands. Now my means of reaching home I trust to you.”

It is a wonderful drive from Ft. Oglethorpe to

Chattanooga. The hand of man has aided nature to make it beautiful. When Eolene Norvill’s grandfather as a major of artillery with an Ohio battalion marched along this road it was a wilderness. Then officers rode horses or jolted along on caissons, while now there is a steady flow of cars along hard graded roads.

Romance plays a part in the life of all. Cupid is oft-times busy even while the greatest things in life are transpiring. Surely love is a gift of the gods to those fortunate ones who are destined to be happy.

Happy are those who love at first sight and don’t have to learn to love. Happiest are those who love with a love that is lasting.

The young love blindly. There is no speculation as to the future. There is no fear of failure in life. There is no considering inheritance and influence. Fond parents oft-times play a part in which gold outweighs love.

The drive was altogether too short for Jewell and Eolene. Why, they could not have told. Yet they lived to find out.

When Eolene said, “Here is where I live. I must hurry in for fear mother is uneasy;” the heart of Jewell felt its first ache. This home is a mansion on the main street of the city. Then Jewell remembered that his home was a farm house in Tennessee. Yet love will attempt to surmount all barriers. Quietly they walked up the beautiful walk to the door and each paused as if wishing to say something. Then as blunt as a school boy Jewell asked, “May I call to see you Sunday evening? Sunday is the only day we can leave camp.” For a moment she hesitated, then answered, “No,” and turned towards the door. Turning again she said, “I feel that I want to explain. I have not entered society. Consequently no boy has ever called to see me. Mother believes in parents selecting girls’ friends.”

Without another word they parted. Yet that night a young student officer lay awake and thought. And when he fell asleep he saw soft brown eyes and wavy brown hair above a sweet face. Likewise in the mind of Eolene there lingered the vision of a young officer with grey eyes and a classical forehead.

Chapter III. Conflicting Plans

True love stirs ambition. With true love there are dreams of a home and children to support. Black worked as never before. His days and nights were spent preparing to make a name for himself, fighting the battles of his country. Yet in all his dreams Eolene played a part.

Thus passed away the week. Then Sunday and rest came. With rest there comes thought and oft-times loneliness. This is especially true with the young and those who have been away from home and loved ones but little.

How different were the scenes at the Norvill mansion. When Eolene entered the house after leaving Jewell, her mother met her in the hall. Mothers' eyes are quick to read the mind and heart of their children. Eolene was greeted with, “So you have disobeyed me for the first time in life and have been out riding with soldiers." An explanation followed but to no avail. The mother knew the secret and determined that it should not be.

Calling her daughter to her side Mrs. Norvill said, “Daughter! Ours is an old and honored family. We have kept it so by selecting suitable husbands for our daughters. I had thought of having you enter society for a few years and then selecting you a suitable husband. Today I have changed my mind. Mr. Scanlin Smith, of Massachusetts, has seen your father and me and we have arranged for your marriage in six months. In the meantime you will enter society and have a good time.”

For a moment Eolene stood as if unable to speak. Then she said, “I have always obeyed you and believed you knew best. I have never met Mr. Smith and don’t know whether I will love him or not. I don’t think I can love him.” Then as if fearful lest she should betray her secret, she tried to change the conversation. However, Mrs. Norvill was not to be thwarted and said, “I think you should know something about your husband and also something about these uncertain times and make your future certain.” Drawing her daughter to her side Mrs. Norvill said, “Daughter, Mr. Smith belongs to a very wealthy and influential family. He has great political influence. His people can get him any place he likes in the Government service during this war. Many men must be killed. So we must be careful and select a husband who has influence enough to stay in the United States. Here, daughter, is his picture. What do you think of him ?”

Eolene glanced at the picture, then at her mother. As if determined to make no comment she returned the picture, rose and walked out in the flower garden.

The heart of Eolene was sorely tried. For an hour she stood among the flowers as if dazed and not knowing what to do or say. On one side there was love. She knew nothing more. She knew nothing of Jewell's family and wealth. On the other side there was her training from childhood, her parents’ council, the precedence set by forefather and what was termed a “suitable husband.”

Eolene was called from her reverie by her mother saying, “Come in the house. Have just received a telegram from Mr. Smith that he will be here Sunday.” The preparations at the Norvill mansion began at once and continued throughout the week. Yet Eolene seemed to be undecided as to what to do or say. Sunday came bright and clear. It was a lovely May day. At three o’clock, the appointed hour, a limousine stopped in front of the Norvill mansion and a man stepped out, while from a window a girl watched for a first glance at her parents’ selection for a husband.

The introduction by Mrs. Norvill was short and business like. After a few minutes Mr. Smith said he wanted to see some one at Ft. Oglethorpe and suggested that they drive out. Presently Mr. Norvill joined the group and they were soon speeding down the beautiful road to the camp.

Mr. Norvill had always somewhat disagreed with his wife concerning the sel r ction of a husband for their only daughter. Some way he believed in the old theory of marrying for love.

When the group arrived at the tower Mr. Norvill suggested that they climb it and view the old battle field. Then he led his wife to a nearby seat while Mr. Smith and Eolene climbed the tower.

Money, power, and influence make some selfconfident as well as destroying consideration for others. On reaching the top of the tower Mr. Smith said, “I consider myself very fortunate in getting into the good graces of your parents. I think you will make a very suitable wife.” There being no answer he continued, “I am so glad I belong. Look at those poor fellows down there practicing signalling. Some of them must be killed. I shudder at the thought. I don't know what I would do if my people didn't have the influence to keep me at home.” As if awakened from a dream, Eolene turned and said, “What?

are you not going into the service?” To which Mr. Smith answered, “Yes, in a way. You see I will have to do something. However, don't be alarmed. My people have arranged for me to be a personnel officer. There is no danger in the world. I will come back to you. In fact I will never leave the best cities in the United States. I won't even be in the Army. I won't have to wear a uniform. I will be a civilian personnel officer.''

While Mr. Smith was talking Eolene was apparently listening. However she heard only in part. She was watching a familiar young student officer far down the parade ground signalling to another and she deciphered, “I want to go to France.''

Suddenly Eolene sprang to her feet and hissed the words, “You coward! Would you stay at home and as a personnel officer decide where and when others shall go while you are afraid to go? Until you join the forces and offer your services to fight I spurn you from my presence.'' She quickly descended the tower.

The tell-tale story was written on Eolene's face and detected by the quick eye of the parents. Before any one found words to speak Mr. Smith had descended the tower and appeared in a rage before the Norvills.

In a towering rage Mr. Smith began. “I know what is wrong. I saw the expression on her face as from the tower she watched that student officer signalling. It is all right to encourage others to go to war, but it won't do for me. I know what is wrong. She has fallen in love with a soldier.”

Then Mr. Smith thought of himself. He realized that he loved Eolene in the old way and that he had made a mistake by trying to buy her. The thought of losing her suddenly abated his wrath. Then he thought of his usual method and relied on diplomacy. Turning to Eolene he humbly begged her pardon. Then he asked forgiveness of her parents. Apparently he was sorry and would do better.

Eolene thinking she had converted one to the right way of thinking and believing that he would join the colors, sweetly forgave him all and suggested that they drive home.

How little we know of the true intention of those who are extremely diplomatic. How often the innocent trust as they are led to the slaughter.

When Mr. Smith and Mrs. Norvill managed to be alone at the Norvill mansion after tea, two wily heads were put together for scheming. The powers were reviewed. Chief among which was the fact that Mr. Smith was to be a personnel officer and could assign any and all friends of Eolene where he pleased. The one thing lacking was the name of the student officer and his company. The rest appeared easy to Mr. Smith. This must be found out without Eolene suspecting anything. So it was decided that Eolene should be allowed to attend guard mount at the camp, see the student officer and invite him to the Norvill mansion. Mrs. Norvill was to get the desired information.

Proud of his well-laid plans and confident of their success, Mr. Smith bade the Norvills good night in his usual business-like manner. The night train bore the future personnel officer to Washington to continue the execution of his plans.

Chapter IV. Guard Mount At The Camp

The following Thursday morning, Mrs. Norvill suggested that Eolene attend guard mount at the camp. Nothing could have been more pleasing to Eolene. She ran to the phone and arranged for Isabel Greene, her best girl friend, to go with her. During the day she tried to appear composed, but she felt that she was not and that her mother was constantly watching her. As she gathered roses in the garden and then tried to content herself by reading in the library she wondered if she should tell her mother. Finally she decided she should but felt that she could not. At last four o’clock came and then in a little while two girls sat in a limousine on the drill ground, waiting for guard mount, in company with many other spectators. Presently the regular beat of a drum was heard. Then the boys marched on the field in platoons. Soldiers dressed alike, look alike to many people. Yet Eolene quickly discovered Black, who was acting commander of the first platoon.

No formation is prettier than guard mount. This was especially a lovely scene, for the flower of the nation was gathered at the iirst training camp. Few passed the strenuous tests whose training was less than a college education and whose physical condition was less than the best. What girl would not be proud that she had a sweetheart there, and what mother would not be proud of a son?

As the troops marched off the field, Black saw Eolene. Between them there exchanged a greeting so quick and being only a look into knowing eyes as to not be detected by the closest of observers. Yet Eolene knew that he would return as soon as the troops were dismissed, and waited. Presently Eolene was surprised by seeing her mother in company with Isabel’s mother approaching the car. Mrs. Norvill greeted them with, “The parade is all over. I have missed it. I decided to come too late. However, we can wait a little while and see the men as they prepare for supper.”

True to Eolene’s prediction, Black, in company with another student officer, soon came walking across the parade ground. Being college men of much training the entire group was soon enjoying a lively conversation which was not disturbed until mess call sounded —

“Rookie, Rookie, Rookie,

Come and get your chow.

Rookie, Rookie, Rookie,

Come and get it now.”

This call always interests soldiers. Yet today there were two for whom it had lost its interest.

Mrs. Greene, being the wife of an Army captain, knew the calls and saved the young men’s supper by suggesting that they run along. She then invited them to visit at her home. The same kind invitation was extended by Mrs. Norvill. Never did Eolene dream that her mother’s invitation was more than an empty form.