Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-08-06
MENDOZA YOUTH IN
ARMY AS CHAUFFEUR
WITH ANKLE OFF
TRIES TO ENLIST AS AVIATOR
TELLS REMARKABLE STORY OF
HOW HE FOOLED BRITISH
ARMY OFFICERS UNTIL FOUND
ASLEEP IN CAR.

ASLEEP IN CAR.
J. r. Clarke of Mendoza, Illinois, Is
probably one of the gamest Americans
that ever served in the British army.
Clarke served three months in the Brit
ish army with his ankle off. He was
chauffeur to British army officers.
Now he wants to become an aviator.
The following is the story in the Trib-
une. by Floyd Gibbons:
1t happened in the sparsely furnish
ed Office Of the staff officer at the
American army headquarters here this
afternoon.
The door opened and he walked in,
medium height. straight as a hickory
sapling, chin well up, shoulders well
back, chest well out, carriage unmis
takably military, but in garb Of the
civilian.
I'm an American Of military age,
capable, have a knowledge of French,
know France like a book, have lived
here some years now, and have my
business arranged so can leave 1t to
subordinates. | want to do my bit
Am in the right place." was the
opening statement Of the visitor.
Hes an illinois Boy"
Manner" was the ofiicer's Iaconic
query.
a. R. Clarke"
Where born?'
Mendoza, Illinois,
Experience
Il was with the British expedition
airy forces In France"
why discharged?' the officer asked
Il served three months at the from
at the beginning of the war" replied
the applicant.
why discharged" repeated the of
fcer.
II drove car for the staff officers
at the general headquarters, said the
applicant, ignoring the question
Dodges Direct Question.
Why were you discharged?' de
manded the officer with emphasis and
fixing meaning look on the man.
Clarke's eyes droppel for the first
time. thought | could detect a look
OF hopelessness sweep across his face
as he turned to the light. Then his
features frightened suddenly, as If the
man behind them was graspfng at q
new straw.
Watch me-" he said TO the officer
who directed puzzled gaze across the
table to point on the floor where the
applicant with sprightly move hat
assumed another erect position of mill
tary rigidity.
All Right on Surface.
Introducing what was TO follow will
another preemptory click Of his heel
he executed right face. Then lief
face Then about face. No drill mas
ter ever executed cleaner and snappe
foot movements. The officer smiled hi
!, approval. The man then hoped acros
, the floor on his right foot and hoppe,
back on his left foot
do you see anything the matte
| with me?' he asked the ofiicer--upol
whose negative nod the man continue,
mo, and neither did they. | wa
good enough to be with the Births
three months after Mons. | worke
night and day for EN- three years ag
: at times when there wasn't overmuc
food and when man slept where h
! could. did my work all right unit
they found out
Why He Was Fired.
why were you discharged" re
peated the officer with sternness.
well. had been working twent
hours straight without sleep. 1t wa
I 4 O'Clock in the morning. The hea,
, quarters cars were parked in front {
;. the generals chateau. was cold, an
Y miserable and tired The officer cam
out to get in the car and found nj
I asleep In the back seat and -
S Asleep on duty snapped the of
e Ger with fnality.
mo, sir" replied the man "Thi
was all right. You see, there was n
other place to sleep and no time
sleep and we we're supposed to slice
= In the cars while waiting for orders
He's Caught Mapping.
u Well what in helIs this got to {
y about II then? Why were you di
:, charged demanded the officer raj
). ing his voice
- "The officer found me with my 70
off and"