He almost decided that he would not become a soldier.

Some years before, it is true, he had been drawn to the life by a government poster, designed by one who must himself have been a capable dramatist.
"Join the Army and See the World," urged the large-lettered legend above the picture.
The latter revealed an entrancing tropical scene with graceful palms adorning the marge of a pinkly sun-kissed sea.

At a table in the background two officers consulted with a private above an important-looking map, while another pleased-looking private stood at attention near by.

At the left foreground a rather obsequious-looking old colonel seemed to be entreating a couple of spruce young privates to drop round for tea that afternoon and meet the ladies.
Had Wilbur happened upon this poster in conjunction with the resolve of Miss Pearl King to be sensible, it is possible his history might have been different.

But its promise had faded from his memory ere his life was wrecked.