Page 50 - English Reader - 6

They managed to lift it off the ground, but couldn’t carry it more than a few steps. They needed

another person to lend them a hand.
Washington, who was not in uniform, called out to the corporal, “Sir, your soldiers seem to need an
extra hand to lift the box. Why don’t you help them?”

The corporal glared at Washington. “You obviously don’t know anything about the army, or you
would have known from my uniform that I am a corporal, not an ordinary soldier. These soldiers are
under my command. It is their duty to do this work. Why should I stand to do this lowly job? It will
be shameful if I am seen working with my subordinates. No one will respect me,” he answered.

“If that is so, Sir, then I shall help them,” said Washington. He got off his horse and removed his
overcoat. Rolling up his sleeves, he joined the soldiers. They lifted the crate and carried it into the
barracks. The soldiers thanked Washington and invited him for tea.

Washington readily agreed. They went into the canteen and Washington stood in a queue with the
other soldiers for tea and a plate of sandwiches.

The soldiers didn’t know that the man sitting at their table was their commander-in-chief. They
told him stories about their experiences and life in the army. Washington too heard them with
enthusiasm, never letting the soldiers suspect who he really was.

After a while, it was time for Washington to leave. He bade goodbye to the soldiers and thanked
them for their kindness. He then went in search of the corporal. He found him in his room, drinking
tea by himself.

“Sir, why aren’t you having tea with your soldiers?” asked Washington.

“I do an important job in the army and demand respect. What work do these soldiers do? It would
be beneath my dignity to mingle with these workers. That is why I didn’t help them either,” the
corporal explained.

“Very well, Sir. You may not want to lend a hand, but if you or your soldiers need help, then send for
your commander-in-chief. I shall be more than happy to come.” Saying this, Washington rode away
on his horse.

The officer suddenly realised that he was talking to George Washington. But it was too late to make
amends as his commander-in-chief had already ridden away.

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