As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it". Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter; who would worry about this little amount". Anyway, the transit company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed over the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change".
The driver with a smile replied, "I noticed your Regimental tie and lapel pin. I have been thinking lately about asking a Soldier how to join as my son wants to join the Army. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. You passed the test. Can you tell me how to become a Soldier?"
When the Soldier stepped off the bus, he said a silent prayer, "Oh God, I almost sold you and my beloved Army out for a mere quarter".
Our actions are the only Soldierly creed some will ever see. This is a really almost scary example of how people watch us as Soldiers and may put us to test even without us realising it! Always be diligent whether it be at the theatre, restaurant, grocery, service station or just driving in traffic.
Remember, whether it be a regimental tie, lapel pin, a ring or an emblem on the car, you carry the name of our great fraternity on your shoulders whenever you call yourself a Soldier. You never can tell who might be watching!
Tailpiece.
Got up on the dot at 6, opened up the house and put on devotional music, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 9. Murali, the electrician, came soon after and rectified the defect in the dining hall.
Recollections of the past to my niece and her husband post-lunch and because of it, didn't mind delaying the siesta.
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