
Two middle‑aged Midwestern editors set out for New York in silk suits that feel wildly out of place, hoping to trade their small‑town sensibilities for a dash of wartime purpose. Their mission—an unlikely Red Cross assignment that lands them buying a cheap khaki uniform for just under $18—immediately sets the tone for a comic clash between earnest patriotism and practical cynicism. As they haggle over ill‑fitting coats and service hats, the duo’s banter and bewilderment provide a witty snapshot of America’s home‑front absurdities.
Soon they board the French liner Espagne, a bustling micro‑cosm of soldiers, refugees, and opportunists, all bound for a Europe already bruised by conflict. From the cramped deck to the noisy engine room, the journey becomes a parade of eccentric characters and mishaps that test their resolve and friendship. Listeners will find a lively, self‑aware chronicle of two unlikely heroes navigating the chaos of war with humor, humility, and a stubborn refusal to let a stiff uniform define their adventure.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (351K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-05-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1868–1944
A small-town newspaper editor who became a national voice, he turned the Emporia Gazette into one of the best-known papers in America. His sharp, lively writing made him a leading figure in journalism and public life in the early 20th century.
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