The Empty Sleeve

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

From the [...] civilian point of view this is simply a pathetic little story. Old John Foster lost an arm and saved his general's life in South Africa. He lives with his son Fred, [...] and his wife. The latter objects to this [...] but really she is bitter because she thinks he has persuaded her son Harry to enlist. The boy [...] is frightened by stories from the front [...] A lieutenant arrives on his tracks, having a party outside. Harry is produced. But the voice of the lieutenant calling 'sergeant'! to the party brings back old John's memory [...] the lieutenant is the son of the general whose life he saved. [...] and the boy himself screams he will never desert again. The lieutenant, moved by the family [...] I suppose the military view would be that the lieutenant grossly inflates his duty in marching the boy off. Since however the boy is supposed to be under arrest and the matter apparently, is to be referred to the general, I do not think any harm would be done by this subject of duty being shown in a sympathetic light. Recommended for license. G. S. Street. Ps. on p.5 there is a silly remark [...] That sort of thing is a pity, but can something to cut out.