'Special Messenger' is an adventure novel written by Robert W. Chambers. Set during the American Civil War, the story is partly inspired by a real life-figure named Belle Boyd, who served the Confederacy as a spy for the Union.

Sandy Clyburn, (fictitious), was orphaned at five, during Londons Blitz), 1943. He was evacuated to Wales for the remainder of the war, then returned to London, to foster homes and finally an orphanage run by the Skunks, (Shanks) who were drunkards and gamblers, denying their charges their due. Leaving school at age 15 and not wanting to remain in London, he took an audition for the Royal Marines School Of Music, Deal, Kent. He had no previous music study of any kind, other than a friend who showed him some basic march drumming, cadet style. The contract; 3 and 12 years Boy and Man. At his audition he was told, the quota for Band Drummers, (Percussionists), at that time were filled. However, he agreed to accept a position as Bugler, till such time as new Band Drummer positioned opened up, that were frequent throughout the year. (Buglers conscript as Marines, fighting soldiers. RM). Musicians, non-combatant, Bandsmen, RMB), almost a different service. Accepting the position of Bugler/Drummer, RM., would put him on the spot, as it were. The story centers around his trials, tribulations and general struggle to obtain the objective of Musician/Percussionist. Friends help him gain knowledge and ability in order to transfer. Time was not on his side. Boy Musicians had four years training as opposed to one year for Buglers, who were then shipped to a Division, then a ship or Naval establishment. After graduating as a Bugler, eight months later, much to his surprise, hes granted a six month trial period in order to prove his worth. Stepping back to the move from the School, he allowed himself to be coerced and talked into stealing a clarinet. A friend convinces him that the extra cash would be handy for Christmas leave. His involvement, minimal. An instrument or two, would be stashed in his kit while his back was turned, thereby getting them out of barracks without notice. The friend, also a Londoner, made arrangements with Sandy to meet and pedal what had been stolen. That was done. Now, with the granting of a six month trial period he was returning to Deal, that would leave approximately sixteen months before reaching age 18 and adulthood. Through the help of the Percussion Bandmaster, who believed in his ability, he performs and solos Xylophone, at the end of school year, Summer, concert. With just one year to cram, he embarks on a strict practice schedule. February of 1955 is a particular bad winter for an Influenza epidemic and Sandy is admitted into the sick-bay. While there, hes visited by MPs and a Detective, who were investigating instruments theft during Christmas leave. This investigation also harped back to previous occurrences that went unsolved. Sandys name came up, and while sick, he was interrogated. He caves in and is Court Martialed.

Reproduction of the original: Soldier Stories by Rudyard Kipling