Deserted Sailor's Knots, Part 1.

"Deserted" by W. W. Jacobs is a short story written in the early 20th century, likely in the 1900s. The narrative falls within the realm of humorous fiction, combining elements of adventure and comedy as it explores the misadventures of a young soldier who decides to desert his army post. The story reflects the societal norms of its time and provides a comedic take on the themes of identity and the quest for freedom. The story follows Rupert Brown, a young soldier disillusioned with military life, who, after a chance encounter in a bar, is persuaded to abandon his duties for a role as a Zulu chief in a theatrical performance. As Rupert plunges into this new life, he faces a series of comedic predicaments, from donning face paint to fit into his disguise, to dealing with the affections of Kumbo, a Zulu woman he inadvertently befriends. The tale unfolds with Rupert's desperate antics to escape the controls of his new life while evading his past as a deserter, leading to laughable situations and misunderstandings. Ultimately, it showcases the challenges of identity amid a humorous backdrop, highlighting the absurdities of personal ambition and societal expectations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Wymark Jacobs was an English author of short fiction and drama. He is best known for his story "The Monkey's Paw".