Control, by W. W. Jacobs, is a short story about a man named John Minns who is a railway signalman. He is in charge of a signal box at a railway crossing, and he is responsible for controlling the trains that pass through. One day, he is visited by a mysterious stranger who claims to be a railway inspector. The stranger tells John that he is there to test the signal box and that he will be taking over the controls. John is suspicious of the stranger, but he reluctantly agrees to let him take control. The stranger begins to operate the signal box, and John watches in amazement as the stranger expertly manipulates the levers and switches. Suddenly, the stranger stops and tells John that he has passed the test. He then reveals that he is actually an angel sent from Heaven to test John's faith. The angel tells John that if he had not passed the test, he would have been taken away to Heaven. John is relieved and thankful for the angel's intervention. He realizes that he must always be vigilant and trust in God's will. The story ends with John continuing to work at the signal box, but now with a newfound faith in God.
By W. W. Jacobs · First published 1943 · Genre: Humor, Fiction, Short Story