But I found him allright, he wanted only decent
treatment. Then we went to another attic and a dirty sackof straw was pulled down
from a pile.
The Americanswere dispersed all over the camp, and
Stojanoff was somewhere elsetoo.
The only things which wereleft me were the
underclothes. The only things which wereleft me were the underclothes.
And then they spoke of the admirableway some had
deserted. The regiment also boastedof an American nigger, but he wasnt introduced to
me.
No attempt was made to keep the clothes clean or
topolish the boots. Then we went to another attic and a dirty sackof straw was
pulled down from a pile. And when I told him he said:What an idea! Probably the
MilitaryCensor confiscated my letter or his reply.
And then there was arough-house, and every one
pitched in. The medicalauthorities had not yet arrived to give them their papers, or
someother excuse was made. About a dozenmen could be bedded on each
platform.
I said that that was what Iwas generally taken for.
He had set sail for France the day after war was declared. But I found him allright,
he wanted only decent treatment. He told me about his life, how as a boy he would
not study and wantedto become an officer.
Two guards werecontinually on duty at the railway
station, one on each platform.
He never borrowed less than one hundred sous.
Theprogramme consisted mostly of songs, juggling tricks and
funnysketches.
Thegreatest difficulty of getting out of Africa was
overcome.
He had set sail for France the day after war was
declared.
We went to an attic where there was a pileof raw
boards and low stools.
There was never any choice, the dishof the day was
the only fare served.
But if anytalked it was about his hope of getting
away, or the latest successfuldeserter.
Further, therewas the possibility of creating
suspicion at Lyons by my non-immediatearrival.
Evidently it depended uponthe caprice of some
superior who happened to think about it. Noticket was sold without showing a
travel-permission from theCommander.