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If every one had your good-will, and were like you, and knew evenless, we would
be all right.
With this telegram in hand the doctorfinally consented to give
him the desired permission. I came to see him every day, and we devised various
plans of escape.
A day or two after the departure of the troops to the front
amanoeuvre was announced. The corporal was a Corsican, with an impedimentin his
speech. We planned all details, and how to overcomedifficulties that might
present themselves.
Boththe Legion and the French regiment encamped with us
were to take partin the manoeuvre. It remained a mystery untilabout a week
later I saw him marched off to prison. It seemed that once wound up he had to
go on talking.
Besides there werent any laws orregulations about anything as
far as I could make out. The result of this trainingcannot help a man to defend
the country.
On one occasion he refused to obey some superiors command. I did
not find any words after that welcome.
A day or two after the departure of the
troops to the front amanoeuvre was announced.
It was in perfect condition and
still valid. I would not stay another minutethan was absolutely necessary.
He
showed it tothe doctor, but he would not give him permission.
A sergeant went
about ordering all the Americansin the Legion to assemble. A sergeant went
about ordering all the Americansin the Legion to assemble. Youre not a nervous
and mental wreck as I am. It was undoubtedly the nicest and truest _expression_
offeeling I had seen in the Legion. I dont know any other Westerncivilized
country where such a silly system exists.
I paid for my ticketand my money was
refused. He returned, without being caught with his forgedpermission, tore open
his wound and reported ill. A big burly brutal-looking man came into the
drawing-room where I waswaiting. The poor fellows werequite abashed and
murmured some excuse that third class was full. All his talk in the papers,
posing as ahero, wasnt true.
I would not stay another minutethan was absolutely
necessary. The slovenly way inwhich everything was done was most extraordinary.
They divided us into squads of fourteen men each, and took completecharge.
He
was a rough fellow until he smelt money and then hewas lenient.
Had he changed
his mind and thought itsafer to escape alone?
Each man waspresented by the
Captain and his record explained to the Commander.
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