Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-11-23
BELGIAN SAVES SHIP
BY TR|cKlNG GERMANS
Pilot Runs Down SChslde Into
Dutch Waters Under Adj
mtrslty's Flag.
BIZ W. J. L. KIEHI.

Especial Correspondence Of The Even.
ing Star and Chicago Daily New..)
THE HAGUE. Holland. October 90
For over three years Belgium has been
occupied by hostile troops. and yet the
Belgium flame Of patriotism burns A.
bright as ever and the hero tales con-
tinue to float across the border. Here Is
a new story OF adventure that rebounds
to the glory Of the Belgian pilot who.
sworn into German service, served his
masters faithfully until the time came
he could lberate not only himself but
the vessel to which he was devoted
And he did 30 By running Il into Dutch
waters. where It will be intesned until
tho end Of tho war
Late ono Sunday afternoon recently
Dutch officers and men on board the
government patrol boat near Bath, on
the ScheIde. perceived a motor boat
flying the German admiralty dag aD-
preaching. It seemed to be making
straight for Dutch waters, 50 due
Taana, k1vsn II. fe sna ts Inn
mates would have to be interned. But
Notwithstanding the warning the motor
boat came on fast. 1t proved to be the
Scheldt, the former Scaldis of the Bel
gian government service. now rechrist-
admiralty.
Germans Hold Belgian Captain.
The captain was a former Belgian
pilot, now sworn into German service.
who knew every head current and SAND
bank on the coast and the river; 50
often had this pilot captain sailed the
Scheldt on its trips of business or
pleasure and always brought her safe
to port again in Antwerp. that he had
the full confidence of the German gov
eminent OF Belgium.
On this Sunday the new governor
general of Belgium had sent word to
the German military authorities at
Antwerp that he was coming over Tor
trip on the Schelde early on Monday
morning, so the captain of the Schedlt
was ordered to make everything ready.
When all was shipshape the admiralty
flag was hoisted and in order to try
out the motors the boat was taken out
for little trip.
A Dash for Safety.
By afternoon the scheldt was blithely
sailing along with the German admi-
rally nag at the mast. When she came
near st. Anneken the captain brought
her into little cove where the river
banks are altogether overgrown with th
young Belgians, all of military age and
mostly belonging to the nobility Of
their country, emerged.
1t did not take very long for them to
get on board and stow themselves away
in the cabin.
German Posts Salute.
One after another the German posts
were passed, all of which saluted the
admiralty flag. Here and there the
whole guard sprang out to present
arms. for the news OF the governor
generals visit had got about and it
was believed that he himself was on
board. very likely at lunch in the cabin.
In official attitude the CAPTAIN stood.
gravely returning salute for salute,
and when the last post was passed 1t
was only a short distance to Dutch
waters.
A Break for Safety.
Meanwhile, down in the engine room
feverish activity reigned. Happily, the
distance to Dutch waters was very
short. Soon the Scaldfs sighted the
Dutch admiralty patrol near and was
perceived by it's crew.
The Dutch officer in command was
greatly astounded to see the Scaldis
come into Dutch waters and moor
alongside his own boat, and moro as
tonished still when the pilot captain
young Belgians came up on deck to
make his acquaintance.
OF course, the pilot, his whole crew
and passengers were free to go where |
they wished and do what they liked !
The Belgians. who were not in uni |
form. could not be interned. They at |
once communicated with the Belgian
consul and started on their way to the 4!
reorganized army Of King Albert
AS to the Scaldis. it is likely it will |
and then be returned to the Belgian |
government.