The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1912-1921, 1918-07-12

mark.
Il had an idea that Pat and his
comrades might spend Christmas in
Berlin" l could hear another admit
ting. 'but ! did not think any other
part of Germany would appeal to him
very much"
Mrs. O'Brien, did Pat write you
how many German prisoners he
brought back with him?' | could hear
still another credulous friend inquir-
ing.
1t was all very amusing and graft
flying to me and l must confess l felt
quite cocky as l walked into the war
department to report.
For the next five days l was kept
very busy answering questions put to
me by the military authorities regard
ing what | had observed as to condi-
tons in Germany and behind the lines.
What l reported was taken down
by stenographer and made part of
the official records, but l did not give
them my story in narrative form. The
lilAOl H. was dbiC W SiN0 Nas,
naturally of interest to various
branches of the service, and experts
in every line of government work took
it In turns to question me. One MORN
ing would be devoted, for instance,
to answering questions of military
nature--Gerlnan methods behind the
front line trenches, tactics, morale Of
troops and similar matters. Then the
aviation experts would take whack
at me and discuss with me all l had
observed of German flying corps
methods and equipment. Then, again.
the food experts would interrogate
me as to what | had learned Of food
conditions in Germany, Luxembourg
and Belgium, and as / had lived pretty
close to the ground for the best part
of seventy-two days / was able to give
them some fairly accurate reports as
to actual agricultural conditions,
many of the things | told them prob
ably having more significance to them
than they had to me.
There were many things l had OBJ
served which have not referred to in
these pages because their value to us
might be diminished il the Germans
knew we We're aware of them, but
they were all reported to the authori-
ties and it was very gratifying to me
to hear that the experts considered
some of them of the greatest value.
One of the most amusing incidents
of my return occurred when l called at
my bankers in London to get my per-
sonal effects.
The practice in the Royal Flying
corps when a pilot is reported mis-
sing is to have two of his comrades
assigned to go through his belongings,
check them over, destroy anything
that it might not be to his interest to
preserve, and send the whole bust
ness to his banker or his home, as the
case may be. Every letter Is read
through, but their contents is never
afterwards discussed or revealed in
any way. If the pilot is finally re-
ported dead, his effects are forwarded
to his next of kin, but while he is of
ficially only "missing," or is known to
be a prisoner of war, they are kept
either at the squadron headquarters
or sent to his bankers.
In my case as soon as it was learned
that had fallen from the sky, 1t was
assumed that / had been killed and
my chum, Paul Raney, and another
officer detailed to check over my ef-
fects. The list they made and to
which they affixed their signatures.
as / have previously mentioned, is
cow in my possession and is one Of
the most treasured souvenirs OF my
adventure.
My trunk was sent to Cox & Co. in
due course and now that / was in
London thought / would 60 and claim
it.
When l arrived at the bank I APP
piled to the proper window for my
mail and trunk.
"Who are you?" was asked rather
sharply.
"Well, I guess no one has any
greater right to Pat OBrien's effects
than I have" / replied, "and l would