The Dolores star. [volume] (Dolores, Montezuma County, Colo.) 1901-current, 1918-09-27

heard that the Germans had threat
ened to shoot Americans serving IN
the British army II they captured
them. CHASING them as murderers,
because America was neutral coun-
try and Americans had no right to
mix in the war. Did you find that to
be the case"
told him that I had heard similar
reports, but that / did not notice any
appreciable difference in my treat
ment from that accorded Briushers.
The king declared that he believed
my escape was due to my pluck ana
will power and that 1t was one of the
most remarkable escapes he had ever
heard of, which l thought was quite
a compliment. coming as II did from
the king of England.
~ hope that all the Americans will
give as good an account of themselves
as you have, leftenant." he said, "and
l feel quite sure they will. l fully
appreciate all the service rendered us
by Americans before the States en-
tered the war;
Al tIiS iIluIHtIll L II
was taking too much time.
mot at ALL leftenant, not at all !"
he replied, most cordially. II was
extremely interested in the brief re
port that came to me of your wonder
full escape and l sent for you because
| wanted to hear the whole story first
hand, and | am very glad you were
able to come
| had not expected to remain more
than few minutes. as / understood
that four minutes is considered long
audience with the king. Fifty-two
minutes elapsed before | finally left
there!
During all this time had done most
OF the talking, in response to the
kings request TO tell my story. Occa-
sionally he interrupted to ask ques-
ton about point he wanted me to
make clear, but for the most part he
was content to play the part of lis
tener.
He seemed to be very keen on every
thing and when | described some of
the tight holes l got into during my
escape he eyinced his sympathy. Oc-
casionally l introduced some of the
few humorous incidents of my ndven-
ture and in every instance he laughed
heartily.
Altogether the impression I got of
him was that he is very genial.
gracious and alert sovereign. l know
have felt more i'll at ease when talk.
ing to major than when speaking
to the king-but perhaps 1 had more
cause to.
During the whole interview we
were left entirely alone, which i'm
pressed me as significant of the dem
ocratic manner of the present king
of England. and l certainly came
away with the utmost respect for him.
In all my conversation, 1 recalled
afterwards, 1 never addressed the
king as Your Majesty" but used the
military "sir." As was a British Of
hcer and he was the head of the army.
he probably appreciated this manner
or address more than If l had used
the usual Your Majesty" Perhaps
he attributed 1t to the fact that /
was an American. At any rate, he
didn't evince any displeasure at my
departure from what l understand Is
the usual form of address.
Before left he asked me what my
plans for the future were.
why sir, l hope to rejoin my
squadron at the earliest possible mo-
ment!" I replied.
"Nos Leftenant," he rejoined. "that
is out of the question. We can't risk
losing you for good by sending you
PACK to part of the front opposed
by Germans. because if you were I'M
fortunate enough to be captured
again they would undoubtedly shoot
you"
well, II / can't serve in France
SIR suggested. wouldn't 1t be feas-
iDie for me to fly in Italy or Salon.
ica?"
No., he replied, that would be
almost as bad. The only thing that
l can suggest for you to do is either
10 take up Instruction. very yalu.
able form Of service-or perhaps 1T
soAS ShouRu Won 10
serve in Egypt, but just at present
iettenant, 1 think you have done
enough anyway"
linen he rose and shook hands with
me and wished me the best of luck.
ana we both said "Good-by."
In the adjoining room 1 met Earl
oromer again. and as he accompanied
me to the door seemed to be surprised
at the length of my visit.
AS l left the palace policeman
ana sentry outside came smartly to
attention. Perhaps they figured 1 had
been made general.
as was riding back to the hotel
IN taxi 1 reflected on the remark
able course of events which in the
snort space Of nine months had taken
me through SO much and ended up.
IKE the finish Of a book. with my be-
ing received by his majesty. the
hang When I first Joined the Royul
rIylng corps / never exnacta5 80 .,