The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1918-11-30

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ened to shoot Americans serving In
the British army If they captured
them, CHASING them as murderers
because America was a neutral coun'
try and Americans had no right tc
mix in the war. Did you find that to
be the caseT
l told him that I had heard similar
reports, but that I did not notice any
appreciate difference in my treat
ment from that accorded Britishers
The king declared that he believed
my escape was due to my pluck and
will power and that 1t was one Of the
most remarkable escapes he had ever
heard of, which / thought was quite
a compliment, coming as 1t did from
the king of England.
II hope that all the Americans will
give as good an account of themselves
as you have, leftenant," he said, "and
appreciate all the service rendered US
by Americans before the States en-
tered the war"
At this moment / asked him if ]
was taking too much time.
''Not at all, leftenant, not at all "
he replied, most cordially. Il was
extremely interested in the brief re-
port that came to me of your wonder
full escape and / sent for you because
l wanted to hear the whole story first
hand, and I am very glad you were
able to come"
had not expected to remain more
than a few minutes, as I understood
that four minutes is considered a long
audience with the king. Fifty-two
minutes elapsed before I finally left
therel
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 a 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 I described some of
the tight holes got into during my
escape he evinced his sympathy. Oc-
casionally I introduced some of the
few humorous incidents Of my adven-
ture and In every instance he laughed
heartily.
Altogether the impression I got Of
him was that he is a very genial,
gracious and alert sovereign. 1 know
I have felt more Ill at ease when talk
ing to a major than when speaking
to the king-but perhaps I 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 1 certainly came
away with the utmost respect for him.
In all my conversation, recalled
afterwards, I never addressed the
king as "Your Majesty" but used the
military "sir." AS was British Of
ficer and he was the head of the army.
he probably appreciated this manner
Of address more than if I had used
the usual "Your Majesty" Perhaps
he attributed it to the fact that I
was an American. At any rate, he
didn't evince any displeasure at my
departure from what I understand is
the usual form Of address.
Before I left he asked me what my
plans for the future were.
'Why, sir, I hope to rejoin my
squadron at the earliest possible mo-
ment!" I replied.
mo, Leftenant," he rejoined, shat
is out Of the question. We can't risk
losing you for good by sending you
back to a part of the front opposed
by Germans, because if you were I'M
fortunate enough to be captured
again they would undoubtedly shoot
you"
swell, if I can't serve in France,
sir" l suggested, wouldn't it be feas-
ible 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
to take up Instructions very valu-
able form of service-or perhaps it
might be safe enough for you to
serve in Egypt, but just at present,
leftenant, l think you have done
enough anyway"
Then he rose and shook hands with
me and wished me the best of luck,
and we both said "Good-by."
In the adjoining room / met Earl
Cromer again, and as he accompanied
me to the door seemed to be surprised
at the length Of my visit.
AS left the palace a policeman
and sentry outside came smartly to
attention. Perhaps they figured / had
been made a general.
As was riding back to the hotel
in a taxi I reflected on the remark
able course of events which in the
short space of nine months had taken
me through so much and ended up,
like the finish Of book, with my be-
ing received by his majesty, the
king! When I first joined the Royal
Flying corps I never expected to see
the inside of Buckingham palace,
much less being received by the king.
CHAPTER Xxx