Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-11-12

mob Of people huddied peIlmell together and
driven along before a line of soldiers. For
an hour or more babel reigned Ofnciais
oawled at the public; the place rang with the
sounds of angry alteration. After furious
dispute one man. wildly gesticulating, was
dragged away by two soldiers
The fat official had vanished into an office
leading of the Customs Hall He was, l sur
,nlseu' ' the last resort, for several passen-
gers, including a very respectfully dressed
old lady, were driven into the side office and
were seen no more.
During all this scene OF confusion no one
mad taken any notice Of me. My guard
looked straight in front of him and said
never a word. When the hall was all but
cleared. n man came to the office door and
made sign to my sentinel.
AT a table In the office which. despite the
sunshine outside, was heated like green
mousse ! found the fat official. Something
had evidently upset him, for his brows were
clouded with anger and his mastifr-like
cheeks were trembling with irritation He
thrust a hand out as entered.
Your papers" he grunted.
handed over my passport
Directly he examined II, n red flush spread
over his cheeks and forehead and he brought
his hand down on the table with crash.
The sentry beside me WINGED perceptibly.
ITS not viseed," the fat official screamed
In a voice shrill with anger. "Its' worthless
what good do you think is this TO
me?'
Excuse me = ." said in German.
II won't excuse you" he roared. who
are you? What do Won want in Germany7
You've been to London see bv this pass
port"
II had no time to get my passport stamp
ed at the Consulate Mt Rotterdam" said.
II arrived there too late in the evening I
could not wait I am going to Berlin on
most important business"
.ns ha' nothing to DO with II, the man
s"9uu e,o -. ,re was working niinse.l up NV
der you'rc No, Gerrpon You.re an
American We Germans know what to think
Of our American frionds asnecallv those
who come from London"
A voice outside shouted: mach Berlin
allies einstegen." I said politely as 1
could despite my growing annoyance:
Il don't wish to miss my train. My jour
ney to Berlin is of the utmost Importance
/ trust the train can be held back until l
have satisfied you of my good faith, have
here card from Herr Won steinhardt'"
| paused to let the name sink In. was
convinced he must be big bug OF some
Kina IN tne herman service e.-,,
| doh care rap ior iierr Won SteI,- ZEN
n II, u, no" "as s,i c,,r,i,, o., a orine-
ing secretary besIde him; "Has he been
| searched?"
The secretary cast n frightened look at
the sentry
| mo- Herr Major" said the secretary.
| WELL take him away and strip him and
| bring me anything you fnd!"
Ihe sentry spun on MS heel IKE an "u'o-
| maton. =.
| The moment had come 10 play my las.
| card, felt: l could not FISK pelng ueayen
on me frontier lest Stelze ana ms irlehus
| snould eaten up with me, 1 was su,pIlseu u, 70
-, ,"I .m"' appn. 49,, eno,s '".:' nav NV
y" ""'o me ''oPP'u
| "One moment, Herr Major SAID
! Take him away" The fat man waved me
aside.
"I warn vou" continued Chat am on
| in,nortant business can convince YOU of
that too onlv ." and 7 looked round the
| Office IAN these must 90"
| ~ ,. a.,, A. g.. ,,,,,, o,oar
,t,,,' ' ,r''. re go, 80 %, ,o ,hnn
lei @ pt hardlorobtaS ASt.r this he said