All for a Scrap of Paper: A Romance of the Present WarHocking, Joseph
General
All for a Scrap of Paper: A Romance of the Present War
Hocking, Joseph
World War, 1914-1918 -- Fiction
The German with whom he had this conversation spoke English almost like
a native; indeed, but for certain intonations, he might easily pass as
an Englishman. The others were evidently ignorant of our language, but
spoke to each other freely in their own tongue. Apparently they
imagined that their prisoner was entirely ignorant of what they said,
and Bob was not long in gathering the importance of what had taken
place. But for his little company, which had surprised and overwhelmed
them, they would have been able to carry out their plans without our
Army's knowing anything of their whereabouts. It was evident, too,
that they were in considerable apprehension as to how they would be
treated when they reported their failure. They had not only failed to
accomplish their purpose, but they had lost a large number of men. As
Bob thought over the matter, he realised that had he hesitated a second
before speaking, he would have been silenced altogether, and that they
would have been able to accomplish their purpose.
Half an hour later he found himself in the German camp.
Night had now fallen, but in the light of the moon he saw that he was
surrounded by vast hordes of men. No one spoke to him, however; but he
saw by the many glances that were cast at him, that he was an abject of
great interest.
Some time later he came to the conclusion that he had reached the
quarters of officers in high position. He was evidently away from the
main army, and from the nature of his surroundings he came to the
conclusion that he was to be questioned by those in high places.
The officer who had captured him and who spoke English, made his way to
a large tent, and was evidently making his report of what had taken
place.
Bob could not catch a word of what was being said, but he noted that
the officers constantly threw glances towards him.
A few minutes later he found himself amongst a number of men, whom he
couldn't help realising occupied important commands.
To his surprise these men seemed to speak to him quite freely, and
appeared to desire to be on friendly terms. They told him they were
naturally chagrined at the failure of their plans, but congratulated
him on his coolness and courage in giving warning to his men. After
this, they tried to draw him into conversation about the numbers of the
Allies, and of their plans of warfare. As may be imagined, however,
Bob was very careful of what he said, and gave them only the vaguest
generalities.
One thing, however, struck him very forcibly; instead of being treated
harshly, each seemed to vie with the other in showing him kindnesses.
Good food was brought to him, and excellent wine was placed before him.
He, like others, had heard of the harshness with which English
prisoners were treated; thus, when he found himself regarded rather as
an honoured guest than as a prisoner of war, his astonishment was great.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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