“Thousands fell that day, but the Kaiser did not make his triumphal entry. Looking back on this latter experience of mine I think myself most fortunate in having been able to return to the French lines without a scratch. I got home safely because the German aviators lacked either courage or skill or both. They had me with my engine dead, four against one, and twenty kilometres within their lines.” [Illustration: _Portrait as exhibited at Allied Fairs_] Alluding to the occasion of the telling of this story, William Roscoe Thayer, who presided at the dinner, said when the tidings of Norman’s death came from France: “I shall never forget that Christmas night at the Tavern Club when Norman sat next to me and told me many details of his service and then arose and gave that wonderfully simple, impressive story. To have had such a service and to die fighting for the cause which means the defense of civilization—what nobler career could he have had? I can think of no one who more thoroughly enjoyed the life of continuous peril which he led. The honors which it brought him showed that France recognized as heroism that which he took as a matter of course.” III LETTERS The following letters of Norman Prince, although chiefly of an intimate and personal character, are here published as a part of the record of his experiences in the service of France and as further testimony to his tenderly affectionate nature and his constant thoughtfulness and solicitude for those he left at home. [Illustration: _With his Superior Officer Lieutenant de Laage de Mœux_] _Havre, Jan. le 29, 1915._ _Dear Mamma_,—I have just put foot ashore in France after a disagreeable crossing, 2nd class. Here in Havre there are troops and troops always passing. French troops, chiefly of the reserve; thousands of English troops in khaki, Belgian troops without uniform. They all say, not at all in a boastful way, that they will be back home again by the end of the year. Will they? Dear Mamma, I hope you are well and that papa has not taken too much at heart my leaving home at this time. I believe I can find a place to do some efficient and useful work for the cause to which I am so deeply devoted. My love to you all. I shall write often. Affectionately your son, NORMAN. * * * * * _Esc N. 124, Secteur 24, May 15, 1915._ _Dear Governor_,—Arrived _en escadrille par la voie des airs_ to replace a disabled pilot until the _Escadrille Américaine_ is formed. I saw the battle lines and heard for the first time the never-ending boom of guns. This is war in dead earnest and right at hand. Will write more fully later. Affectionately,