I rushed back to the field to communicate the news to my companions, and the hand-shaking which ensued was extremely fervent.  All the boys congratulated me upon my good luck, but the tears were in their eyes.  The sympathy moved me, and I felt half-disposed to tear up my “pass” and stay with them to see it through.  But they pushed me off.  I had a hearty hand-shaking with Dr. Ascher, who wished me the best of luck, and expressed the hope that I would soon get home.  Although he never admitted it I found out for a fact that he had been primarily responsible for my release.  It certainly was characteristic of him.  He cracked a parting joke, which restored the good humour and cheerfulness of the camp, and with my few parcels under my arm I left the ill-famed field.

The boys cheered like mad, but I was stirred more particularly by the roar of cheers which burst from the Tommies, with whom I had fraternised freely, and with whom a curious chumminess had sprung up.  We were all companions in misfortune, and when the news of my release reached their field, they clustered along the fence to give me a parting rouser, which they certainly let go for all they were worth.

I regained the office within the stipulated ten minutes and then to my intense disgust learned that I had three hours to wait for a train.  I sold my watch to secure a little ready money, and as I moved across the camps to be abruptly challenged by the sentries I was surprised to see them change their demeanour when I showed my “pass.”  They shook hands heartily and warmly congratulated me upon my good fortune.  It was a strange metamorphosis and it affected me strangely.

Before I left the camp I was ushered into the presence of our arch-fiend, Major Bach.  He rose from his desk and with a suavity and civility which made my blood surge, he remarked: 

“Herr Mahoney, good-bye!  I trust you will not think our treatment in the camp has been unduly severe!”

“I shall certainly not speak well of it,” I retorted somewhat cynically.  “I shall never forget my experiences and I shall not omit to relate it to others.  But there!  I think my looks are sufficient.  I must have lost three stone in weight during the past two months!”

“Well, I trust you will make allowances,” he went on unctuously.  “You must remember the times; that we are at war, and that our arrangements have not been organised for adequate accommodation!”

He extended his hand.

Shaking my head in a manner which he could not misunderstand I refused to take it.

He shrugged his shoulders and resumed his work.  I left his office without another word.

Two minutes later I was striding rapidly towards the station, accompanied by another prisoner, a schoolmaster named E——­, who had also been released on a “pass” and whom I have to thank for much assistance subsequently offered.