In this old house of misery I found every evidence of the “New Order.” The Hungerstraf had been abolished. I was permitted to keep my cigarettes and tobacco. In the morning the guard asked me for the address of a friend in the camp, and went out, returning with a cup of hot tea and a generous meal! He repeated this performance three times a day.
The new officer of justice was a studious looking young man from the Soldatenrat. The point of my having run away he magnanimously waived, and he carefully took down my charges against the sentry in a big book. He promised me complete satisfaction.
“But when is this trial going to come off?” I asked, anxious to see it through myself. “I want to be there and testify against him to his face.”
“I am sorry,” he apologized, “but this matter must be referred to the Soldatenrat. Your assailant will be arrested and the matter thoroughly investigated, but it will take time. See me in a fortnight and I will give you a good report of what has been done.”
“I hope to be in England in a fortnight,” I said resignedly, “so I must trust you to see justice done.”
FOOTNOTES:
[21] It is forbidden.
[22] Please.
[23] Council of soldiers.