So elated were we by our success that four days later, on the 20th March, we laid a plot to commit Kiazim to an open declaration of a friendly policy towards the camp. That night, in recognition of his kindness in having given permission for ski-ing during the past winter, he was to be the guest of the Ski Club at a dinner in Posh Castle.

We guessed that someone was likely to make a speech thanking him for the privilege he had granted. It was easy enough to prophesy the sort of thing that would be said, and we thought it would be a good stroke to write his reply. Therefore, towards the close of a séance held at noon on the 20th March, the Spook suddenly said:

“Would the Superior like to make a very popular speech tonight? I can help him, though I know he can do it quite well himself.”

Moïse. “Certainly. He would like to make a very popular speech.”

Spook. “Well, begin by saying what he already intends to say about the pleasure it has given him to meet with the officers on so friendly a footing. Then let him go on as follows;—‘That our respective countries are at war is no reason why there should be any personal rancour between us. It rejoices my heart to think that the past winter has done so much to create a better understanding. I for my part have learned through your Ski Club that you Englishmen will not necessarily abuse any privilege granted to you. You, on your part, have, I hope, realized that I am anxious to concede every possible liberty I can to add to your happiness. The only condition I set before you is that no special concession I grant should be abused. I feel now, after this winter, that there is none of you who will abuse my confidence. Since the days of your Crusades, Turks and English have mutually admired one another: let us do nothing in Yozgad to lessen that admiration. Gentlemen, I sympathize with you in your misfortune of war, and I shall try to make your stay in Yozgad as pleasant as possible. As soldiers you know that regulations are regulations, and must be obeyed. But sometimes it may be possible to grant you little extra privileges. As officers I know your great desire is to get back to fight for your country. As gentlemen I know none of you would abuse my confidence or use any extra liberty I give you, for the purpose of getting away. Gentlemen, I ask you to drink to our better friendship, and I couple the toast with the name of the officer who has done so much to improve our mutual understanding—Lieut. Spink.’”[[32]]

Moïse. “Has he to say that in Turkish or get the English copy and present it at the end of the dinner?”

Spook. “A very good suggestion, Moïse.”

Moïse. “Anything more, Sir?”

Spook. “This should be given as a reply to a speech. He can add anything he likes in answer to other speeches. Note, this is only a suggestion. I am anxious to help the Sup. when I can.”

Moïse. “That is very kind of you. What about YYY and KKK?”