During the whole journey I was labouring under an inner excitement and disquiet which I could not throw off, and when I arrived in Schwerin one question only burned on my lips, and yet I did not dare put it to my uncle who fetched me from the station. For the new Naval List of autumn promotions and appointments might be issued any day, and I was on the tiptoe of expectation as to whether the wish I had cherished for years was at last to be gratified.
My uncle’s question: “Do you know where they’ve put you?” gave me an electric shock.
“No.”
“Well, then, hearty congratulations—Naval Flying Corps!”
I was so overjoyed that I would like to have turned a somersault in the middle of the street, but I refrained from fear of upsetting my fellow-citizens.
So I had got my wish after all!
The last days of my leave passed in a flash, and I gaily returned to the Naval College in order to complete my course of a year and a half as Inspecting Officer; but I never packed my trunks with greater pleasure than when bound for my new destination.
Just a few days before my departure one of my brother officers called out to me: “I say, have you heard the latest news where you’re off to?”
“Yes; Flying Corps.”
“Good Lord, man! You don’t know your own luck—why, you’re off to Kiao-Chow.”