The cable read as follows:
Mrs. M. J. O'Brien, Momence, Ill., U. S. A.:
Just escaped from Germany. Letter follows.
Pat.
As I delivered it to the cable-despatcher I could just imagine the exultation with which my mother would receive it and the pride she would feel as she exhibited it among her neighbors and friends.
I could hear the volley of "I told you so's" that greeted her good tidings.
"It would take more than the Kaiser to keep Pat in Germany!" I could hear one of them saying.
"Knew he'd be back for Christmas, anyway," I could hear another remark.
"I had an idea that Pat and his comrades might spend Christmas in Berlin," I could hear another admitting, "but I didn't think any other part of Germany would appeal to him very much."
"Mrs. O'Brien, did Pat write you how many German prisoners he brought back with him?" I could hear still another credulous friend inquiring.
It was all very amusing and gratifying to me, and I must confess I felt quite cocky as I walked into the War Department to report.