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jobs-such as making tea strainers from bits of tin and tin punchers from nails. He even made toys for the children. He had looted an electric burner from somewhere, and what we appreciated most was a knock at 6:30 a.m. with George with a towel for turban salaaming at the door and announcing that the water was boiling. That morning cup of tea was a treat to be looked forward to. In the evenings we played Kan-u-go with cards that Mrs. Clift had brought along. It is hard to believe, but some of the most hilarious days I have ever spent were spent in that dreary, dirty hotel. It was the hilarity, doubtless, of the relief when the body of a chronic sufferer had been buried. We were free from the constant expectancy of being snuffed out, then free from the anxiety of armed men entering freely, and at will. We felt comparatively safe physically. Our homes were looted, our possessions gone-but our dear ones were safe.
Mrs. Clift had had a visit from Dr. Clift. He had been allowed a short absence from his hospital.
The Japanese consul kindly sent a donation of milk for the children in the hotel and I decided to ask him on behalf of our three children, if he would let their father know we were safe. Mr. King of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and some of his colleagues had the room next door to us. He was unofficially made head of our hotel, and he was able to deliver this message to the consul. My husband was not only duly informed, but I received a reply from him later in camp. This seems to bear out that this war is not a war of individuals against individuals. Here again, I was grateful to a considerate and chivalrous foe. In the Nam Ping hotel I had a birthday, and for my party we opened a large tin of asparagus that I had had at home for months and was keeping on account of its expense. Each person got one "Candle" as I called the asparagus. They looked like wax candles. I do not think anyone even left the fibrous part.
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