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speaking one's mind and having some good old rows that kept everything smooth! Sometimes I am sure we were as bad as the proverbial fish wife, but I think in a few years' time it will all be funny-if the fish wives are still alive. If they do not get out soon, they will not be alive, I fear. What is the world to do about so insignificant a spot as Stanley? Would anyone care if a few hundred died of starvation?-least of all the Japanese would not care. Death is an honour to them. Their country is more than life or family. The story is told of how one man tried to go past a Japanese sentry. "I have not seen my wife for three weeks," he said. "And I have not seen mine for three years," replied the sentry. The persistent rumour of an exchange ship seemed to be materializing. It was only for Americans as it was a "diplomatic" ship from Japan and had room only for three hundred. The British repatriation ship was not to call at Stanley. We were each of us allowed four pieces of luggage and none was to be heavier than one man could carry. That meant 16 pieces for myself and the three children. We had:
1 green duffel bag 1 hat box containing a few books, paper, pencils, etc. 1 attaché case with papers, the family brush and comb 3 rattan cases 1 gunny sack with "souvenirs" 1 roll of bedclothes 1 clothes basket for the baby to sleep in 1 red wagon 1 doll's pram in which Celene pushed Van Dyke 3 small gunny sacks of clothes for the children
"As I was going with my bags, I met a hag with seven packs, Each pack had seven sacks, Each sack had seven rags, Each rag had seven tags,
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