54
They laughed good naturedly.
The Japanese seem to be able to carry out the policy that the war is not against individuals. They ride rough shod over individuals who stand in the way, but if you keep out of their way, until they have time, they frequently show a desire to help-so long as it does not interfere with the interests of their country. Several times the Japanese soldiers gave their biscuit rations to the children. Once Clyde was offered a cigarette. The soldier did not think of anything except that he wished to give the child something, and he had nothing else to offer. Several more days went by. We had to bring all our papers or books for inspection if we wished to take them out of camp. No diaries or letters were allowed to be taken. We were warned that if anyone were found with letters or diaries, not only the offender would miss that passage, but probably there would be a postponement of sailing. We were given a loan of money and those of us with babies a supply of milk powder. Mrs. Penny insisted that I take some precious bean powder for emergency. I was most unwilling but she seemed so hurt that I took a little. It was pathetic to have this generosity thrust on those who were soon to have enough to eat by those who were at starvation's door. She was afraid that the rumour of providing our own food on board ship might prove true after we had started, and it was too late. For this reason I took most of our $75.00 order. I bequeathed several rice mats to Mrs. Martin and Miss Edwards, my mattress to Miss Bartlett, an empty "Cow and Gate" tin to Mrs. Brown, an empty jam tin to Mrs. Duncan, another empty tin to Mrs. Hall, various bottles to Miss Edwards. I brought away a Klim tin for carrying drinking water, if necessary, and on the ship the old Japanese steward frequently brought me chunks of ice to put in it. He used to come in the cabin and just stand and say nothing, and then leave the cabin and come back with an offering of ice.
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