"They will regret it." I told him that I not only did not want them to regret it, but I did not want them to make it, and I begged him to assure the staff that I was an American.

I suggested also that he tell them, if anything happened to me there were other Americans who would at once declare war on Germany.

The number of these other Americans I overestimated by about ninety millions, but it was no time to consider details.
He asked if the staff might read the letter to the American minister, and, though I hated to deceive him, I pretended to consider this.
"I don't remember just what I wrote," I said, and, to make sure they would read it, I tore open the envelope and pretended to reread the letter.
"I will see what I can do," said Major Wurth; "meanwhile, do not be discouraged.

Maybe it will come out all right for you." After he left me the Belgian gentleman who owned the house and his cook brought me some food.

She was the only member of his household who had not deserted him, and together they were serving the staff-officers, he acting as butler, waiter, and valet.