ded at two
o'clock as usual and were brought to attention. Major Bach was
momentarily expected, but he did not come upon the scene until 4.45. For
2-3/4 hours we were kept in the broiling sun, and none of us being in
the pink of condition owing to the wretched and inadequate food, we soon
commenced to betray signs of fatigue. On this occasion, even the German
guards could not adhere to the disciplinary rule. When we abandoned the
rigid attention attitude for others more or less comfortable they
followed our example, although they maintained a discreet alertness for
the coming of the Commandant so that we might be brought to attention
before he appeared upon the scene.

One of the prisoners had been a Japanese trapezist and juggler. He was
very old. He said, and we agreed, he was about 75 years of age. But the
German authorities arbitrarily assessed his age at 54 years, and such it
had to be so long as it suited their purpose. He had toured the
vaudeville theatres and music halls in Germany for over 20 years, but he
was rounded up, and despite all his protestations concerning his age
was interned at Sennelager.

The age of the poor old fellow was perfectly obvious. He was very weak,
and indeed, quite incapable of performing the most simple duties set by
our Lord and Master. K----, the captain of our barrack--the Jap formed
one of our party--recognising the old man's incapacity and infirmities,
eased his unfortunate position as much as he dared. One man had to be
detached from each party when it went out to work, to serve as orderly
for the day, and his responsibility was to keep the barrack clean and
tidy during our absence. At every available opportunity, especially when
confronted with a severe day's work, K---- told off the old man as
orderly, the light work pertaining to which was within his capacity.

Upon the day of this particular parade the old man, enfeebled with age,
weak from want of food, and debilitated, could not resist the merciless
blazing sun. From sheer fatigue he sank to the ground. We in our pity
left him there, although we closed around him to shield him from the
eagle eyes of the vigilant guard. When Major Bach appeared suddenly we
all sprang hurriedly to attention. But our aged Japanese friend was not
so quick. The Commandant saw him sitting on the ground at the same
moment as the guard, also catching sight of him, rushed forward. The old
fellow was unmercifully hustled to his feet, although it w