make even a note was risky. The way I did it was to exclaim over the
beauty of some flower or tree, and then ask the Mexican nearest me to
write the name of it HIMSELF in MY notebook. Then I would say, "In
English that would be----" and I would pretend to write beside it the
English equivalent, but really would write the word that was the key to
what I wished to remember. So, you see, a letter at that rate of
progress was impossible. It was a case of "Can't get away to cable you
today; police won't let me!" However, we are all safe at home again.
As a matter of fact, I had a most exciting time, and am dying to tell
you the "insie" story. But the one I sent the papers must serve. I
promised myself I would give the FIRST soldier, marine and sailor I met
on returning a cigar, and the first sailor was the CHAPLAIN OF THE
FLEET, Father Reany. But he took the cigar and gave me his blessing.
I am now burning candles to St. Rita. What worried me the MOST was how
worried YOU would be; and I begged Palmer not to send the story of our
first arrest. But other people told of it, and he had to forward it.
You certainly made the wires BURN! and had the army guessing. One
officer said to me, "I'm awfully sorry to see you back. If you'd only
have stayed in jail another day your wife would have had us all on our
way to Mexico." And the censor said, "My God! I'm glad you're safe!
Your wife has MADE OUR LIVES HELL!" And quite right, too, bless you!
None of us knows anything, but it looks to me that NOTHING will induce
Wilson to go to war. But the Mexicans think we ARE at war, and act
accordingly. They may bring on a conflict. That is why I am making
ready in case we advance and that is why I cabled today for the rest of
my kit. I have a fine little pony, and a little messenger boy who
speaks Spanish, to look after the horse, and me.

And now, as to your LETTERS, they came to-day, five of them, COUNT 'EM,
and the pictures did make me laugh. I showed those of the soldier
commandeering the vegetables to Funston and he laughed. And, I did
love the flowers you sent no matter HOW homesick they made me! (Oh).
I do not want a camera.

I have one, and those fancy cameras I don't understand.

The letters you forwarded were wonderfully well selected. I mean,
those from other people. One of them was from Senator Root telling me
Bryan is going to reward our three heroic officers who jumped into the
ocean. I know you will be g