fty
miles of it--was like throwing a baseball at the Rocky Mountains.
Still, it was seeing something. Now, I have a room, and a very
wonderful one. I had to bribe everyone in the hotel to get it; and I
have something to write and, no more moving about I hope, for at least
a week. I am able to see the ships at anchor for miles, and the
landing stage for all the warships is just under my window. As near as
McCoy Rock from the terrace. It is like a moving picture all the time.
I bought myself an oil stove and a can of Standard oil, and, instead of
trying to warm the hotel with my body, I let George do it. But it is a
very small stove, and to really get the good of it, I have to sit with
it between my legs. Still, it is such a relief to be alone, and not to
pack all the time. McCutcheon and Bass, Hare and Shepherd are fine,
but I felt like the devil, imposing on them, and working four in a room
is no joke. We dine together each night. Except them, I see no one,
but have been writing. Also, I have been collecting facts about
Servian relief. Harjes, Morgan's representative in Paris, gave me
carte blanche to call on him for money or supplies; but I waited until
today to cable, so as to be sure where help was most needed. It is
still cold, but that AWFUL cold spell was quite unprecedented and is
not likely to come again. I NEVER suffered so from cold, and, as you
know, I suffer considerable. All the English officers who had hunted
in cold places, said neither had they ever felt such cold. Seven
hundred Tommies were frost bitten and toes and fingers fell off. I do
not say anything about how awful it is not to hear. But, if I had had
your letters forwarded to this dump of the Levant, I never would have
got them. Now, I have to wait for them until I get to Paris, but there
I will surely get them. Cables, of course, can reach me, but no cables
mean to me that you are all right. Nor do I want to "talk" about
Christmas.

You know how I feel about that, and about missing the first one SHE has
had. But it will be the LAST one we will know apart. Never again!

I want you in my arms and to hear you laugh and see your eyes. I am in
need of you to make a fuss over me. McCutcheon and Co. don't care
whether I have cold hands or not. You do. Your ointment and gloves
saved my fingers from falling off like the soldiers' did. And your
"housewife" I use to put on buttons, and, your scapular and medal keep
me well. B