to America order came out of
chaos; the Y adjusted itself and became an efficient machine. We can
probably look upon it as a permanent organization in foreign lands by
the time these gifted and well-trained executives, these learned
expatriates, have all been called home.

Because of mismanagement and disorganization in the beginning, many a Y
man who had left home with the best intentions, became disappointed and
disgusted and so unfit for service.

He began by traveling from pillar to post and ended by seeing France and
Italy at Mrs. O'Flannagan's expense. He returned home saying unkind
things of the Y. Those who saw him traveling about, usually in an
expensive car, burning gasoline which cost more than a dollar a gallon
or traveling free on overcrowded trains, needed to transport troops or
civilians on imperative business, said unkind things of the Y.

The men in the service of the Y had no reason for complaint at the
reception or courtesy extended them by the foreign governments where
they were placed. In Italy they had free first-class transportations and
could frank their baggage. The organization was given free freight,
express, postal and telegraph service. Certain government monopolies
were waived and customs' charges revoked in its favor.

Nor could the men complain of the Y in the allowance for expenses and
salaries, as the organization in every instance more than lived up to
its agreement. No great criticism can be found with the organization. A
man who wanted to work and serve had the opportunity. Just criticism for
incompetence was local, and for discourtesy and dishonesty was
individual.

CHAPTER II.

"Y" SERVICE.

One evening in the spring of 1918 John Calhoun Saylor, ex-Congressman,
sat before the open fire in the old Clay residence, reading the
Courier-Journal.

"Just as I expected, thirty-five, that gets me. I was born in 1885."
Then he read to his wife that the draft age would be raised to
thirty-five.

"But, John, you are married."

"Yes, thoroughly--but that makes no difference in my case. We have no
children; you and I have some little property, enough of an income to
live on; there's no one dependent upon me; I'm as strong as a mule,
feet, eyes, ears and teeth all right; no chance for rejection; they'll
get me sure. I guess it would have been better if I had gone to an
officer's training camp. My friends know I am no coward; I have been
shot at before, but I do not want som