I picked myself up and walked until I caught sight of an hotel.  I entered, booked a room, and indulged in an elaborate wash and brush-up of which I was sorely in need, following this with a substantial breakfast.  Then I sauntered into the vestibule for a smoke.  Three German officers and a squad of soldiers came clanking in.  There was a short sharp order.  One officer remained at the door while the others disappeared into the depths of the building.

I went over to the officer and entered into conversation with him.  He spoke English fluently and was fairly affable.  We discussed things in general and also the political situation, from which I gathered that matters were rapidly approaching a climax, and that there was no telling what would happen next.  This was the first time I had been brought face to face with the situation and my outlook was serious.  The officer at last turned to me, and with a friendly smile, remarked—­

“Look here, my English friend, I would advise you to make for your country at once.  Don’t stop for anything!”

“Why?”

“Don’t ask questions.  Do as I say!  Can’t you take a friendly warning?  Take to-day’s train home!  If you don’t—­well, you may be detained!”

His advice was expressed in such significant tones that I looked at him sharply.  He answered with another smile and a shrug which intimated only too plainly that he had said as much as he dared.

I was debarred from prosecuting the conversation farther by the return of his comrades with a crowd of waiters.  They were all Russians and they had been rounded up by the military.  No opportunity was given them to pack a few necessities.  They were arrested at their tables, while performing their duties, were corralled and now were off to prison.  No one possessed any more than he stood up in.

I followed them down the street, intending to proceed to the British Consulate.  The streets were full of soldiers and the air rang with martial music.  While proceeding to the Consulate I became aware that I was being shadowed.  An individual resolutely dogged me.  I had seen him previously but had taken no serious notice of his presence.  Now he began to get a bit irksome.  I bought some picture post-cards and addressed them to friends at home, announcing my immediate return, also introducing brief comments on the condition of things in Berlin as they appeared to me.  A few hours later I regretted writing those post-cards.[2]

[Footnote 2:  Upon my return to England I made enquiries and discovered that not a single one had been received.  Undoubtedly they were stopped by the German military authorities and contributed somewhat materially to my subsequent troubles.—­H.C.M.]

The Consulate was besieged by hundreds of compatriots thirsting for guidance as to what to do.  After waiting an hour-and-a-half I secured an audience.  I briefly explained my position.