The Bolshevik Myth (Diary 1920-1922)

to them. They looked forlorn, those "dangerous enemies" of the United States. The powerful American Government never appeared to me in a more ridiculous light. The women made no complaints: they are treated well and receive good food. But all three are penned in a small cabin intended for one person only; day and night armed sentinels guard their door. No trace of Christ appeared anywhere on the ship this Christmas Day. The usual espionage and surveillance, the same discipline and severity. But in the general messroom, at dinner, there was an addition to the regular meal: currant bread and cranberries. More than half of the tables were vacant, however: most of the men are in their bunks, sick. December 26. — Rough sea, and more men "laid out." The six-foot "Baby" is the sickest of them all. The hatches have been closed to keep the sea out, and it is suffocating below deck. There are forty-nine men in our compartment; the rest are in the two adjoining ones. The ship physician has asked me to assist him on his daily rounds, as interpreter and nurse. The men suffer mostly from stomach and bowel complaints; but there are also cases of rheumatism, sciatica, and heartdisease. The Boris brothers are in a precarious condition; young John Birk is growing very weak; a number of others are in bad shape. December 27. — The Boston deportee, a former sailor, claims the course of the Buford was changed twice during the night. "Perhaps making for the Portugal Coast," he said. It is rumored we may be turned over to Denikin. The men are much worried. Human psychology everywhere has a basic kinship. Even in prison I found the deepest tragedies lit up by a touch of humor.…