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Of course, they didn’t observe the regulations perfectly. Then the guard passed by they were all in place, after he had gone they would lean back and rest on their hands. Anyone caught out of place was smacked over the head with the leather casing of the bayonet. Joe’s deafness (they took his machine away to examine if it were a short-wave radio or transmitter) was a great handicap in the whispered (of necessity) conversation, and the mental suffering was acute. He told me he thought of all kinds of things to keep occupied. He reviewed a lot of theology and philosophy (from memory), made a ten-day retreat and reviewed many of the Spiritual Exercises, thought over subjects and developments, for conferences and sermons, The injustice of it all and the degrading treatment were a sore trial. The day he was released came as a surprise, he had a half-hour warning. They told him ”So Sorry. Mistake. Innocent. You go.” and out he went with no money and no means of transportation. He walked about a mile to San Ignacio and just about made it. The Fathers were at dinner, and they thought they saw a ghost.

After three weeks to build up a bit, Joe was back in the classroom in the Juniorate, where he continued until March 1944 and again in June 1944. On the 8th of July all of us were taken in by the Japs, spent a night in Santo Tomas and landed in Los Banos Internment Camp about 40 miles south of Manila on July 9. I have already given you a sketchy account of Joe’s life in Los Banos.

Pardon the abrupt close. Hoping to see you in a month or so, I am Very sincerely yours,