Though the cells were small, they nicely accommodated two bunks, which eliminated the “platform” sleeping arrangements. However, after living in the larger cell for several weeks, being locked in this smaller cell at night at first gave me a claustrophobic feeling. Though it disappeared in a matter of a few days, I imagine the uneasiness was cause by memories of solitary confinement in Lunatic Lane.

With a deck of cards we had acquired, we played various simple games. Surprisingly, poker didn't become popular, but upon discovering that some of us knew at least the rudiments of bridge, we offered instructions to those who cared to learn. Several of the men took advantage of this dubious opportunity, which finally resulted in establishing a very interesting tournament. Of course, some rules of the game were slightly bent while others which had never existed were conveniently invented to offset both the inexperience of the new players and the ineptness of the instructors. Though there were several “differences of opinion” and much outright poor playing, none of this resulted in bad feelings. Any tension which did briefly appear quickly melted as the bungler laughed along with his critics.

Card games and letter writing soon became mostly evening activities because we were being allowed more outdoor exercise during the daytime. This took the form of some lively basketball games on a small court outside the cellblock. These games proved too rigorous for the Chinese shoes which had been issued to some of the men and which were not meant for this sort of activity. In fact, it was the demise of a pair of these shoes which was the cause of a misunderstanding between one of the crew and an attendant. The incident even found its way to the front office.

We were playing a particularly intense game, when a pair of shoes simply came apart at a crucial time. The wearer blurted an expletive, “These *#%@$* Chinese shoes!”

Unfortunately the attendant on duty that day was watching the game. Equally unfortunate he had been earlier named “Shiny Shoes” because of his attention to his new shoes. The “boys” addressed him by this name which he learned, although he probably didn't know the meaning. He mistakenly thought the crew member had said “These *#%@$* Shiny Shoes!” He could tell by the tone that the outburst was derogatory, and he may even have recognized the expletive because of his long association with the crew.

Disappearing from the scene, the attendant soon reappeared with the interpreter who summoned the offending player to his office. The rest of us were standing around wondering, when the culprit emerged from the office laughing. He had satisfactorily explained the misunderstanding and when the interpreter came out, we corroborated the player's story. The attendant was mollified and the game continued.

By now we were all receiving snapshots from home. Using rice gruel for paste, we decorated our cells with photographs. We didn't ask permission, thinking that even if the authorities objected, once the photos were up they might say, “Well, since you already have them there, leave them.” That's exactly the way it worked. We recognized the loosening of the bonds and planned to take advantage of the situation, gaining all the concessions we could.

One form of amusement to which we turned was music. During my confinement in solitary, I discovered that even with my limited musical knowledge, I could reasonably pick out the notes to some simple songs on an imaginary keyboard. I chose a vibraharp on which to wield a pair of ghostly mallets. This interest survived so I sent home for elementary piano studies. When they arrived, Wally Brown also became interested. Together, using black and white cardboard from gift boxes, string for key separators, and rice-gruel paste, we constructed a four-octave piano keyboard. We practiced diligently, ignoring the questioning stares of attendants and guards, and the snide remarks of our fellow inmates, all of whom weren't certain we hadn't slipped over the edge. (I'm glad to report that after being released, although I established only a nodding acquaintance with a vibraharp which I purchased, Wally made such a serious study of the clarinet that he sat with a symphony orchestra — they actually allowed him to play!)

Once again we were told to gather our belongings and were led to still another section of the prison. Here, as at the previous location, we appeared to be near civilians, probably families of the prison personnel. These arrangements were contradictory to the labels they'd put on us — dangerous criminals!

Each move presented us with additional information abut the prison layout. However, this knowledge only satisfied our curiosity because we didn't even attempt to concoct an escape play.

To entertain the idea of escape, the following had to be considered.

First assume that those men who could travel, would, by some freakish accidents, be able to solve the maze of the unknown parts of the prison. They'd be outside the prison, but they'd also be Occidentals deep inside an Oriental country. Second, the war was over and we'd not be returning to the fighting. Third, and most influential, were the steadily increasing signs which supported the thesis of imminent release.

It was unquestionably more prudent to hang in there for the release.

Our new location was one in which we again had a cellblock to ourselves. As was the case the first time we were confined together, we were divided into two groups and placed in two cells. However, these cells were larger so each prisoner had more space. Another difference was that this time a third cell was used as a dining room and recreation area for writing and reading.

Among the first adjustments we made was to dim the light for sleeping. We finally accomplished this by constructing a cardboard shade which did not touch the bulb. This more sensible solution was applied only after caution had been ignored and a good sock, which had been thoughtlessly stripped over the bulb, had been severely scorched.

Near these quarters in the courtyard was a well with a pump. There was also a tub which could be filled with well water through an attachable pipe. It was now the summer of 1955 and the weather had gotten very warm, so we were allowed into the courtyard frequently to use the pump for bathing and washing clothes. In fact, the general situation had gotten so good that we once asked for a cake of ice to cool our water and make iced tea. To our surprise, we got it!