At last the day for the first English gathering of British and Foreign Esperantists had almost arrived. I found myself in a train, together with two devoted fellow-workers, going to Dover. The other Londoners only arrived in Dover two days later.
We were not the only persons attracted there. Various reasons accounted for the overcrowding of our train. The lovely summer weather and the month of August are always sufficient to attract many people to this historic town, but on this occasion they were also going there to see the automobile boats, which were about to race from Calais to Dover.
Messrs. Finez and Geddes, the principal workers of the Dover group, kindly took us here and there. They informed us that the Red Star Liner would visit Dover Harbour for the first time that evening. And, in fact, a little later we caught sight of that great ocean liner approaching.
Dover is the last stopping place before New York; and I must admit I envied not a little the happy folks about to sail on such a tranquil sea.
The Captain kindly had us conducted over the vessel, and invited us to supper in the dining saloon of this Red Star palace. But it is the Green Star which must now be considered.
During the night a breeze sprang up, and the morning sea was flecked with little white horses, as by us the breakers are called. Nevertheless, the steamer did not roll much, and we arrived punctually in Calais Harbour and, thanks to Esperanto, once more walked on to French soil. Our friends there had awaited our arrival, and the "starred-ones" gave us a hearty welcome on the quay.
We intended to go at once to meet the Boulogne members; but the expected arrival of M. Camille Pelletan, Minister of Marine, changed our plan and detained us a few minutes in the station admiring the mass of gold lace worn by the various officers assembled. (Next day Mme. Pelletan became a member of the Calais group).
On leaving, we found that the streets were decorated with thousands upon thousands of flags, which, unfortunately, were not there merely to celebrate the Esperantist Congress! The sailors also were having their feast day and their carnival.
We soon met the Boulogne visitors, and assembled together at the Group's headquarters for official presentation. This accomplished, we entered the dining room of the _Hôtel Sauvage_. Never had I lunched with so many friends-in-Esperanto. We were seventy round the table. Everything was capitally arranged, and we all were more thansatisfied with the result. During the repast the gay carnival passedalong the street, adding another point of interest to the memorable day.