to me, often complained that he has been the only one to react to Szeryński’s inappropriate behaviour towards the officers. Szeryński was known for his hellish screams. His voice was so forceful, as if he wanted to shout the officer standing in front of him to death.
The entire first phase of organizing the Order Service brought playhouse theatrics to mind, despite the tragedy. This playhouse character was particularly evident when it came to assigning the so-called ranks, or professional titles. A frenzy seized everyone throughout the Order Service. People behaved as if they had gone crazy and started to apply for different titles. Plenty of alcohol was said to be flowing then. Such pursuit of rank and insignia might possibly be explained by a rumour that work for the Order Service was to be paid. It was said that an ordinary constable was [7] to receive 6 zlotys, a section head—7 zlotys, a group commander—8 zlotys, a deputy district commander—9 zlotys, and a district commander—10 zlotys. However, I believe that this was not the real reason, because, after all, the Order Service consisted mostly of professional intelligentsia, industrialists, merchants—in a word, the bourgeoisie, which was still not bad off at that time. It was a trend, and considering the tragic situation and the tasks that awaited the Order Service, it was like a playhouse in character.
One saw things; for example, Nikodem Goldsztejn was made a deputy district commander by the grace of the right honourable colonel Szeryński. He strapped on one star and walked around looking sad. The next day, he was seen with two stars. He negotiated them after a loud argument with Colonel Szeryński. Szeryński was particularly prejudiced towards me—perhaps because he had heard about my open criticism of his manner and the character of the Order Service. On the one hand, I do not think that he had any regard for my humble person. My relationship with lawyer Berenson was generally known, however, and I was thought to be his echo, as in fact I was. Even before the so-called regions were established, I was approached by Szeryński’s aide, Mr Stanisław Czapliński, who asked me in front of everyone if I wanted to go to the line duty or the administrative service, because the chancery staff had to be significantly reduced. I knew what was going on—the command no doubt thought I was Berenson’s spy, and that is why they wanted to get rid of me. It was commonly known that Berenson was very much interested in the organisation of the Order Service. He was visited daily by people who held high positions in the Order Service, such as Lubliner,
