e really going to be war?" he demanded.

"Ask those chaps at The Hague," Lieutenant Godfrey answered. "Doing
their best to freeze us out, or something. All I know is, if there's
going to be fighting, we are ready for them. By-the-by, what have you
got wireless telegraphy for here, anyway?"

"It's a fad of my uncle's," Gerald replied. "Since his accident he
amuses himself in all sorts of queer ways."

Lieutenant Godfrey nodded.

"Poor fellow!" he said. "I heard he was a cripple, or something of the
sort. Forgive my asking, but--you people are English, aren't you?"

"Rather!" Gerald answered. "The Fentolins have lived here for hundreds
of years. Why do you ask that?"

Lieutenant Godfrey hesitated. He looked, for the moment, scarcely at his
ease.

"Oh, I don't know," he replied. "The old man was very anxious I should
find out. You see, a lot of information seems to have got over on
the other side, and we couldn't think where it had leaked out, except
through your wireless. However, that isn't likely, of course, unless
you've got one of these beastly Germans in your receiving-room. Now if I
can borrow a cigarette, a cigar, or a pipe of tobacco--any mortal
thing to smoke--I'll be off, if I may. The old man turned me out at
an unearthly hour this morning, and in Sheringham all the shops were
closed. Steady on, young fellow," he laughed, as Gerald filled his
pockets with cigarettes. "Well, here's good morning to you, Miss
Fentolin. Good morning, sir. How long ought it to take me to get to
Sheringham?"

"About forty minutes," Gerald told him, "if your car's any good at all."

"It isn't much," was the somewhat dubious reply. "However, we'll shove
along. You in the Service?" he enquired, as they walked down the hall
together.

"Hope I shall be before long," Gerald answered. "I'm going into the
army, though."

"Have to hurry up, won't you?"

Gerald sighed.

"It's a little difficult for me. Here's your car. Good luck to you!"

"My excuses to Mr. Fentolin," Lieutenant Godfrey shouted, "and many
thanks."

He jumped into the automobile and was soon on his way back. Gerald
watched him until he was nearly out of sight. On the knoll, two of the
wireless operators were already at work. Mr. Fentolin sat in his chair
below, watching. The blue sparks were flashing. A message was just being
delivered. Presently Mr. Fentolin turned his chair, and with Meekins by
his side, made his way back to the house. He passed along the