d together to the launch. On their way back to their island
they called to see Mr. McPherson. "You were right," was Mr. Murray's
greeting to him. "It has come; Britain has declared war."

Mr. McPherson stood gazing at him in solemn silence. "War," he said at
length. "We are really in."

"Yes, you were right, Mr. McPherson," said Dr. Brown. "I could not
believe it; I cannot believe it yet. Why we should have gone into this
particular quarrel, for the life of me I cannot understand."

"I was afraid from the very first," said McPherson, "and when once
Russia and France were in I knew that Britain could not honourably
escape."

As they were talking together a launch went swiftly by. "That's the
Rushbrooke's launch," said Jim.

Mr. Murray rushed out upon the pier and, waving his hand, brought it to
a halt and finally to the dock. "Have you heard the news?" he said to
the lady who sat near the stern. "Britain has declared war."

"Oh," replied Mrs. Rushbrooke, "why on earth has she done that? It is
perfectly terrible."

"Terrible, indeed," said Mr. McPherson. "But we must face it. It changes
everything in life--business, society, home, everything will immediately
feel the effect of this thing."

"Oh, Mr. McPherson," exclaimed Mrs. Rushbrooke, "I can hardly see how it
will quite change everything for us here in Canada. For instance," she
added with a gay laugh, "I do not see that it will change our bonfire
tonight. By the way, I see you are not gone, Dr. Brown. You and Jane
will surely come over; and, Mr. Murray, you will bring your young people
and Mrs. Murray; and, Mr. McPherson, I hope you will be able to come. It
is going to be a charming evening and you will see a great many of your
friends. I think a bonfire on one of the islands makes a very pretty
sight."

"I am not sure whether I can take the time, Mrs. Rushbrooke," said Mr.
Murray. "I had thought of seeing a number of our business men who are
down here at the Lake."

"Oh, can't you leave business even while you are here? You really ought
to forget business during your holidays, Mr. Murray."

"I mean in relation to the war," said Mr. Murray.

"Good gracious, what can they possibly do about the war down here? But
if you want to see them they will all be with us to-night. So you had
better come along. But we shall have to hurry, Lloyd; I have a lot of
things to do and a lot of people to feed. We have got to live, haven't
we?" she added as the launch got un