ing through the quiet
hum of voices rising from the groups about the fire. By this time a very
considerable number of men present had joined themselves to the group
about the speakers.

"Well, Mr. Murray," said Mr. Rushbrooke, with a laugh, "it seems to me
that we cannot help it very well. If you wish to discourse upon the war,
you have your audience and you have my permission."

"It is not my intention to discourse upon the war, Mr. Rushbrooke, but
with your permission I will just tell our friends here how my mind has
worked since learning this terrible news this morning. My first impulse
was to take the first train to Winnipeg, for I know that it will be
necessary for me to readjust my business to the new conditions created
by war. My second thought was that there were others like me; that, in
fact, the whole business public of Winnipeg would be similarly affected.
I felt the need of counsel so that I should make no mistake that would
imperil the interests of others. I accepted Mrs. Rushbrooke's invitation
to come to-night in the hope of meeting with a number of the business
men of Winnipeg. The more I think of it the more terrible this thing
becomes. The ordinary conditions of business are gone. We shall all need
to readjust ourselves in every department of life. It seems to me that
we must stand together and meet this calamity as best we can, wisely,
fairly and fearlessly. The main point to be considered is, should we
not have a general meeting of the business men of Winnipeg, and if so,
when?"

Mr. Murray's words were received in deep silence, and for a time no one
made reply. Then Mr. Rushbrooke made answer.

"We all feel the importance of what Mr. Murray has said. Personally,
though, I am of the opinion that we should avoid all unnecessary
excitement and everything approaching panic. The war will doubtless be
a short one. Germany, after long preparation, has decided to challenge
Great Britain's power. Still, Britain is ready for her. She has
accepted the challenge; and though her army is not great, she is yet
not unprepared. Between the enemy and Britain's shores there lies that
mighty, invisible and invincible line of defence, the British navy. With
the French armies on the one side and the Russian on the other, Germany
can not last. In these days, with the terrible engines of destruction
that science has produced, wars will be short and sharp. Germany will
get her medicine and I hope it will do her good."