change. He could not
offer himself to be a legalised murderer, for that was how his
country's call appealed to him. It was a battle between Calvary and
Militarism, and he could not take the side of Militarism.

When he reached the house in the evening, after a long, lonely walk,
his mother pointed to a letter lying on the table.

"It's from Admiral Tresize," he said, after he had read it. "He wants
me to go up there to dinner, or as soon afterwards as possible."

"You'll go, of course," said the mother eagerly.

"Yes, I'll go. Of course it is too late for me to get there in time
for dinner, but I'll go directly afterwards."

"That's right."

An hour later Bob got out his car, and drove towards Penwennack, with a
sad heart. He dreaded what he felt sure was coming, and his heart beat
wildly with the hope that he might perhaps see Nancy, and make her
understand.

CHAPTER VII

When Bob knocked at the door of the house, he realised that he was
expected. Without delay the servant opened the door, and without
question at once ushered him into the room which went by the name of
"the library," though there was but little indication that the
apartment was used as a storehouse for books. Nautical charts, globes,
pictures of Dreadnoughts, and things appertaining to naval warfare
practically filled up all the available space.

As Bob entered, he saw the Admiral seated at a table, with a map of
Europe spread before him.

"Ah! Bob," cried the Admiral, "glad to see you. I hoped you would
have come in for dinner, but I suppose you were busy. I wanted a chat
with you, my boy."

The old man spoke with an obvious endeavour to retain his old friendly
footing, but it was evident that he was anxious and somewhat nervous.

"This is a terrible business, my boy," he went on; "who would have
thought it a month ago? I, who always believed that the Germans meant
war, never imagined it would come upon us like this. But, by gad, they
have found us ready this time! Never was the mobilisation of the Army
and Navy managed with such speed; everything has gone like
clockwork--just clockwork. Of course you know that Dick and George are
gone?"

"I heard they were going," said Bob.

"Yes, the young rascals were just mad to go. Naturally I expected it
of Dick, who had just finished his training at Sandhurst; but George
was just as keen. I am proud of them too. Yes, my boy, I have lost
one son in war, and God only kno