stria as a Great Power could not think of allowing
mediation as though she were a small Balkan state."

"Yes, it's terrible enough," replied Bob. "But, thank heaven, we are
not likely to be dragged into it."

"I hope and pray not," I replied.

"Why? Do you think it possible?" he cried.

"Anything is possible. You've seen that Germany has invaded Luxemburg.
As you know, Luxemburg is a small neutral state, and has been promised
the protection of the Powers. Germany was a party to this promise, and
yet she has violated everything."

"That's only hearsay," was his reply.

"It is more than hearsay," I answered; but Bob did not appear to be
convinced.

"I am almost glad dear old father is dead," he went on presently. "The
Boer War nearly broke his heart, while this business threatens to be so
ghastly, that it would have driven him mad. It is simply hellish."

After this we almost feared to open our newspapers, and events followed
so rapidly that we were unable to keep count of them.

Never shall I forget the look on Admiral Tresize's face when he read
Sir Edward Grey's momentous speech. His ruddy face became almost pale,
and his hands trembled.

"Sir Edward has done all mortal man can do," he declared. "Whose ever
hands are clean of this bloody business, his are. He has simply
laboured night and day for peace."

"Seemingly all in vain," was my reply.

"I have been informed on unimpeachable authority that the Kaiser, in
spite of his pious harangues, has been preparing for this, planning for
this, for years."

"Still there is no necessity for us to be dragged in," I urged.

"Of course there is the _Entente_ between ourselves and France," he
replied. "France will be bound to help Russia on account of their
alliance, and the question will naturally arise as to whether we can
stand aside while the German fleet bombards France's shores and while
German armies cross her frontier."

"But think of war, Admiral."

"Yes, God knows I think of it. I didn't sleep last night for thinking
of it. I know what war is, know of its bloody horrors. War is hell, I
know that; but I would rather that my country should go through hell,
than allow a Power like Germany to crush her."

"But Germany couldn't crush us. She has no desire to crush us."

The Admiral looked at me angrily, but did not speak for some seconds.

"I cannot say all I know," he said presently, "but, mark my words, in a
few days you will know by t