rbs of London, and Grenfel was following his usual custom of
dropping into step now with one group, now with another. He favored the
idea of splitting up into groups of two or three on the homeward way,
because it was his idea that one of the great functions of the Scout
movement was to foster enduring friendships among the boys. He liked to
know, without listening or trying to overhear, what the boys talked about;
often he would give a directing word or two, that, without his purpose
becoming apparent, shaped the ideas of the boys.

"Yes," he repeated. "You understand what we're trying to do in this
country, Fleming. We don't want to fight--we pray to God that we shall
never have to. But, if we are attacked, or if the necessity arises, we'll
be ready, as we have been ready before. We want peace--we want it so much
and so earnestly that we'll fight for it if we must."

Neither of the boys laughed at what sounded like a paradox. His voice was
too earnest.

"Do you think England is likely to have to go to war soon--within a year or
so, sir?" asked Harry.

"I pray not," said Grenfel. "But we don't know, Fleming. For the last few
years--ever since the trouble in the Balkans finally flamed up--Europe has
been on the brink of a volcano. We don't know what the next day may bring
forth. I've been afraid--" He stopped, suddenly, and seemed to consider.

"There is danger now," he said, gravely. "Since the Archduke Franz
Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated, Austria has been in an ugly mood.
She has tried to blame Servia. I don't think Russia will let her crush
Servia--not a second time. And if Russia and Austria fight, there is no
telling how it may spread."

"You'd want us to win, wouldn't you, Harry, if we fought?" asked Dick, when
Mr. Grenfel had passed on to speak to some of the others.

"Yes, I think I would--I _know_ I would, Dick," said Harry, gravely. "But I
wouldn't want to see a war, just the same. It's a terrible thing."

"Oh, it wouldn't last long," said Dick, confidently. "We'd lick them in no
time at all. Don't you think so?"

"I don't know--I hope so. But you can't ever be sure."

"I wonder if they'd let us fight?"

"No, I don't think they would, Dick. There'd be plenty for the Boy Scouts
to do though, I believe."

"Would you stay over here if there was a war, Harry? Or would you go home?"

"I think we'd have to stay over here, Dick. You see, my father is here on
business, not just for pleasure. His