Part 52 (1/2)
”If you have any charge to make----”
”Oh, no.”
The captain regarded him intently:
”Let me tell you something,” he said. ”Since we sailed, have you noticed the bulletins posted containing our wireless news?”
”Yes, I've read them.”
”Did they interest you?”
”Yes. You mean that row between Austria and Servia over the Archduke's murder?”
”I mean exactly that, Mr. Neeland. And now I am going to tell you something else. Tonight I had a radio message which I shall not post on the bulletins for various reasons. But I shall tell you under the seal of confidence.”
”I give you my word of honour,” said Neeland quietly.
”I accept it, Mr. Neeland. And this is what has happened: Austria has decided on an ultimatum to Servia. And probably will send it.”
They remained silent for a moment, then the captain continued:
”Why should we deceive ourselves? This is the most serious thing that has happened since the Hohenzollern incident which brought on the Franco-Prussian War.”
Neeland nodded.
”You see?” insisted the captain. ”Suppose the humiliation is too severe for Servia to endure? Suppose she refuses the Austrian terms?
Suppose Austria mobilises against her? What remains for Russia to do except to mobilise? And, if Russia does that, what is going to happen in Germany? And then, instantly and automatically, what will follow in France?” His mouth tightened grimly. ”England,” he said, ”is the ally of France. Ask yourself, Mr. Neeland, what are the prospects of this deadly combination and deadlier situation.”
After a few moments the young man looked up from his brown study:
”I'd like to ask you a question--perhaps not germane to the subject.
May I?”
”Ask it.”
”Then, of what interest are Turkish forts to any of the various allied nations--to the Triple Entente or the Triple Alliance?”
”Turkish fortifications?”
”Yes--plans for them.”
The captain glanced instinctively at the box beside Neeland's chair, but his features remained incurious.
”Turkey is supposed to be the ally of Germany,” he said.
”I've heard so. I know that the Turkish army is under German officers.
But--if war should happen, is it likely that this ramshackle nation which was fought to a standstill by the Balkan Alliance only a few months ago would be likely to take active sides?”
”Mr. Neeland, it is not only likely, it is absolutely certain.”