Part 20 (1/2)
Alan thanked him, read it, and said:
”What on earth is the Government doing? It ought to be informed.”
”It is--has been for sometime. But we know how it is. They always wait until their hands are forced--they are afraid.”
”Of what, of what can a British Government be afraid?”
”First and foremost, of the anti-war party, the peace-at-any-price men; then the labor party, votes are the chief consideration. It's abominable,” said Fraser.
”Like sticking to office, I suppose?”
”Yes; at all costs.”
”You are certain they know there will be war?”
”They must.”
”And they will meet the shock unprepared?”
”As regards the army, yes; not the navy. There never was a navy stronger than ours at the present day, but it's been a tremendous fight to get the money, men and s.h.i.+ps,” said Fraser.
”You ought to be in the House,” said Alan.
Fraser laughed.
”I should want a free hand from my const.i.tuents,” he said.
”And you'd get it; you're just the man,” replied Alan.
”What are you going to do?” asked Fraser.
”If war breaks out?”
”Yes.”
”Try and get the commission I threw up,” said Alan.
”I thought so, and really I can't blame you; we shall want every man we can get,” said Duncan Fraser.
CHAPTER XIII
ALAN IS BLIND
It was about a month later when Alan called at The Forest and found Eve Berkeley alone. Ella was with her father in London; they had accepted her invitation to pay another visit later on. She had been waiting for him, wondering why he did not call. She soon heard the reason.
”I have been awfully rushed,” he said. ”Lots of things to see to at Chesney's before I go away.”
”Go away!” she exclaimed. ”Where are you going? This is rather sudden; I am surprised.”