“Germany, Austria and Italy, some years ago, formed what is now known as the Triple Alliance. This alliance sets forth that in case either country that signed the agreement is attacked by a hostile power, the other two members of the alliance are bound to support it. Although a natural enemy of Austria, Italy nevertheless was in some manner inveigled into the agreement, practically against her will. There is no doubt that in the days since the alliance was formed, she has been used as a cat’spaw by Germany. Now Italy is beginning to realize it.
“To offset the Triple Alliance and maintain the balance of power in Europe, England, France and Russia, a few years later, entered into a pact and the alignment of these three countries is known as the Triple Entente. While not bound to support each other in case of war, there never was any doubt that each would do so should the other be attacked. It was this knowledge that held the Kaiser’s warlike spirit in check until a few days ago.
“Now, in spite of the fact that Italy has begun to realize she is being used as a cat’spaw by Germany, and also in spite of the natural Italian antagonism toward Austria, Germany’s other ally, it will take more than this to keep Italy from joining her allies in the war. She is in honor bound to support the alliance, and she will, unless she can be made to believe that Germany, in secret conjunction with Austria, is plotting her downfall. And it is this that Italy must be made to believe.”
“But is that exactly fair?” Frank wanted to know.
“'All’s fair in love and war,’” quoted Hetherington. “Besides, we have learned enough through secret channels to know that it is true. Now we must make Italy see it without suspecting that we have had a hand in it.”
“Looks like quite a sizable job,” remarked Jack dryly.
“And so it is,” was the reply; “which is the reason I must be in Nalut as soon as possible.”
“Surely you don’t expect to accomplish all this by yourself?” exclaimed Frank.
“No, indeed,” replied Hetherington. “But I must do my part. The plans have all been laid, and day after to-morrow is the one set upon which to act.”
“But the thing I can’t see,” Jack broke in, “is why it is necessary to come to Africa to carry out the plans.”