Jim put down off the window-seat one of Robin’s legs which was incommoding him.
“Germany declared war on Russia yesterday,” he said. “Wonder what’s going to happen next?”
“I don’t know. I suppose there’ll be a battle. It’s rather exciting, and I’m glad we’re on an island. This queer bug doesn’t seem to mind tobacco smoke. Hullo, Badders! Why going to chapel again?”
“Why not?” said Badsley from the path outside. “I say, I believe there’s going to be a gory war.”
“Well, we’re not in it, so what does it matter? Jim and I are dining with you to-night, aren’t we?”
“I was sure I hadn’t forgotten to. Thanks, we’ll come. Hurrah! there’s Ju—Jelf with cigarettes.”
Jelf entered, brandishing his cigarettes like a wave-offering.
“Christianity hasn’t made much of a show in nineteen hundred years,” he remarked. “Total effect up to date is that we’re going to have the biggest war that ever happened. Moslems are forbidden to fight against Moslems, you know, but Christians may kill as many of each other as they please.”
“Have a cigarette? One of yours,” said Jim, changing the subject.