Their bickering was interrupted by the approach of guests. Three men strolled across the yard—Giles Spotswood, the cousin from the mill; Will Blair, another cousin, who kept the Village post office; and old Mr. Tavis, a villager outside the cousinship.
“We saw Black Mayo here, and we dropped in to talk over the news,� said Mr. Blair. “Giles says Fayett Mallett heard at Redville that the United States has declared war. That’s what comes of sinking American ships; eh, Mayo?�
“Yes,� answered Black Mayo; “the German sinking of American ships was the overt act which brought on this war, just as the Stamp Tax brought on the Revolution. But at bottom, in both cases, the real cause is the same: it’s a fight against a despotic government for liberty and human rights.�
“It’s strange the Germans kept up submarine fighting after the United States’ protests,� said Mr. Blair; “getting another powerful enemy.�
“I reckon they count on winning the war with U-boats before the United States gets over there with both feet,� answered Black Mayo. “But I’ll bet on the British Navy; it’s saved the Allies so far.�
“You said the Belgians saved them by that ten days of defense that gave the French and British time to come,� said David.
“You told me the French saved them by driving the Germans back at the battle of the Marne,� said Dick.
“Oh! but you said the stubborn retreat of that first little British army was a real victory that made possible the Marne victory,� Patsy reminded him.
“Well, well! a good deal of saving is necessary; and maybe the old United States will jump in and do the final saving.�
“The French and British are pushing forward now,� said Mr. Blair. “Yesterday’s paper says——�