“Your mother is a fine woman, Ted. Did she write you how she sent the $100 insurance that she collected to Mr. Dean, because she did not want to owe any money, it made her so uncomfortable. You know the sum Mr. Dean is sending every month is only accepted by your mother on condition that it be paid back by the three of you, when the time comes. She would not take it any other way.
“And, my boy,” Mrs. Dean smoothed into place a stray lock of Ted’s hair, “I am so glad that you will make good, for her sake. Helen, too, I know, will give her much reason for pride. It is a wonderful thing for a mother to be proud of her children.”
They walked slowly on.
“I am going to make good,” Ted said, very soberly. “For your sake and for my mother’s sake. I owe you so much.”
Mrs. Dean continued: “I am worried, Ted, very much worried. As you know, there is talk of war between Germany and England. If there is, Mr. Dean would have to go. I would not have him stay even if he could, and I am desperately afraid.”
It seemed to do Mrs. Dean as much good as it did Ted to talk. So they spoke of the Chicago they both loved, the Settlement, and of the many things that had happened lately.
She brought greetings from the boys at the ranch, which made Ted very happy.
In the dean’s office, around a table, sat Mr. Oglethorpe, Captain Wilson, Mr. Dean, Colonel Graham, a Mr. Smythe, who came from Toronto, and another man who was addressed as Major Church. There were several other men present, who sat and listened.
Major Church seemed to be the leader and acted as chairman.
Mr. Smythe: “War is a matter of days. Germany has an army over on the American side. They pose as German-Americans, but they are actually Germans, armed and ready. We must watch, keep ever on the watch. We must also watch the Germans on our own side. These Germans are brave and wise, as well. Dislike them as we do, they are strong men, and we must not and cannot despise their wonderful ability.”