"The train can be fired at any moment, thanks to our forethought in tunnelling between the mill-house and the bridge."
"That is well," said Hellwig, in the tone of a superior commending the report brought him by a subordinate. "Get back as quickly as you can, and tell them to be ready to act instantly on receipt of a marconigram."
"The stations are closed to private messages," remarked the visitor.
"Yes: but mine will get through. What news have you?"
"When I left yesterday the Belgians were becoming alive to their danger. They are mobilising feverishly. The forts at Liége are fully manned. But many people refuse to believe that we shall go to extremes and invade their territory. They say that its inviolability is guaranteed by treaty."
Hellwig laughed.
"Keep in touch with London," he said. "In a few hours I shall be cut off from London except through Amsterdam, and I shall have to move my headquarters there. You remember the address?"
"As before?"
"Yes. Send there any information that comes through from London, and keep me informed of your whereabouts."
"There was talk, as I came through, of possible English intervention. I learn that crowds clamoured for war in front of Buckingham Palace last night."