"A mistake: they were shouting against war. The British government will not dare to strike: even if they do, they will be too late. We are ready: they are not. Before they have made up their minds we shall be across the Belgian frontier and into France."
The conversation continued for a few minutes longer, then the visitor rose to go. Acting on impulse, Kenneth ran out of his room, and was nearing the foot of the staircase as the two men came from the drawing-room. He had the Cologne Gazette in his hand.
"Have you read Sir Edward Grey's speech?" he asked Hellwig.
"Not yet. Is it worth the trouble?" replied Hellwig in his smooth mocking tones.
"I thought you hadn't, or you wouldn't be so cock-sure," Kenneth returned. "I rather think the British government have already made up their minds."
"So you have been eavesdropping?" said Hellwig quickly.
"You are a spy!" cried Kenneth--"you and your friend."
"Is that any concern of yours?"
"Only to this extent; that I'll have nothing more to do with you," said Kenneth hotly, conscious at the moment that it was a foolish thing to say, and feeling the more irritated.
"That will kill me," sighed Hellwig.