"You have had more news from Berlin?"
"This letter came this morning. I knew you were to be home to-day, so thought I'd bring it over."
Alan thanked him, read it, and said:
"What on earth is the Government doing? It ought to be informed."
"It is—has been for sometime. But we know how it is. They always wait until their hands are forced—they are afraid."
"Of what, of what can a British Government be afraid?"
"First and foremost, of the anti-war party, the peace-at-any-price men; then the labor party, votes are the chief consideration. It's abominable," said Fraser.
"Like sticking to office, I suppose?"
"Yes; at all costs."
"You are certain they know there will be war?"