"We might harm some of the inhabitants of the island," replied Captain Brookes. "There's bound to be a crowd gathered around to see the sight."
"I venture to suggest that the crew have kept them at a respectful distance, sir."
"I'll not take the risk. If the airship ascends I'll wing her sure enough, not otherwise. But I mean to get under way at once and head at top speed for English waters. There's mischief brewing; of that I feel certain."
Ere nightfall the Olive Branch had cleared Santorin Harbour and was tearing towards the Straits of Gibraltar. The English agent at Swanage was kept constantly in touch by means of wireless, greatly to that individual's annoyance, since he saw no reason for Captain Brookes's continuous messages. But, four hours after clearing the Straits, a wireless was received that caused the blood of every member of the crew of the Olive Branch to surge madly through his veins. It was brief and yet to the point: "Triple Alliance has commenced hostilities against Great Britain."
[Illustration: CHAPTER XXV]
THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL
IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the Olive Branch were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information. Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.
A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned. Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.