“Aren't they funny!” said Rowena. “They get so excited about nothing.”
“Well, it is hardly nothing,” said Hugo Raeder. “Any European war is full of all sorts of possibilities. You cannot throw matches about in a powder magazine without some degree of danger.”
“May I read the ultimatum?” said Larry to Mrs. Wakeham, who held the telegram in her hand.
“Pretty stiff ultimatum,” said Hugo Raeder. “Read it out, Larry.”
“Servia will have to eat dirt,” said Larry when he had finished. “Listen to this: She must 'accept the collaboration in Servia of representatives of the Austro-Hungarian Government for the consideration of the subversive movements directed against the Territorial integrity of the Monarchy.' 'Accept collaboration' of the representatives of the Austro-hungarian Government in this purely internal business, mind you. And listen to this: 'Delegates of the Austro-Hungarian Government will take part in the investigation relating thereto.' Austrian lawyers and probably judges investigating Servian subjects in Servia? Why, the thing is impossible.”
“It is quite evident,” said Hugo Raeder, “that Austria means war.”
“Poor little Servia, she will soon be eaten up,” said Rowena. “She must be bankrupt from her last war.”
“But why all this excitement on the part of our German friends?” inquired Mrs. Wakeham. “What has Germany to do with Austria and Servia?”
At this point Professor Schaefer and his friend re-entered the room ready for their departure.
“I was just inquiring,” said Mrs. Wakeham, “how this ultimatum of Austria's to Servia can affect Germany particularly.”