Barry stood looking at him in silence, as if trying to take in exactly what he meant, then in a low and awed tone he said:
“It is war! War with Germany!”
“We cannot help that,” cried Brand. “What difference can this war make to you here a hundred miles from civilisation? These men are pledged to us.”
“Their first pledge is to their country, sir,” said Barry gravely.
“But why should you, a Canadian, take part in this war?” argued Mr. Howland. “Surely this is England's war.”
Then Barry appeared to awake as from a dream.
“Yes, it is England's war, it is Britain's war, and when Britain is at war my country is at war, and when my country is at war I ought to be there.”
“God in heaven!” shouted Duff, striking him on the back, “you have said it! My country is at war, and I must be there. As God hears me, I am off to-day—now.”
“Me, too!” said Knight with a shout.
“I'm going with you, sir,” said little Harry Hobbs, ranging himself beside Barry.