These messages had not been altogether reassuring.
The first was timed at 8.13, London, and had been read before the clock chimed the quarter-past. It ran:
"MEMBERS ARE ARRIVING AFTER DINNER. HAZELTON MOBBED IN THE SQUARE."
The second, ten minutes later, ran:
"FOUR TITANIC-LINE BOATS FROM GERMANY REPORTED IN SIGHT. CORDON OF POLICE-VOLORS COMPLETED."
The third:
"MOB REPORTED DIRECTION OF HAMPSTEAD. THE PRIME MINISTER HAS BEGUN HIS SPEECH. HOUSE FULL."
The fourth, fifth, and sixth contained abstracts from the speech, and added that it was becoming increasingly difficult to hear, owing to the noise from outside.
Twenty minutes had now elapsed and no further message had been received.
* * * * *