“I accept it, Mr. Neeland. And this is what has happened: Austria has decided on an ultimatum to Servia. And probably will send it.”
They remained silent for a moment, then the captain continued:
“Why should we deceive ourselves? This is the most serious thing that has happened since the Hohenzollern 219 incident which brought on the Franco-Prussian War.”
Neeland nodded.
“You see?” insisted the captain. “Suppose the humiliation is too severe for Servia to endure? Suppose she refuses the Austrian terms? Suppose Austria mobilises against her? What remains for Russia to do except to mobilise? And, if Russia does that, what is going to happen in Germany? And then, instantly and automatically, what will follow in France?” His mouth tightened grimly. “England,” he said, “is the ally of France. Ask yourself, Mr. Neeland, what are the prospects of this deadly combination and deadlier situation.”
After a few moments the young man looked up from his brown study:
“I’d like to ask you a question—perhaps not germane to the subject. May I?”
“Ask it.”
“Then, of what interest are Turkish forts to any of the various allied nations—to the Triple Entente or the Triple Alliance?”
“Turkish fortifications?”