Page 25 - A Hero of Liége

many people refuse to believe that we shall go to extremes and invade their
territory. They say that its inviolability is guaranteed by treaty."

Hellwig laughed.

"Keep in touch with London," he said. "In a few hours I shall be cut off
from London except through Amsterdam, and I shall have to move my

headquarters there. You remember the address?"

"As before?"

"Yes. Send there any information that comes through from London, and

keep me informed of your whereabouts."

"There was talk, as I came through, of possible English intervention. I learn
that crowds clamoured for war in front of Buckingham Palace last night."

"A mistake: they were shouting against war. The British government will
not dare to strike: even if they do, they will be too late. We are ready: they

are not. Before they have made up their minds we shall be across the
Belgian frontier and into France."

The conversation continued for a few minutes longer, then the visitor rose
to go. Acting on impulse, Kenneth ran out of his room, and was nearing the

foot of the staircase as the two men came from the drawing-room. He had
the Cologne Gazette in his hand.

"Have you read Sir Edward Grey's speech?" he asked Hellwig.

"Not yet. Is it worth the trouble?" replied Hellwig in his smooth mocking
tones.

"I thought you hadn't, or you wouldn't be so cock-sure," Kenneth returned.
"I rather think the British government have already made up their minds."

"So you have been eavesdropping?" said Hellwig quickly.