Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1916-09-06

Good God! Then it's come at lastr'
he cried in ringing voice.
And the deet! What of the English
fieet?' Ethel Willoughby exclaimed. as
her quick mind turned inevitably to
that most vital factor of Britain's de-
Tense. 1t was pure patriotism that
prompted her question. For the mo-
ment all thought of Henry StreetLaan
and his constant impcrtunlng vanished
completely from her reckoning.
Sir George swept the little company
with rapid glance
you are all practically members of
my family-at least / regard you as
such,' he said Redmond. you are an
officer in his majesty's service-what
| say is in absolute confidence"
Larry stood stiffiy at attention.
"Of course, Sir Georger' he an
swered.
Then Sir George told them what
Henry Streetman would have given
his soul to know.
Winston Churchill went to Ports
mouth this morning. The British feet
sailed this afternoon under sealed or
ders and Churchill has offered his
resignation as first lord of the adml-
rally"
At that terse statement Ethel Will
loughby sank slowly upon a chair In
their excitement the others did not no.
tice her agitation Nor could they have
interpreted il had they OWNED it.
Something in the manner of an inspra-
ton had come TO her-a scheme, plot,
a stroke of genius perhaps. At all
events. she saw in fis sh how she
might yet serve her country in man
ner that is granted to few women-or
even men.
Meanwhile Captain Redmond pom
dered upon Winston Churchirs pc
culiar action.
But why, Sir George-why?" he
asked
Because he had no authority from
parliament to give such orders. If
England Is not involved in the war
then Churchill alone is responsible for
his action and ms public career will be
ended. If England goes 10 war, then
the English navy has gained at cnre
an early and tremendous advantage"
''But it means that Churchill believes
England will fight" Ethel said.
THAT England will have to fight"
Sir George corrected her.
Then the fieet-it did not disperse?"
she questioned. where has it gomez"
Sir George saw no reason for telling
them half truths.
The most powerful fleet the world
has ever known has gone to the North
sea to the kiel canal to bottle up the
German navy. and that it will do, I'm
certain. With the bulk of the German
fleet unable to come out, Wen prove
once again that Britannia does rule the
waves
His words thrilled everyone of them.
And there's really going to be war;
Mrs. FalcOner exclaimed in a wonder
ing voice. Il never believed I'd live
to see it,"
And a long, horrible war; Sir
George continued slowly. I'VE shall
suffer very terribly-England. fear.
in particular, because we did not ex-
pect it. We've been too sure that it
would never happen in our lifetime.
Some day-yes! But not now! And
We're not ready-not the least ready!
We shall need every man"
His remark brought home to Larry
Redmond a realization of the way in
which the situation applied to himself
'Then. in some ways. it's good I've
come back" he commented. Il must
report at once"
Guy Falconer turned to him with I'M
bounded enthusiasm lighting up his
young face.
I'm go with your he cried. us it
too late to enlist tonight?"
''I'm afraid So" Larry said.
Guys words struck his mother with
a quick chill of fear. She rose hastily