The Morgan County press. (Wartburg, Tenn.) 1916-1926, 1916-08-24

Ii the only nation tnat can rIsk w"s
with any chance OF victory"
His companions looked at him In as
tonishment. And Sir George Wagstan
even was stirred out Of the attitude
OF apathy that he was wont to assume.
"You talk strangely. sir. Tor an Eng
lishman," he told Streetman. But his
manifest reproof seemed lost upon
that gentleman.
"My nationality does not blind me
to the facts" the spy said hastily.
III admire the Germans In lots OF
ways." Charlie Brown continued, IN
what was really only futile effort to
appear neutral. "At all the arts and
sciences they're wonders. And It's
ctnch they've got great military ma
chine"
"The most marvellous In the world"
streetman agreed with him heartily.
Charlie Brown set his empty teacup
on the table.
"You're dead right there" he as
sented. "Why, back in New York
know a waiter at Luechow's-buily
German pace!-who was telling me
one day how Germany had everything
doped out. IL war came he'd chase
back to his home town-go to his ar
mory. and In his locker. number zoo
he'd find his uniform, his shoes, his
gun properly oiled, some Of that dried
naa SOM. fresh water in his canteen!
THEY'VE been putting fresh water IN
those canteens every day for two
wears past. In fact, everything a sol
dior needs would be there waiting for
him Then he'd march down to the
station and in couple Of hours he ana
hundreds of thousands like MIN Wouiu
i've off to the front. Now, We
rot to hand it to a country that's got
II all planned out like that"
"By George. you have? said Guy
Falconer. He had listened, like the
others, with increasing wonder as the
American told his story.
IF England were only prepared TOO
along similar lines" Ethel VIII
loughby said. She did not finish ner
remark. There was no need OF that;
for the vain wish that lay behind her
words was only too evident to them
all.
"But she isn't prepared-not the
least bits she, Sir GeorgeT Char
lie Brown turned to the member or me
British admiralty as man who cou'o
easily back up his statement In an au-
thoritative fashion.
Sir George Wagstaff vouchsafed an
enigmatic smile. He was, to be sure
vitality interested In everything the
newspaper man had said. But ne mad
no intention Of allowing himself to- be
startled into making any ingenious
admission.
"If you don't mind, sir, should pre-
fer merely to listen," he said quietly.
81 get you," Brown replied. with a
ouick nod of understanding. "Force
of habit makes me ask questions. !
guess I thought I was interviewing
YOU" And, taking out his cigarette
case. he asked EthePs permission TO
smoke. Always an enthusiast. ne na0
thrown every ounce Of his nervous en-
ergy into the discussion. War was
subject that in those days. was srer
present in his mind.
"Preparation such as Germany's is
often the surest guaranty OF peace"
streetman remarked, reluctant to
quit the topic that most interested him.
He hoped, too, in the course Of the tea
party. to gather information OF some
sort that might prove of value to him.
He had been quick to perceive that the
| American was uncommonly well In
formed upon conditions throughout
Europe.
"Ordinarily such preparation makes
for peace" Brown admitted. But not
with Germany! She's been itching for
a chance to demonstrate her theories;
but the trouble is, she guesses wrong
Dlplomatically, ever since old George
w Bismarck died, she's never Deeh
right. And just now she's guessing
she can lick France, Russia and ENG
land with the rest of the world thrown
in."
"And perhaps she's right, Henry
Streetman could not refrain from add-
ing.