ome, and pigheaded, being
killed."

They both ate steadily for a few minutes, then Manfred Hegner began
again. "But very few Englishmen will be killed by our brave fellows. You
will have to shed no tears for any one you know in Witanbury, Frau
Bauer. The English are not a fighting people. Most of their sailors will
be drowned, no doubt, but at that one must not after all repine."

"Yet the English are sending an army to Belgium," observed Anna,
thoughtfully.

"What makes you think that?" He stopped in the work on which he was
engaged, that of cutting a large sausage into slices. "Have you learnt
it on good authority, Frau Bauer? Has this news been told you by the
young gentleman official from London who is connected with the
Government--I mean he who is courting your young lady?"

Anna drew back stiffly. "How they do gossip in this town!" she
exclaimed, frowning. "Courting my young lady, indeed! No, Mr. Hegner, it
was not Mr. Hayley who told this. Mr. Hayley is one of those who talk a
great deal without saying anything."

"Then on whose authority do you speak?" He spoke with a certain rough
directness.

"I know because Major Guthrie started for Belgium on Friday last, at two
o'clock. By now he must be there, fighting our folk."

"Major Guthrie?" He looked puzzled. "Is he a gentleman of the
garrison?--surely not?"

"No, no. He has nothing to do with the garrison!" exclaimed Anna. "But
you must have very often seen him, for he is constantly in the town. And
he speaks German, Mr. Hegner. I should have thought he would have been
in to see you."

"You mean the son of the old lady who lives at Dorycote? They have never
dealt at my Stores"--there was a tone of disappointment, of contempt, in
Mr. Hegner's voice. "But that gentleman has retired from the Army, Frau
Bauer; it is not he, surely, whom they would call out to fight?"

"Still, all the same, he is going to Belgium. To France first, and then
to Belgium." She spoke very positively, annoyed at being doubted.

Mr. Hegner hesitated for a moment. He stroked his moustache. "I daresay
this Major has gone back to his old regiment, for the English have
mobilised their army--such as it is. But that does not mean that they
are sending troops to the Continent."

"But I even know where the Major is going to land in France."

Mr. Hegner drew in his breath. "Ach!" he said. "That is _really_
interesting! Do you indeed? And what is the name of the place?"

"Boulogne," s