father had often spoken of the Boer War as a crime
against humanity. As something wholly unnecessary, as a waste of life
and treasure, waged on behalf of Jew financiers rather than for any
great principle. In the doctor's eyes it had been a violation of
Christianity, and a disgrace to the country, and Bob, boy though he had
been at the time, felt that his father was right.

"I think the less we say about that the better," was his reply.
"Certainly I would never fight in such a war."

"You mean that?"

"Certainly, I do. I doubt if war can be justified anyhow; but _that_
war!" . . .

"Anyhow, the Germans are aching to be at us," replied Captain Pringle,
who, although he was regarded as a good officer, was not deeply versed
in politics.

"Who says so?"

"Everybody. They are jealous of us, and they'll be at it on the
slightest pretext."

"Don't you think the German bogey is very silly?" was Bob's retort. "I
was in Germany last summer with my mother, and we had a great time.
She knew some German families there, and we became great friends with
them. They don't want war any more than we do. All they desire is to
develop their own resources and to live their lives quietly."

"Then what is the meaning of their huge army? Why are they trying to
build a navy that shall out-match ours?"

"Of course there is a large war party in Germany just as there is in
England; but, as a people, they are as peace-loving as we are. Why, a
war with Germany is unthinkable, and it would be the greatest crime in
history to draw our sword against them. Even supposing we had a
quarrel with them, nothing could be more revolting to humanity than to
settle it by blood."

"I don't wonder that you will not go into the Army if those are your
views," replied Captain Pringle. "You talk like a peace-at-any-price
parson."

From Clifton Bob went on to Oxford, where he became known as a "reading
man." His ostensible purpose was to read for the Bar, after taking his
degree; but he secretly hoped to obtain a Fellowship at his college,
and settle down to a scholastic life.

While he was at Oxford Bob became acquainted with a Professor, named
Dr. Renthall, who had been an undergraduate there with his father.
Professor Renthall was also a Friend, and it was perhaps this fact that
first drew them together. For while Bob did not in any way profess
adherence to the Society of Friends, he greatly admired those of that
persuasion. In addition