tling powers were
freely commented upon, as well as his ability to play the violin. They
remembered, too, how he had faced Ben Stubbles at the dance, and had
defeated single-handed the men sent to waylay him along the road at
night. In short, he became such a mystery to all, that they began to
look upon him as a hero, and ascribed to him wonderful powers, somewhat
akin to those bestowed upon heroes of ancient legends. This feeling
became intensified owing to Douglas' absence from the parish since the
day of Simon Stubbles' humiliation. He had gone with the clever lawyer
at a break-neck speed, so it was said, and had not returned.

But after two days the people of Rixton had something else to talk
about. It was the grim spectre of war which had suddenly appeared, and
sent a chill to every heart. The newspapers were full of it, and told
of the clash between France and Germany, and of the base violation of
Belgium by the advancing Huns. Then came England's declaration of war,
and all knew that Canada, as a part of the British Empire, must fight,
too. People were hungry for the least scrap of news, and watched
anxiously for the mailman to make his daily appearance. But even then
they were not satisfied, and men crowded the wharf, impatiently
awaiting the arrival of the evening boat from the city, that they might
obtain the latest news. When word came that a Contingent was being
formed for overseas service, then all were aware that Canada was
getting ready for her part in the titanic conflict.

Professor Strong was greatly excited over the war, and for once he
forgot about his beloved book. Intensely patriotic, he wondered why
the young men of the parish did not enlist. He longed to be young
again, that he might set them the example, and he talked eagerly to his
daughters about England's greatness, and related story after story of
her mighty deeds in the past. He was familiar, as well, with the
scenes of the conflict, for he had once visited Belgium, and had even
been at Liege. The old man wept when he heard how the Germans had
captured it, and were sweeping down upon Brussels.

"Just wait," he told them, "until the English and the French forces
meet those devils, and then there will be a different tale to tell.
There will be no goose-trotting, mark my word. Oh, if I were only able
to go!"

Nell was as greatly interested as her father and Nan. But through all
the excitement she could not banish Douglas fr