been war scares before. But the peace of Europe had been
preserved for forty years or more, through one crisis after
another. And so it was a stunning surprise, even to Grenfel,
when, as they came into Putney High street, just before they
reached Putney Bridge, they met a swam of newsboys excitedly
shrieking extras.

"Germany threatens Russia!" they yelled. "War sure!"

Mr. Grenfel brought a paper, and the scouts gathered about him
while he read the news that was contained on the front page, still
damp from the press.

"I'm afraid it's true," he said, soberly. "The German Emperor has
threatened to go to war with Russia, unless the Czar stops
mobilizing his troops at once. We shall know tonight. But I
think it means war! God save England may still keep out of it!"

For that night a meeting at Mr. Grenfel's home in West Kensington
had long been planned. He lived not far from the street in which
both Harry and Dick lived. And, as the party broke up, on the
other side of Putney Bridge, Dick, voicing the general feeling,
asked a question.

"Are we to come tonight, sir?" he said. "With this news -- ?"

"Yes -- yes, indeed," said the scoutmaster. "If war is to come,
there is all the more reason for us to be together. England may
need all of us yet."