Some of them had just, in the course of their work, come through from Italy, and the thing that was exercising them all at the moment was--what was Italy going to do? If she came in against France their opinion was that Germany would win. If Italy maintained neutrality, as some of them insisted was likely from what they saw and heard down there, then they thought the other side might have a chance, but it would be no easy job. They, also, were mightily impressed with the idea of Germany’s strength and preparedness. But they liked her no better than anyone else. Most of their Italian fellows had already been recalled to the colours. “It’ll be a bad day for the world if she wins,” said Ray. And, “You’re right, monsieur, without a doubt,” was their unanimous verdict. Lois duly barricaded her door with her alpenstock and only chair, but no murderous attempt was made on her, and she laughed at herself in the morning, and felt like apologising to the noisy, good-humoured crew. Promptly at eleven o’clock, too joyous of heart to let themselves be troubled by their outward shabbiness, they walked into the little dark gray church on the road above the station and were quietly married, with the delightful assistance of the pastor’s wife, who was immensely interested in their little romance. And afterwards he insisted on the newly-married pair joining them at their mid-day meal. “It will be a very modest wedding-feast,” he said. “But such as it is----” “We can’t afford to refuse such a noble offer,” laughed Ray. “We were going to celebrate the great occasion by spending a whole franc each at the tea-shop near the Kursaal. We save two francs and enjoy your good company. It’s great, and we are very much obliged to you.” “You would do as much for us if ever the occasion offered.” “Just give us the chance, sir, and you’ll see.” Next day the kindly Scot accompanied him on a visit to the Vice-Consul, whom they found already being worried and badgered into desperation by the clamorous demands of their stranded fellow-countrymen and women, especially the latter. For every lady in distress seemed to think her own special plight the extremest limit in that direction, and each one claimed the individual attention of her country’s representative and required him to send her home instantly, bag and baggage, and to ensure her safe arrival there. It was obviously something of a relief to him to meet a man whose requirements were definite and modest and his methods business-like. Ray briefly stated his case and asked if he could do anything towards getting a telegram through for him. “My uncle, Sir Anthony Luard, will send me money instantly when he learns of our plight,--that is, if it is possible to do so,” he said. “What do you think of the prospects?”