“Bosh! Germany’s real plans are to keep this nation at peace. She does n’t want us in the war. And we certainly don’t want to get in.” “No. We don’t want to. But we’re being forced to.” “Wait until the real underlying public sentiment asserts itself.” “It’s asserting itself now.” “No, no, Jem. Jingoism always makes the loud noise. But jingoism is n’t Americanism. The one thing America won’t do is to go into a losing war.” “We can make it a winning war.” “If it were truly our war, we could. But the people are n’t for it. They never will be for it. Now look at the situation in this State, in the light of what is coming in Europe. Germany is sure to win. This State splits about even now between German sympathizers and the others represented by the pro-British and those who don’t really know where they do stand. Only, the Germans have got the solidarity and the others are divided.” “You’re right in that, anyway.” “Very well. After Germany has won, it’ll be all pro-German here. That’s our American way of it. We’re all for success. Then where will a newspaper be that has taken the losing side?” “Can’t you see, Martin, that we’re practically in the war now?” “Jingo talk! If the capitalist crowd could drive us into it we’d be in now. It’s the duty of good Americans, and particularly of every American newspaper, to stand solid against it.” “Is that the principle on which you appointed your State Council of Defense?” “Of course it is! I’ve drafted a body of men who can be trusted not to rush us madly into this damnable mess. That’s our real, our best possible defense--to keep at peace.” “Very pretty sophistry! How far do you think it would go with a real American? Harvey Rappelje, for instance?” The Governor’s eager face darkened. “That crazy fool!” he blurted out. “Who could have foreseen that he’d break over!” “He did what each of us ought to have done in his turn.” “Don’t say that, Jem!” implored the other. “I’m about beside myself over this Rappelje business now.” “Afraid?” Jeremy looked at him curiously. “Of his mad-dog threat? No.” “Yet the boys at Old Central would follow him in anything. Curious that such a type should take hold on the youngsters’ imagination, isn’t it? It’s the fire at the heart of him, I suppose.” “The maggot in his brain!” returned the other fiercely. “He’s crazy enough to try his mob scheme.” “If he tries, he’ll carry it through.” “Against a company of the National Guard?” said the official contemptuously. “I could have them here in ten minutes.” “That would mean bloodshed.” “It’s what I dread. Some of those young idiots might be killed.” “And their ghosts rise up between you and the senatorship,” pointed out Jeremy. “If the charge of official murder were raised against you, it would kill your chances. Rappelje may have figured that out, though I would n’t suppose he’d be so keen in politics.” Black shadows of brooding settled upon Embree’s handsome face.