"He leaves me for Ella always," thought Eve with a pang, "and yet I do not think he cares for her that way. I believe he half loves me. I'll put him to the test one of these days, it's worth the risk; nothing venture, nothing have--an old saying which often comes true." When Alan returned to Trent Park he found Duncan Fraser waiting for him and at once knew there was something important to communicate. Fraser looked serious as he said: "I hope you had an enjoyable time at Ascot?" "Yes; won the Hunt Cup and another race. Made a few thousands in the meeting," said Alan. "There'll be war in little over a month," said Fraser. "You have had more news from Berlin?" "This letter came this morning. I knew you were to be home to-day, so thought I'd bring it over." Alan thanked him, read it, and said: "What on earth is the Government doing? It ought to be informed." "It is--has been for sometime. But we know how it is. They always wait until their hands are forced--they are afraid." "Of what, of what can a British Government be afraid?" "First and foremost, of the anti-war party, the peace-at-any-price men; then the labor party, votes are the chief consideration. It's abominable," said Fraser. "Like sticking to office, I suppose?" "Yes; at all costs." "You are certain they know there will be war?" "They must." "And they will meet the shock unprepared?" "As regards the army, yes; not the navy. There never was a navy stronger than ours at the present day, but it's been a tremendous fight to get the money, men and ships," said Fraser. "You ought to be in the House," said Alan. Fraser laughed. "I should want a free hand from my constituents," he said. "And you'd get it; you're just the man," replied Alan. "What are you going to do?" asked Fraser. "If war breaks out?" "Yes." "Try and get the commission I threw up," said Alan. "I thought so, and really I can't blame you; we shall want every man we can get," said Duncan Fraser. CHAPTER XIII ALAN IS BLIND It was about a month later when Alan called at The Forest and found Eve Berkeley alone. Ella was with her father in London; they had accepted her invitation to pay another visit later on. She had been waiting for him, wondering why he did not call. She soon heard the reason. "I have been awfully rushed," he said. "Lots of things to see to at Chesney's before I go away." "Go away!" she exclaimed. "Where are you going? This is rather sudden; I am surprised." "I have joined the army again. I have been fortunate enough to get a commission as captain. I tried hard to get back in my old regiment, but there was no vacancy. I shall be gazetted to the 'Sherwoods' in a few days; they are at Derby now. There are stirring times ahead, and I'm not sorry. It was bound to some sooner or later." "What?" "War." She looked incredulous. "Are you sure? What makes you so certain?"