"Why is Belgium supposed to be neutral? Can't she go to war? Isn't she an independent country?" "She is," was the reply, "but her war-making powers are withheld by the universal agreement of the Powers. Belgium is the key to Western Europe. Peace depends on Belgium's good faith. According to a treaty signed in 1839, we form 'an independent state of perpetual neutrality,' this treaty being signed by France, England, Prussia, Austria, and Russia. In 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War, Germany declared that this Belgian treaty could not be violated. In 1911, Germany repeated the assurance and again in 1913. All the while she had drawn maps for the invasion of Belgium and had built military railways to threaten our frontier. "Germany has always stated that it was a matter of honor with her to keep Belgium intact. Those guns you hear, Monroe, mark Germany's denial of her national and international honor. History, with all its dark and bloody deeds, has never seen a more dastardly flaunting of disgrace and treachery. Observe that Germany had invaded Luxemburg, invaded France, invaded Belgium, declared war on Russia, and authorized Austria to invade Servia before a single hostile act had been committed by Russia, France, Belgium, or England. "The Kaiser's armies count for victory on speed and surprise. For that reason, every day, yes, every hour that we can hold them back before Liége, gives Belgium and France the opportunity to prepare, gives the world a breathing space. Every minute counts, and that is why I am going to join the colors!" "I wish I could go," pleaded Horace, as the master rose from the table. "It is impossible," the master replied, "belonging to a neutral nation, it would not be permitted. The United States may be dragged into the war later--there is never any means of telling how long such a war may last--and then, perhaps, you will be called on. And now," he continued, "if you will step outside for a minute, I'll join you there, and we'll go on to Deschamps' house." Realizing that the master wished to bid farewell to his wife, Horace put on his cap and waited in the village street. The master joined him in a few minutes and they walked along silently. At last the reservist spoke. "I wonder," he said, musingly, "if I will ever see Beaufays again." Horace was startled. This was bringing the war home to him with a vengeance. "You don't mean that you think--" he stammered. "That I may be killed?" queried the master, calmly. "Certainly. That is all War consists of--killing and being killed. Why should I expect to escape? One always hopes, of course." For a few significant moments nothing more was said. Deschamps' father and mother were standing at the door as the master and Horace approached. As they reached the gate, the would-be recruit came swinging out. He turned and kissed his father on both cheeks. His mother clung to him passionately. "You will take care of him, M. Maubin?" she pleaded.