The Dark Star

"Very little," said Neeland.

"Have you had any trouble?"

"Oh, yes."

The captain smiled: "Evidently you have wriggled out of it," he said.

"Yes, wriggled is the literal word."

"Then you do not think that you require any protection from me?"

"Perhaps I do. I've been a singularly innocent and lucky ass. It's

merely chance that my papers have not been stolen, even before I

started in quest of them."

"Have you been troubled aboard my ship?"

Neeland waved his hand carelessly: "Nothing to speak of, thank you."

"If you have any charge to make----"

"Oh, no."

The captain regarded him intently: "Let me tell you something," he said. "Since we sailed, have you

noticed the bulletins posted containing our wireless news?"

"Yes, I've read them."

"Did they interest you?"

"Yes. You mean that row between Austria and Servia over the Archduke's

murder?"

"I mean exactly that, Mr. Neeland. And now I am going to tell you

something else. Tonight I had a radio message which I shall not post

on the bulletins for various reasons. But I shall tell you under the

seal of confidence."

"I give you my word of honour," said Neeland quietly.

"I accept it, Mr. Neeland. And this is what has happened: Austria has

decided on an ultimatum to Servia. And probably will send it."

They remained silent for a moment, then the captain continued: "Why should we deceive ourselves? This is the most serious thing that

has happened since the Hohenzollern incident which brought on the

Franco-Prussian War."

Neeland nodded.

"You see?" insisted the captain. "Suppose the humiliation is too

severe for Servia to endure? Suppose she refuses the Austrian terms?

Suppose Austria mobilises against her? What remains for Russia to do

except to mobilise? And, if Russia does that, what is going to happen

in Germany? And then, instantly and automatically, what will follow in

France?" His mouth tightened grimly. "England," he said, "is the ally

of France. Ask yourself, Mr. Neeland, what are the prospects of this

deadly combination and deadlier situation."

After a few moments the young man looked up from his brown study: "I'd like to ask you a question--perhaps not germane to the subject.

May I?"

"Ask it."

"Then, of what interest are Turkish forts to any of the various allied

nations--to the Triple Entente or the Triple Alliance?"