Mrs. Otway had said that very morning. Mr. Hegner
would certainly be able to tell her the truth -- he
was the sort of man who knew everything of a
practical, business nature. "Perhaps you will be able
to tell me," she asked eagerly, "if my nephew will
have to fight -- to go to the frontier. Mrs. Otway,
she says that the police are always the last to be called
out -- is that true, Mr. Hegner?"

"Yes, I think I may assure you, Frau Bauer, that
it is a fact." He looked at her curiously. "You are
very fond, then, of your niece's husband, of the excellent
Willi?"

"I am indeed," she said eagerly, "and grateful to
him too, for this money he sends me is very welcome,
Mr. Hegner. I was so afraid it might not come this
time."

"And you were right to be afraid! It will become
more and more difficult to get money from Germany
to England," said her host, and there was a touch of
grimness in his voice. "Still, there are ways of getting
over every difficulty. Should the war last as
long, I will certainly see that you, Frau Bauer, receive
what is your due on the 1st of next January. But
many strange things may happen before then. Long
before Christmas you may no longer be earning this
money."

"Oh! I hope that will not be the case!" She looked
very much disturbed. ?5 a year was about a fifth of
good old Anna's total income.

"Well, we shall see. I will do my best for you,
Frau Bauer."

"Thank you, thank you! I am very grateful to you,
Mr. Hegner."

[[80]]

p079 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p080w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p081

v?