We had better hope for
peace. But we must be prepared for war--and we must not deceive
ourselves. A treaty guarantees our neutrality, but I think the time is
coming when treaties will be forgotten."
"We shall have to teach these Germans to remember them, then," said
Arthur, valiantly. "We may be weak, but we are brave, we Belgians. I
believe we can give them something to think about."
Paul smiled a little sadly. He understood the true facts, the real
possibilities, better than his friend.
"If it comes to fighting, we will do our part," he said, "but we should
be helpless against Germany alone, Arthur. The only thing we could do
would be to try to hold them back long enough for the French and the
English to come to our aid. Either that, or we would have to let them
pass through without resisting them."
"So that they could fall on France? But that would be treachery!" said
Arthur, indignantly. "I have heard of that treaty of neutrality. We
are safeguarded from attack, but we are forbidden to allow the troops
of a country that is at war to pass through our territory. If it was
the French who talked of invading us to reach Germany, I should say
that we must fight them."
"Yes, you're right, Arthur," said Paul. "I think we should make any
sacrifice to keep faith. But be sure that it will be a terrible
sacrifice, if we must make it."
"Look there!" whispered Arthur, suddenly.
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