"Now I want you to understand one thing. I'm talking as an Englishman. A
German would tell you all this in a very different way. I don't like the
people who are always slandering their enemies. Germany has her reasons for
acting as she does. I think her reasons are wrong. But the Germans believe
that they are right. We can respect even people who are wrong if they
themselves believe that they are right. There may be two sides to this
quarrel. And Germans, even if they are to be our enemies, may be just as
patriotic, just as devoted to their country, as we are. Never forget that,
no matter what may happen."
He stopped then, waiting for questions. None came.
"Then you understand pretty well?" he asked.
There was a murmur of assent from the whole circle.
"All right, then," he said. "Now there's work for Scouts to do. _Be
prepared!_ That's our motto, isn't it? Suppose there's war. Franklin,
what's your idea of what the Boy Scouts would be able to do?"
"I suppose those who are old enough could volunteer, sir," said Franklin,
doubtfully. "I can't think of anything else--"
"Time enough for that later," said Grenfel, with a short laugh. "England
may have to call boys to the colors before she's done, if she once starts
to fight. But long before that time comes, there will be a great work for
the organization we all love and honor.
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