`` God help us , '' whispered Gertrude Oliver under her breath . `` My dream -- my dream ! The first wave has broken . '' She looked at Allan Daly and tried to smile . `` Is this Armageddon ? '' she asked . `` I am afraid so , '' he said gravely . A chorus of exclamations had arisen round them -- light surprise and idle interest for the most part . Few there realized the import of the message -- fewer still realized that it meant anything to them . Before long the dancing was on again and the hum of pleasure was as loud as ever . Gertrude and Allan Daly talked the news over in low , troubled tones . Walter Blythe had turned pale and left the room . Outside he met Jem , hurrying up the rock steps . `` Have you heard the news , Jem ? '' `` Yes . The Piper has come . Hurrah ! I knew England would n't leave France in the lurch . I 've been trying to get Captain Josiah to hoist the flag but he says it is n't the proper caper till sunrise . Jack says they 'll be calling for volunteers tomorrow . ''
`` What a fuss to make over nothing , '' said Mary Vance disdainfully as XXXXX dashed off .
Blythe Daly England France Gertrude Jack Jem Josiah Oliver Piper