`` And now , two years later , it is no nearer the end than it was then , '' said Miss Oliver gloomily . Susan clicked her knitting-needles briskly . `` Now , Miss Oliver , dear , you know that is not a reasonable remark . You know we are just two years nearer the end , whenever the end is appointed to be . '' `` Albert read in a Montreal paper today that a war expert gives it as his opinion that it will last five years more , '' was Cousin Sophia 's cheerful contribution . `` It ca n't , '' cried Rilla ; then she added with a sigh , `` Two years ago we would have said ` It ca n't last two years . ' But five more years of this ! '' `` If Rumania comes in , as I have strong hopes now of her doing , you will see the end in five months instead of five years , '' said Susan . `` I 've no faith in furriners , '' sighed Cousin Sophia . `` The French are foreigners , '' retorted Susan , `` and look at Verdun . And think of all the Somme victories this blessed summer . The Big Push is on and the Russians are still going well . Why , General Haig says that the German officers he has captured admit that they have lost the war . '' `` You ca n't believe a word the Germans say , '' protested Cousin Sophia . `` There is no sense in believing a thing just because you 'd like to believe it , Susan Baker . The British have lost millions of men at the Somme and how far have they got ? Look facts in the face , Susan Baker , look facts in the face . '' `` They are wearing the Germans out and so long as that happens it does not matter whether it is done a few miles east or a few miles west . I am not , '' admitted Susan in tremendous humility , `` I am not a military expert , Sophia Crawford , but even I can see that , and so could you if you were not determined to take a gloomy view of everything . The Huns have not got all the cleverness in the world .
Have you not heard the story XXXXX Alistair MacCallum 's son Roderick , from the Upper Glen ?
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