`` No , Rilla-my-Rilla , I do n't think there is any danger that it foretells anything so awful as that . '' There had been an undercurrent of tension in the Ingleside existence for several days . Only Rilla , absorbed in her own budding life , was unaware of it . Dr. Blythe had taken to looking grave and saying little over the daily paper . Jem and Walter were keenly interested in the news it brought . Jem sought Walter out in excitement that evening . `` Oh , boy , Germany has declared war on France . This means that England will fight too , probably -- and if she does -- well , the Piper of your old fancy will have come at last . '' `` It was n't a fancy , '' said Walter slowly . `` It was a presentiment -- a vision -- Jem , I really saw him for a moment that evening long ago . Suppose England does fight ? '' `` Why , we 'll all have to turn in and help her , '' cried Jem gaily . `` We could n't let the ` old grey mother of the northern sea ' fight it out alone , could we ? But you ca n't go -- the typhoid has done you out of that . Sort of a shame , eh ? '' Walter did not say whether it was a shame or not . He looked silently over the Glen to the dimpling blue harbour beyond . `` We 're the cubs -- we 've got to pitch in tooth and claw if it comes to a family row , '' Jem went on cheerfully , rumpling up his red curls with a strong , lean , sensitive brown hand -- the hand of the born surgeon , his father often thought . `` What an adventure it would be ! But I suppose Grey or some of those wary old chaps will patch matters up at the eleventh hour .
It 'll be a rotten shame XXXXX they leave France in the lurch , though .
at beyond for if in on over that to whether