`` 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 if they leave France in the lurch , though . If they do n't , we 'll see some fun . Well , I suppose it 's time to get ready for the spree at the light . '' Jem departed whistling `` Wi ' a hundred pipers and a ' and a ' , '' and Walter stood for a long time where he was . There was a little frown on his forehead . This had all come up with the blackness and suddenness of a thundercloud . A few days ago nobody had even thought of such a thing . It was absurd to think of it now . Some way out would be found . War was a hellish , horrible , hideous thing -- too horrible and hideous to happen in the twentieth century between civilized nations . The mere thought of it was hideous , and made Walter unhappy in its threat to the beauty of life .
He would not think XXXXX it -- he would resolutely put it out of his mind .
If ago beyond in of on over to whether with