Armageddon was not , as they had hoped , a matter of a few days . It stretched out into weeks and months . Again and again Hindenburg struck his savage , sudden blows , with alarming , though futile success . Again and again the military critics declared the situation extremely perilous . Again and again Cousin Sophia agreed with the military critics . `` If the Allies go back three miles more the war is lost , '' she wailed . `` Is the British navy anchored in those three miles ? '' demanded Susan scornfully . `` It is the opinion of a man who knows all about it , '' said Cousin Sophia solemnly . `` There is no such person , '' retorted Susan . `` As for the military critics , they do not know one blessed thing about it , any more than you or I . They have been mistaken times out of number . Why do you always look on the dark side , Sophia Crawford ? '' `` Because there ai n't any bright side , Susan Baker . '' `` Oh , is there not ? It is the twentieth of April , and Hindy is not in Paris yet , although he said he would be there by April first . Is that not a bright spot at least ? '' `` It is my opinion that the Germans will be in Paris before very long and more than that , Susan Baker , they will be in Canada . '' `` Not in this part of it . The Huns shall never set foot in Prince Edward Island as long as I can handle a pitchfork , '' declared Susan , looking , and feeling quite equal to routing the entire German army single-handed .
`` No , Sophia Crawford , to tell you the plain truth I am sick and tired XXXXX your gloomy predictions .
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