Chapter 2 — THE INVADERS     

       Clarence flung the boy a halfpenny, tore a paper from his grasp, and scanned it eagerly. There was nothing to interest him in the body of the journal, but he found what he was looking for in the stop-press space.       "Stop press news," said the paper. "Fry not out, 104. Surrey 147 for 8. A German army landed in Essex this afternoon. Loamshire Handicap: Spring Chicken, 1; Salome, 2; Yip-i-addy, 3. Seven ran."     

       Essex! Then at any moment the foe might be at their doors; more, inside their doors. With a passionate cry, Clarence tore back to the house.     

       He entered the dining-room with the speed of a highly-trained Marathon winner, just in time once more to prevent Mr. Chugwater lowering his record.     

       "The Germans!" shouted Clarence. "We are invaded!"     

       This time Mr. Chugwater was really annoyed.     

       "If I have told you once about your detestable habit of shouting in the house, Clarence, I have told you a hundred times. If you cannot be a Boy Scout quietly, you must stop being one altogether. I had got up to six that time."     

       "But, father——"     

       "Silence! You will go to bed this minute; and I shall consider the question whether you are to have any supper. It will depend largely on your behaviour between now and then. Go!"     

       "But, father——"     

       Clarence dropped the paper, shaken with emotion. Mr. Chugwater's sternness deepened visibly.     

       "Clarence! Must I speak again?"     

       He stooped and removed his right slipper.     

       Clarence withdrew.     

       Reggie picked up the paper.     

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