"
The fourth man of the party, the lean, suave, enterprising head of a
local trust company, nodded approval, eyeing Tommy with new interest.
"Good business," he commented. "We've got to beat those U-boats."
"Yes," Tommy agreed, "and until the Admiralty devises some effectual
method of coping with them, the only way we can beat the subs is to
build ships faster than they can sink them. It's quite some undertaking,
but it has to be done. If we fail to keep supplies pouring into England
and France. Well--"
He spread his hands in an expressive gesture. Tommy was that type of
Englishman in which rugged health and some generations of breeding and
education have combined to produce what Europe calls a "gentleman." He
was above middle height, very stoutly and squarely built, ruddy
faced--the sort of man one may safely prophesy will acquire a paunch and
double chin with middle age. But Tommy was young and vigorous yet. He
looked very capable, almost aggressive, as he sat there speaking with
the surety of patriotic conviction.
"We're all in it now," he said simply. "It's no longer our army and navy
against their army and navy and the rest of us looking on from the side
lines. It's our complete material resources and man power against their
complete resources and man power.
Pages:
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281