He spoke of enormous military preparations in Germany and a general air of tense expectation.

Against whom were these preparations?
Without an earthly doubt against Germany's greatest rival, whose millions of young men, even in this hour of danger, preferred playing or watching football or cricket on Saturday afternoons to realising their duty.

The conclusion of an ill-pointed but earnest speech was punctuated by the furtive entrance into the hall of a small boy selling evening newspapers, and there was a temporary diversion from any interest in the proceedings on the part of the younger portion of the audience, whilst they satisfied themselves as to the result of various Cup Ties.

The Member of Parliament then descended upon them in a whirlwind of oratory and in his best House of Commons style.

He spoke of black clouds and of the cold breeze that went before the coming thunderstorm.