of the Colonies of Great Britain, if not
actually to hold his court in London. We know that his jealousy of King
Edward amounts to a disease. We know that he is a man of daring and
violent temper, with an indomitable will and an unflinching belief in
his own infallibility and the infallibility of his army and navy. We
know that he has at least a dozen schemes for a sudden attack upon
England, and mighty though the navy of Great Britain is, it is not in
our opinion strong enough to protect her shore from the combined Baltic
and German fleets and also protect her Colonies. England, through our
friendship, has been warned. She proposes with most flattering alacrity
the only possible counter-stroke--an alliance with ourselves. We must
decide within twelve hours. The treaty lies upon my desk there. Upon us
must rest the most momentous decision which any Frenchman within our
recollection has been called upon to make. What have you to say,
gentlemen?"

There was a short silence. Then the man who sat at Monsieur Grisson's
right hand spoke.

"The issues before us," he said slowly, "are appalling. Every
Frenchman's blood must boil at the thought of Germany greedily helping
herself to the mighty wealth and power of Great Britain--becoming by
this single master-stroke the strongest nation on earth, able to dictate
even to us, and to send her word unchallenged throughout the world. It
is a hideous picture! It must mean the abandonment forever of the hope
of every true Frenchman. Every minute will become a menace to us.
Wilhelm, the arrogant, with British gold and British ships at his back,
will never forget to flaunt himself before us to our eternal
humiliation."

"You are taking it for granted," his neighbor remarked, "that Germany
will be successful."

"The odds are in her favor," was the quiet reply. "The navy of Great
Britain is immense, but her sea front, so to speak, is enormous. She is
open to be the prey of a sudden swift attack, and the moment has never
been more favorable."

"Let all these things be granted," the third man said. "Even then, are
we free to enter into this alliance with England? Our treaty with Russia
remains. We have no proof that she has broken faith with us. If this
secret treaty between Russia and Germany really exists, it is, of
course, another matter. But does it? We have nothing but the word of an
English boy. The rest is all assumption. The whole affair might be a
nightmare. We might sign thi