hat it was a contingency which we scarcely thought it worth
while to consider. I expressed my firm belief that England would observe
all the conventions, written and understood, of international law."

"And he?"

"He was not satisfied, of course. He declared that he had certain
information that England was making definite plans with a view to ensure
the delay of the fleet. He went on to say that Germany was determined
not to tolerate any such thing, and he concludes that we, as Russia's
ally, would at any rate remain neutral should Germany think it her duty
to interfere."

"And your reply?"

"I answered that in the event of untoward happenings France would act as
her honor dictated--remaining always mindful of the obligations of her
alliance. He was quite satisfied."

"He had no suspicion of this?" the young man asked, touching the treaty
with his forefinger.

"None. It is believed in Germany that the young Englishman was really
found drowned in the Seine after a short career of dissipation. Our
friends served us well here. Now, gentlemen, the English Ambassador will
be here in twenty minutes. What am I to say to him? Do we sign this
draft agreement or do we not?"

There was a silence which lasted nearly a minute. Then the younger of
the two men spoke.

"Sir," he said respectfully, "without some proof of Russia's falsity I
cannot see how in honor we can depart from our treaty obligations with
her to the extent of signing an agreement with her putative enemy.
England must fight her own battle, and God help her!"

"And you?" Monsieur Grisson asked, turning to the third man.

"I agree," was the regretful answer. "If this treacherous scheme is
carried out I believe that France will be face to face with the greatest
crisis she has known in history. Even then I dare not suggest that we
court dishonor by breaking an alliance with a friend in distress."

"You are right, gentlemen," Monsieur Grisson said with a sigh. "We must
tell Lord Fothergill that our relations with his country must remain
unfettered. I----"

Again the telephone bell rang. Monsieur Grisson listened, and replied
with a sudden return to his old briskness of manner.

"It is young De Bergillac," he announced. "He has been in England in
search of that missing page of the treaty. I have told them to show him
in."

The Vicomte entered, paler than ever from recent travel, and deeply
humiliated from the fact that there was a smut upon his collar whi