do not apply to such a case."

The Prince played nervously with the star at his chest. Both men were
well aware that up to now they had been merely playing with words.

"There is another contingency," the Russian remarked, "which, now we are
upon the subject, it would perhaps be as well to allude to. The
relations between Germany and England, as you know, just now are very
sorely strained. If Germany should take advantage of the present
situation to make a demonstration against England, that, of course,
would not, from your point of view, affect the situation?"

Monsieur Grisson looked like a man who sees before him amazing things.

"My dear Prince," he said, "do not let us misunderstand one another. You
cannot by any possibility be suggesting that Germany might associate
herself with you in your resistance to possible English demands?"

The Russian leaned back in his chair.

"Germany is on the spot," he remarked, "and knows the fact of the case.
She has proofs of the presence of Japanese torpedo-boats amongst the
English fishing-fleet. Her natural love of fair play might possibly lead
her to espouse our cause in this particular instance. This, of course,
would make for peace. If Germany commands, England will obey. She could
not do otherwise."

"You have introduced, my dear Prince," Monsieur Grisson said, "an
altogether new phase of this question, and one which merits the most
grave consideration. Am I to understand that there is any arrangement
between Germany and yourself with respect to this question?"

"Scarcely anything so definite as an arrangement," the Prince answered.
"Merely an understanding!"

Monsieur Grisson had the air of a man who had just received grave
tidings of his dearest friend.

"Is this, Monsieur le Prince," he said, "entirely in accord with our own
treaty obligations?"

"We do not consider it to be in contravention to them," the Prince
answered.

The gravity of Monsieur Grisson's manner grew even more pronounced.

"My dear Prince," he said, "you are doubtless aware that during the last
few weeks there have been some very strange rumors about as to a meeting
between your master and the Emperor of Germany, and an agreement which
was forthwith signed between them. I need not remark that all such
rumors were entirely discredited here. Such a meeting kept secret from
us would of course be very seriously considered here."

The Prince smiled. He remained admirably self-possessed, thoug