diers, you know that it's your duty to destroy it, to give the
German people, as well as the rest of the world, their freedom and
rights."

"If only we could get at the Prussian military power, and spare the
wretched soldiers--they are all sons and husbands, and somebody's
darlings," Meg said pathetically.

"But we can't. It's their punishment, perhaps, poor devils, for having
submitted to such an arrogant, absolute monarchy. To get at the rulers
we have to slaughter the innocent. It sounds all wrong, but I know
it's the only way."

"I suppose so," Margaret said. "But it does seem hard, just because
they have been law-abiding, industrious, obedient subjects, they are to
be slaughtered like sheep and made to do all sorts of cruel acts which
will brand them for ever as barbarians in the eyes of the world. There
must be thousands and thousands of them who are decent men."

"There is a saying that every country has the Government it deserves.
They have got theirs. A German Liberal has written these words to-day,
or something like them. He says, 'Peace and war are, after all, not so
much the result of foreign policy (strange though it may appear) as the
inevitable consequences of the inward constitution of the State.
"International anarchy" is not a thing apart, but only the natural
consequence of feudal military institutions. Hence away with these
institutions.'"

"But will they ever away with them in Germany?"

"Not unless we, the Allies, crush the feudal military constitution; not
until the people realize that their submission has brought this war
upon themselves."

"But surely up to now we have admired law-abiding, uncomplaining
peoples?"

"I haven't," Michael laughed. "You know I haven't."

"Oh no, you haven't! But then you're a firebrand, always 'agin the
Government.'"

"I always walked on my head." He hugged her as he spoke. "I'm doing
it to-day, darling."

"Poor old Freddy!" Margaret said. "If he could only hear us now, he'd
think I was anti-war, and you were pro-war." She sighed. "If he could
only see you in a Tommy's uniform, defending the morality of taking
human lives!"

"_Qui sait_, Meg? He probably sees far more of it than you or I do.
Don't you make any mistake about that. He knows that I'm fighting in
the war because I'm anti-war, with a vengeance. If this war isn't won
by the Allies, Meg, there will be no end to war. It will never cease;
it will burst out at intervals unti