ed by an international court, which shall proceed
upon the theory that all peoples capable of self-government shall have
absolute freedom, and all other peoples shall be made capable of
governing themselves as rapidly as possible. Each people shall be free
to decide for itself as to its form of government, but shall be required
to pledge itself to the principle of universal peace. That pledge will
be necessary only at first--after fifty years of peace, no nation will
ever think of war! I know that, for a generation or two, there will be
difficulties. We have grown suspicious of each other; we have become
hardened by hatred and injustice. But time will change all that. Let us
lay down our arms, disband our armies, restore what we have stolen, and,
instead of hatred, we shall find love in our hearts. Instead of
oppression, we shall have justice, tempered with mercy. Each man will
have his work to do, and none who works will go hungry; and we will end
by becoming citizens, not of Germany, France, or of any other country,
but of the world! I tell you, sir, that our great-grandchildren, looking
back at us from a world at peace and united in brotherhood, will wonder
at us--we shall seem to them blind savages, murderers, lunatics!"

It was evident enough that the Prince was moved. He was young, he had
always been something of a dreamer. Rigid training at his father's hands
had gone far to dispel the dreams, but they were not quite rooted out.
Now, at the words of this supreme idealist, this inspired dreamer, they
revived again. He sat regarding the speaker with misty eyes, his mouth a
little open, his hands gripped in front of him. Pachmann, glancing at
him, passed his hands before his lips to wipe away a sneer.

"All most interesting," commented the Admiral, in his ironical voice. "I
think that we understand your proposal fully. There is only one point
upon which you have not made yourself quite clear. Should we be unable
to agree, what will be your next step?"

"I thought I had already told you," answered Vard, impatiently. "Should
we disagree, I shall offer France the same opportunity which I now offer
Germany."

"You will find France sceptical."

"Then I shall offer her the same proof I offered you. That will be just,
will it not?" and Vard looked straight into Pachmann's eyes.

Pachmann sprang from his chair, his mouth working, his eyes suffused.

"You will destroy one of our ships?" he demanded, his voice hoarse.