to disarmament.

"What you have told me is not very promising for universal peace," she
said, at last.

"There can be no universal peace until we have humiliated England,"
replied the Prince. "That is the belief of all good Germans. The
conflict must come soon, and we strain every nerve to prepare for it. I
betray no secret when I tell you this. All Europe knows it. England
struggles also to prepare, but we are always far ahead. When we are
quite ready, we shall strike. Then, after we have won, after we have
established Germany as the first nation of Europe, we shall be ready for
peace. But we must have one more great victory. The welfare of our house
demands it."

As he spoke, his eyes rested on the top of the companion-way leading
from the lower deck, and he started violently, for a face had appeared
there--a face which looked at him sternly, almost threateningly. It was
the face of Pachmann. Without a word, it disappeared. The Prince turned
nervously to his companion.

"Pardon me, Miss Vard," he said, "but I must go. And do not think too
seriously of my chatter. I am not admitted to councils of state; I know
only what every one knows. We Germans, we have our dreams; but perhaps
they are only that."

He arose, opened his lips to say something more, then changed his mind,
bowed, and hurried away. Kasia stared after him. She had not seen that
silent summons. But he did not look back.

* * * * *

An hour later, Pachmann, with a countenance distinctly troubled, sought
out Ignace Vard, who was reading in his room.

"The Prince has been talking to your daughter," he said.

Vard looked at him in surprise.

"I sent them out together," he explained. "I thought perhaps Kasia would
amuse him--and be amused."

"Has she told you nothing?"

Again Vard glanced at him.

"No. Has she reason for complaint?"

"I did not mean that. I dare say he behaved decently enough. But he
spouted a lot of childish nonsense about German hopes and German
ambitions, and I feared your daughter might take him seriously. He is
nothing but an ignorant young fool."

Vard laid aside his book and looked Pachmann full in the face.

"The truth comes sometimes from the mouths of fools," he said. "When am
I to have my answer?"

"To be quite candid," answered Pachmann, readily, "I am afraid to give
it to you on board this boat. I chose this boat because I believed we
should be safe here. But there are spies on