self wholeheartedly to this plan. With all of these things
she is in sympathy; 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity' has been her
watchword for a hundred years. Once we regain Alsace-Lorraine, we can be
well-content to lay down our arms. I believe that we can secure the
support of the United States and perhaps of England. To the United
States, a project so idealistic would be certain to appeal; and as for
England, she is terrified at heart, she fears the future, she staggers
under the burden of her great armaments----which yet are not great
enough. Yes, we could win England!"

Delcasse had listened with gleaming eyes, all the dreamer within him
afire at the splendid vision which Crochard's words evoked.

"You are right!" he cried, and sprang to his feet and approached the
inventor, his hands outstretched. "M. Vard," he said, "on behalf of
France, I accept your proposal!"

Vard was on his feet also, and his whole frame was shaking.

"You are sincere?" he stammered, peering into Delcasse's eyes. "You are
in earnest? You are not deceiving me?"

"No!" said Delcasse, solemnly. "I am not deceiving you. I swear it, on
my honour. France will be proud to take her place at the head of this
great movement." And then he stopped, and a shadow flitted across his
face. "There is but one condition," he added. "You must prove to us that
this power really exists."

"I agree to that!" cried Vard, eagerly. "I agree to that--yes, yes, I
even wish it. Any proof, any test--it shall be yours to choose. And
remember--the Germans were not merciful!"

"I shall remember!" said Delcasse hoarsely, his face quivering; and he
caught himself away and stood for a moment at the window, struggling for
self-control. Through the square below all Paris poured, on its way to
drive in the Bois, careless, happy, all unconscious of the crisis in its
country's history which the moment marked. And then, by habit,
Delcasse's eyes wandered to that great statue by Pradier, with the pile
of mourning wreaths before it....

"I have chosen!" he said, in a choked voice. "The test shall be made at
Strasbourg!"

The inventor bowed.

"If I may retire," he said, "I will begin my preparations at once. I
shall need to work for a day, or perhaps two days, in some well-equipped
wireless laboratory. All other arrangements I shall leave to you. It
will be necessary to secure two stations in sight of the arsenal, and
within five miles of it, where we can work without fear of b