s," the latter enquired, "who were left outside
the League? What of Russia, for instance?"

"Russia is a great and peaceful republic," Mervin Brown replied. "All
her efforts are devoted towards industrial development. No nation would
have less to gain by a return to militarism."

"Pardon, monsieur, but how do you know anything about Russia?" Monsieur
Pouilly asked. "You have not a single secret service agent there, and
your ambassadors are ambassadors of commerce."

"I know what every one else knows," Mervin Brown declared. "Our
commercial travellers are our secret service agents. They travel where
they please in Russia."

"And Germany?" the General queried.

"I defy you to say that there is the slightest indication of any
militarism in Germany," the Prime Minister insisted. "I was there myself
only a few months ago. The country is quiet and moving on now to a new
prosperity. I am absolutely and entirely convinced that the world has
nothing to fear from either Russia or Germany."

"Have you any theory, sir," General Dumesnil enquired, "as to why Russia
refused to join the League of Nations?"

"None whatever," was the genial acknowledgment. "Russia was left out at
the start through jealous statesmanship, and afterwards she preferred
her independence. I have every sympathy with her attitude."

"One more question," the soldier begged. "Are you aware, sir, that since
Japan left the League of Nations on the excuse of her isolation, she has
been building aeroplanes and battleships on a new theory, instigated, if
you please, by China?"

"And look at her last balance sheet as a result of it," was the prompt
retort. "If a nation chooses to make herself a bankrupt by building war
toys, no one in the world can help her. Legislation of that sort is
foolish and simply an incitement to revolution. Look at the difference
in our country. Our income tax is practically abolished, our industrial
troubles are over. Our credit never stood so high, the wealth of the
country was never so great. We are satisfied. A peaceful nation makes
for peace. The rattling of the sabre incites military disturbance. Do
not ask us, gentlemen, to train armies or build ships."

"We ask you only to keep your covenant," Monsieur Pouilly pronounced
stiffly.

"Who does keep it?" the Prime Minister demanded. "The world is governed
now by common sense and humanity. I look upon a war of aggression on the
part of any country as a sheer impossibility."