are aware, then," Mr. Smith continued, "of the present position
of your fleet. You know how many months must pass before it can reach
Eastern waters. It is not within the traditions of this country to evade
fulfillment of its obligations, however severe and unnatural they may
seem, but in three months' time, Mr. Coulson, our treaty with Japan will
have expired."

"You are seeking to renew it!" Mr. Coulson declared quickly.

Mr. Smith raised his eyebrows.

"The renewal of that treaty," he said, "is on the knees of the gods. One
cannot tell. I go so far only as to tell you that in three months the
present treaty will have expired."

Mr. Coulson rose slowly to his feet and took up his hat.

"Gentlemen both," he said, "that's what I call plain speaking. I suppose
it's up to us to read between the lines. I can assure you that my friend
Mr. Jones will appreciate it. It isn't my place to say a word outside
the letter which I have handed to you. I am a plain business man,
and these things don't come in my way. That is why I feel I can
criticize,--I am unprejudiced. You are Britishers, and you've got one
eternal fault. You seem to think the whole world must see a matter as
you see it. If Japan has convinced you that she doesn't seek a war with
us, it doesn't follow that she's convinced us. As to the rights of
our dispute, don't rely so much upon hearing one side only. Don't be
dogmatic about it, and say this thing is and that thing isn't. You may
bet your last dollar that America isn't going to war about trifles. We
are the same flesh and blood, you know. We have the same traditions to
uphold. What we do is what we should expect you to do if you were in our
place. That's all, gentlemen. Now I wish you both good night! Mr. Smith,
I am proud to shake hands with you. Sir Edward, I say the same to you."

Bransome touched the bell and summoned his secretary.

"Sidney, will you see this gentleman out?" he said. "You are quite sure
there is nothing further we can do for you, Mr. Coulson?"

"Nothing at all, I thank you, sir," that gentleman answered. "I
have only got to thank you once more for the pleasure of this brief
interview. Good night!"

"Good night, and bon voyage!" Sir Edward answered.

The door was closed. The two men looked at one another for a moment. Mr.
Smith shrugged his shoulders and helped himself to a cigarette.

"I wonder," he remarked thoughtfully, "how our friends in Japan
convinced themselves so thorou