Well nigh a thousand years ago one conquered the other; they have lived
together since. Today the one people seeks to drive forth the other who
conquered them. Are these men rebels, too?"

"Well," said Peter, pleased at being deferred to, "that all depends who
they are, you know!"

"They call the one nation Turks, and the other Armenians," said the
stranger.

"Oh, the Armenians aren't rebels," said Peter; "they are on our side! The
papers are all full of it," said Peter, pleased to show his knowledge.
"Those bloody Turks! What right had they to conquer the Armenians? Who
gave them their land? I'd like to have a shot at them myself!"

"WHY are Armenians not rebels?" asked the stranger, gently.

"Oh, you do ask such curious questions," said Peter. "If they don't like
the Turks, why should they have 'em?" If the French came now and conquered
us, and we tried to drive them out first chance we had; you wouldn't call
us rebels! Why shouldn't they try to turn those bloody Turks out?
Besides," said Peter, bending over and talking in the manner of one who
imparts secret and important information; "you see, if we don't help the
Armenians the Russians would; and we," said Peter, looking exceedingly
knowing, "we've got to prevent that: they'd get the land; and it's on the
road to India. And we don't mean them to. I suppose you don't know much
about politics in Palestine?" said Peter, looking kindly and patronisingly
at the stranger.

"If these men," said the stranger, "would rather be free, or be under the