him of his return, and he had not wished to leave Paris without seeing
him. He was leaving in a few hours, since matters were growing more
strained.

"But do you really believe that there will be war?" asked Desnoyers.

"War will be declared to-morrow or the day after. Nothing can prevent it
now. It is necessary for the welfare of humanity."

Silence followed this speech, Julio and Argensola looking with
astonishment at this peaceable-looking man who had just spoken with such
martial arrogance. The two suspected that the professor was making this
visit in order to give vent to his opinions and enthusiasms. At the same
time, perhaps, he was trying to find out what they might think and know,
as one of the many viewpoints of the people in Paris.

"You are not French," he added looking at his cousin. "You were born in
Argentina, so before you I may speak the truth."

"And were you not born there?" asked Julio smiling.

The Doctor made a gesture of protest, as though he had just heard
something insulting. "No, I am a German. No matter where a German may
be born, he always belongs to his mother country." Then turning to
Argensola--"This gentleman, too, is a foreigner. He comes from noble
Spain, which owes to us the best that it has--the worship of honor, the
knightly spirit."

The Spaniard wished to remonstrate, but the Sage would not permit,
adding in an oracular tone: