rapidly that the other countries cannot come up to us. . . . And as your
father thinks, so do many others--all those who are wrapped in creature
comfort, and fear to lose it. Believe me, a country that hesitates and
fears war is conquered before the first battle."

Julio evinced a certain disquietude, as though he would like to cut
short the conversation.

"Just leave my father out of it! He speaks that way to-day because war
is not yet an accomplished fact, and he has to contradict and vent his
indignation on whoever comes near him. To-morrow he will say just the
opposite. . . . My father is a Latin."

The professor looked at his watch. He must go; there were still many
things which he had to do before going to the station. The Germans
living in Paris had fled in great bands as though a secret order had
been circulating among them. That afternoon the last of those who had
been living ostensibly in the Capital would depart.

"I have come to see you because of our family interest, because it was
my duty to give you fair warning. You are a foreigner, and nothing holds
you here. If you are desirous of witnessing a great historic event,
remain--but it will be better for you to go. The war is going to be
ruthless, very ruthless, and if Paris attempts resistance, as formerly,
we shall see terrible things. Modes of offense have greatly changed."

Desnoyers made a gesture of indifference.

"The same as your father," observed the professor. "Last night he and
all your family responded in the same way. Even my mother prefers to