No democracy ever wanted war. Every democracy needs and desires
peace."

"One moment," Julian interrupted. "You must remember that a
democracy seldom possesses the imperialistic spirit, and a great
empire can scarcely survive without it."

"Arrant nonsense!" was the vigorous reply. "A great empire, from
hemisphere to hemisphere, can be kept together a good deal better
by democratic control. Force is always the arriere pensee of the
individual and the autocrat."

"These are generalities," Julian declared. "I want to know your
opinion about a peace at the present moment."

"Not having any, thanks. You're a dilettante journalist by your
own confession, Julian, and I am not going to be drawn."

"There is something in it, then?"

"Maybe," was the careless admission. "You're a visitor worth
having, Julian. '70 port and homegrown walnuts! A nice little
addition to my simple fare! Must you go back to-morrow?"

Julian nodded.

"We've another batch of visitors coming,--Stenson amongst them,
by the bye."

Furley nodded. His eyes narrowed, and little lines appeared at