substance which you have discovered, to the government of the United
States and induce them to purchase it. Is that so?"

"That is so!" and Roger Seaton fixed his eyes on Gwent's hard,
lantern-jawed face with a fiery intensity--"Remember, it's not
child's play! Whoever takes what I can give, holds the mastery of
the world! I offer it to the United States--but I would have
preferred to offer it to Great Britain, being as I am, an
Englishman. But the dilatory British men of science have snubbed me
once--and I do not intend them to have the chance of doing it again.
Briefly--I offer the United States the power to end wars, and all
thought or possibility of war for ever. No Treaty of Versailles or
any other treaty will ever be necessary. The only thing I ask in
reward for my discovery is the government pledge to use it. That is,
of course, should occasion arise. For my material needs, which are
small, an allowance of a sum per annum as long as I live, will
satisfy my ambition. The allowance may be as much or as little as is
found convenient. The pledge to USE my discovery is the one all-
important point--it must be a solemn, binding pledge--never to be
broken."

Gwent puffed slowly at his cigar.

"It's a bit puzzling!"--he said--"When and where should it be used?"

Seaton stretched out a hand argumentatively.

"Now listen!" he said--"Suppose two nations quarrel--or rather,
their governments and their press force them to quarrel--the United
States (possessing my discovery) steps between and says--'Very well!