"I have tried to make you understand that from my own point of view--and
I am in a position to know something--the fear of war between this
country and our own has passed. England is willing to make all
reasonable sacrifices to ensure peace. She wants peace, she intends
peace, therefore there will be peace. Therefore, I maintain, my young
friend, it is far better for you to disappear at once from this false
position."

"I am scarcely my own master," Dominey replied. "You yourself must know
that. I am here as a servant under orders."

"Join your protests with mine," the Prince suggested. "I will make a
report directly I get back to London. To my mind, the matter is urgent.
If anything should lead to the discovery of your false position in this
country, the friendship between us which has become a real pleasure to
me must seriously undermine my own position."

Dominey had risen to his feet and was standing on the hearthrug, in
front of a fire of blazing logs. The Ambassador was sitting with crossed
legs in a comfortable easy-chair, smoking one of the long, thin cigars
which were his particular fancy.

"Your Excellency," Dominey said, "there is just one fallacy in all that
you have said."

"A fallacy?"

"You have come to the absolute conclusion," Dominey continued, "that
because England wants peace there will be peace. I am of Seaman's mind.
I believe in the ultimate power of the military party of Germany. I