"I am very pleased to have heard what you have said, and I shall repeat it to my friend on the other side, who, I am sure, will be exceedingly obliged to you for such a frank exposition of your views.

And now," he continued, "I don't want to keep you gentlemen up too late, so perhaps you will be coming to the answer of my question." "The answer!" Sir Edward exclaimed.

"Surely I made myself clear ?" "All that you have said," Mr.Coulson admitted, "has been remarkably clear, but the question I asked you was this,--what is to be the position of your country in the event of war between Japan and America ?" "And I have told you," Sir Edward declared, "that war between Japan and America is not a subject within the scope of practical politics." "We may consider ourselves--my friend Mr.Jones would certainly consider himself," Mr.Coulson affirmed,--"as good a judge as you, Sir Edward, so far as regards that matter.

I am not asking you whether it is probable or improbable.

You may know the feelings of your ally.