What's to become of poor England then?
Our friends are only human, after all, and it's merely a question of handing over to them sufficient spoil.
They must consider themselves first: that's the first duty of their politicians towards their country." "You mean to say," Hamel asked, "that you seriously believe that a conference is on the point of being held at which France and Russia are to be invited to consider suggestions like this ?" "I am afraid there's no doubt about it," Kinsley declared.

"Their ambassadors in London profess to know nothing.

That, of course, is their reasonable attitude, but there's no doubt whatever that the conference has been planned.

I should say that to-night we are nearer war, if we can summon enough spirit to fight, than we have been since Fashoda." "Queer if I have returned just in time for the scrap," Hamel remarked thoughtfully.

"I was in the Militia once, so I expect I can get a job, if there's any fighting." "I can get you a better job than fighting--one you can start on to-morrow, too," Kinsley announced abruptly, "that is if you really want to help ?" "Of course I do," Hamel insisted.