vement. He realises that
the man who brings about world-peace will be the most famous man in
history. He has his ambitions, as you doubtless know."

"Yes, I have heard so," said Vard, with an ironic smile. "Well, let him
have the glory--I do not object; besides, he will deserve it. And now
for my proposal. It is this: the nations of the world, with Germany and
Russia as the first signatories, shall enter into a treaty providing for
the immediate disbanding of their armies, dismantling of their forts,
and disintegrating of their fleets. Only such troops shall be retained
as are needed to provide garrisons for such outposts as may be necessary
to protect the Christian world from the incursion of barbarous or
nomadic tribes, and only such warships as are needed to assist in this
work. The exact number each nation shall maintain will be decided by a
general court of adjudication, and all such troops and warships shall be
in common; and all expenditures for what are usually known as military
purposes shall be in common, apportioned by the same court of
adjudication among the nations which are party to the agreement. Under
no circumstances may any nation maintain any force privately or for its
own use."

"I am interested to know," put in Pachmann, smoothly, "in what manner
you propose to secure the consent of the various nations to this scheme.
The smaller ones will doubtless be glad to fall into line; but you
surely do not expect England and France, for example, to agree merely
because we ask it!"

"To those who do not consent," Vard answered calmly, "we will give a
demonstration of the necessity for doing so."

"Some such demonstration as that of Monday?"

"Yes--greater ones, if need be."

Pachmann considered this thoughtfully.

"It might do," he said, at last. "A few such demonstrations would no
doubt be convincing. Yet there might be one or two which would be
obdurate."

"I think, in the end, we can convince them."

"You will go to any lengths to do so?"

"To any necessary lengths."

Pachmann nodded.

"I was desirous of getting a clear expression from you upon that point,"
he said. "Pray continue."

"I do not believe there will be many such nations," Vard went on. "You
have spoken of France and England. I believe France will consent, for
she is a nation of idealists. I should have chosen her to lead the
movement, but for the fact that her army and navy are inferior to yours,
and so she might seem to be a