sympathy, although they met but seldom.

"So we are to lose you soon, Prince," the Baron was saying.

"Very soon indeed," Prince Maiyo answered. "Next week I go down to
Devenham. I understand that the Prime Minister and Sir Edward
Bransome will be there. If so, that, I think, will be practically my
leave-taking. There is no object in my staying any longer over here."

The Baron blinked his eyes meditatively.

"I have seen very little of you, Maiyo," he said, "since your last visit
to the Continent. I take it that your views are unchanged?"

The Prince assented.

"Unchanged indeed," he answered,--"unchangeable, I think almost that
I might now say. They have been wonderful months, these last months,
Baron," he continued. "I have seen some of those things which we in
Japan have heard about and wondered about all our lives. I have seen
the German army at manoeuvres. I have talked to their officers. Where
I could, I have talked to the men. I have been to some of their great
socialist meetings. I have heard them talk about their country and their
Emperor, and what would happen to their officers if war should come. I
have seen the French artillery. I have been the guest of the President.
I have tried to understand the peculiar attitude which that country has
always adopted toward us. I have been, unrecognized, in St. Petersburg.
I have tried to understand a little the resources of that marvellous
country. I came back here in time for the great review in the Solent.
I have seen the most magnificent ships and the most splendid naval
discipline the world has ever known. Then I have explored the interior
of this island as few of our race have explored it before, not for
the purpose of studying the manufactures, the trades, the immense
shipbuilding industries,--simply to study the people themselves."

The Baron nodded gravely.

"I ask no questions," he said. "It is the Emperor's desire, I know, that
you go straight to him. I take it that your mind is made up,--you have
arrived at definite conclusions?"

"Absolutely." Prince Maiyo answered. "I shall make no great secret of
them. You already, my dear Baron, know, I think, whither they lead. I
shall be unpopular for a time, I suppose, and your own position may be
made a little difficult. After that, things will go on pretty much the
same. Of one thing, though, I am assured. I see it as clearly as the
shepherd who has lain the night upon the hillside sees the coming day.
It