ou are a foreigner, and nothing holds
you here. If you are desirous of witnessing a great historic event,
remain--but it will be better for you to go. The war is going to be
ruthless, very ruthless, and if Paris attempts resistance, as formerly,
we shall see terrible things. Modes of offense have greatly changed."

Desnoyers made a gesture of indifference.

"The same as your father," observed the professor. "Last night he and
all your family responded in the same way. Even my mother prefers to
remain with her sister, saying that the Germans are very good, very
civilized and there is nothing to apprehend in their triumph."

This good opinion seemed to be troubling the Doctor.

"They don't understand what modern warfare means. They ignore the fact
that our generals have studied the art of overcoming the enemy and they
will apply it mercilessly. Ruthlessness is the only means, since
it perturbs the intelligence of the enemy, paralyzes his action and
pulverizes his resistance. The more ferocious the war, the more
quickly it is concluded. To punish with cruelty is to proceed humanely.
Therefore, Germany is going to be cruel with a cruelty hitherto unseen,
in order that the conflict may not be prolonged."

He had risen and was standing, cane and straw hat in hand. Argensola was
looking at him with frank hostility. The professor, obliged to pass near
him, did so with a stiff and disdainful nod.

Then he started toward the door, accompanied by his cousin. The farewell
was brief.

"I repeat my counsel. If you do not like danger, go! It may be that I am
mistaken, and that this nation, convinced of the uselessness of defense,
may give itself up voluntarily. . . . At any rate, we shall soon see.
I shall take great pleasure in returning to Paris when the flag of the
Empire is floating over the Eiffel Tower, a mere matter of three or four
weeks, certainly by the beginning of September."

France was going to disappear from the map. To the Doctor, her death was
a foregone conclusion.

"Paris will remain," he admitted benevolently, "the French will remain,
because a nation is not easily suppressed; but they will not retain
their former place. We shall govern the world; they will continue to
occupy themselves in inventing fashions, in making life agreeable for
visiting foreigners; and in the intellectual world, we shall encourage
them to educate good actresses, to produce entertaining novels and to
write witty comedies. . . . N