ce supplies are voted.'

'Supplies,' he repeated thoughtfully.

'Come,' I said, 'I have arranged to meet Mr. ----; he is an important
member of the Government, and he said he would be good for half an hour's
chat after this Debate was over.'

A few seconds later, the member who introduced us took us into the lobby,
where I met the Minister to whom I had referred, and who led the way to
his own room. As it happened, I had known this Minister for several
years. We had spent a holiday together before the war, and had often
played golf together. I had more than once seen him after he had become
a member of the Government, and he appeared very glad of a little
relaxation after the stress of his work.

'What did you think of the Debate?' he asked. 'Of course things are
different now from what they used to be. The time for making an
impression by big speeches is over. I dare say, when the war comes to an
end, we shall have the old party fights again, although the country will
never be the same again, even in that way. Still, I thought it was
interesting.'

'How do you think we are doing?' I asked presently.

'What, at the front? Oh, fairly well. We have to keep hammering away,
you know, but the Germans are by no means done for yet. It is evidently
going to be a war of exhaustion, and we have only just come to our
strength. Of course the Germans have given up all hope of winning. One
of our weaknesses, if I may so say, lies in Russia. It is months now
since they did anything.'

'Do you think there is any danger of their making a separate peace?' I
asked.

'No, I don't think so; but there are some very uncertain elements to
contend with, and the corruption there has been frightful. I should not
be surprised at a big movement there in time. Still, we are doing very
well; our forces are becoming well organized, and in another year or so I
think the Boches'll begin to crumple up.'

Knowing what was in Edgecumbe's mind, I asked him several questions,
which he, without betraying any Cabinet secrets, answered freely. He
discussed the question in all its bearings, and revealed remarkable
acumen and judgment. All the time Edgecumbe sat listening eagerly,
without speaking a word. Then, suddenly, he burst out with a question.

'What do you think we must do to win this war?' he asked, and there was a
strange intensity in his voice.

'I am afraid I don't quite understand.'

'What do you think we must do to w