is
threats and, at last, the order to withdraw which he gave to the
French with such authority and such persuasive force. All this is
history; and it is enough to recall the words uttered two days later
by the British prime minister in the House of Commons:

"I have to thank M. Simon Dubosc. But for him, there would have been a
stain upon our country's honour; French blood would have been shed by
English hands. M. Simon Dubosc, the wonderful man who crossed what was
once the Channel at one stride, understood that it would be necessary,
at least for a few hours, to exercise a little patience towards a
great nation which for so many centuries has been accustomed to feel
that it was protected by the seas and which suddenly found itself
disarmed, defenceless, deprived of its natural ramparts. Let us not
forget that Germany, that very morning, with her customary effrontery,
offered France an alliance and proposed the immediate invasion of
Great Britain by the whole of the united forces of the two countries.
_Britannia delenda est!_ Mr. Speaker, it was Simon Dubosc who gave the
reply, by achieving the miracle of a French retreat! All honour to
Simon Dubosc!"

France at once recognized Simon's action by appointing the young man
high commissioner for the new French territories. For four days longer
he was ubiquitous, flying over the province which he had conquered,
restoring order, enforcing harmony, discipline and security. Pursued
and captured, all the bands of pillagers and spoilers were duly
brought to trial. Aeroplanes sailed the heavens. Provision-lorries ran
in all directions, assuring travellers the means of transport. Chaos
was becoming organized.

At last one day, Simon called at Lord Bakefield's country-house near
Battle. Here too tranquillity had returned. The servants had resumed
their duties. Only a few cracks in the walls, a few gaps in the lawns
reminded them of the hours of terror.

Lord Bakefield, who appeared to be in excellent health, received Simon
in the library and gave him the same cordial welcome as on the
Brighton golf-links:

"Well, young man, where do we stand now?"

"On the twentieth day after my request for your daughter's hand," said
Simon, smiling, "and as you gave me twenty days in which to perform a
certain number of exploits, I come to ask you, on the appointed date,
whether I have, in your opinion, fulfilled the conditions settled
between us."

Lord Bakefield offered him a cigar and