anet confessed, "yet I would remind
you of two things. First, that the more dominant part of the personality
which I have inherited comes to me from Alsatian ancestors; and
secondly, that this peace for which I am striving may in the end mean
salvation for England, too."

"I hear you with relief," Monsieur Guillot admitted. "In this
transaction it is my great desire to deal with a man of honour. As such
I know perceive that I can recognise you, monsieur."

Granet bowed gravely and without any shadow of embarrassment.

"That assuredly, Monsieur Guillot," he said. "Shall I proceed?"

"By all means."

Granet drew a thin packet from the breast pocket of his coat. He laid it
on the table between them.

"I received this," he announced, "less than three weeks ago from the
hands of the Kaiser himself."

Monsieur Guillot gazed at his companion incredulously.

"It was very simple," Granet continued. "I was taken prisoner near the
village of Ossray. I was conducted at once to headquarters and taken
by motor-car to a certain fortified place which I will not specify, but
which was at that time the headquarters of the German Staff. I received
this document there in the way I have told you. I was then assisted,
after some very remarkable adventures, to rejoin my regiment. You can
open that document, Monsieur Guillot. It is addressed to you. Guard
it carefully, though, for it is signed by the Kaiser himself. I have
carried it with me now for more than a fortnight in the inner sole of my
shoe. As you can imagine, its discovery upon my person would have meant
instant death."

Monsieur Guillot was engrossed in reading the few lines of the missive.
When he had finished, he covered the paper with the palm of his hand and
leaned forward. There was a queer light in his eyes.

"Germany will give up Alsace and Lorraine," he said hoarsely, "and will
retire within her own frontiers. She will ask for no indemnity. What is
the meaning of it?"

"Simple enough," Granet pointed out. "A great politician like you should
easily realise the actual conditions which prompt such an offer. What
good is territory to Germany, territory over which she must rule by
force, struggling always against the accumulated hatred of years? Alsace
and Lorraine have taught her her lesson. It is not French territory she
wants. Russia has far more to give. Russia and England between them
can pay an indemnity which will make Germany rich beyond the dreams of
avari