eedings and
simply occupied himself with military affairs, not only every minute
of the day, but a good part of the night, was spent by him in work and
discussions with his staff officers, with the chief officers of the land
forces, and with the chief commanders of the allied Franco-Russian army.
Everyone was full of admiration for the Prince's never-failing vigour
and indefatigable power of work; his tall, slender, Teutonic form, and
fair-bearded face, with the quiet, clear sailor's eyes, never failed to
impress all who came in contact with him. Only his imperial brother, who
held in his hand all the threads of political action, could rival
the Prince in the traditional Hohenzollern capacity for work at this
important time.

It was close on midnight when, after a long and lively consultation, the
French general, Jeannerod, left the Prince's study. No sooner had
the door closed behind him than the adjutant on duty, with an evident
expression of astonishment in the sound of his voice, announced: "His
Excellency the Imperial Chancellor, Frieherr von Grubenhagen."

The Prince advanced to the middle of the room to meet his visitor and
shook him heartily by the hand.

"I thank Your Excellency for granting me an interview with you to-day,
although it is so late and you are overwhelmed with work. I had a
special reason for wishing to confer with you, which you will understand
when I tell you that all kinds of rumours have reached me as to
exaggerated demands on the part of our allies. My previous attitude will
have shown you that I have no intention of interfering in diplomatic
negotiations, or even exercising my influence in one direction or
another. I feel that I am here not as a statesman, but simply as a
soldier; and for that very reason I think you can speak the more openly
to me. I have been told that the complete annihilation of England is
intended as indispensable to the conditions of peace."

The Chancellor, whose manly, determined face showed no signs of
exhaustion, notwithstanding his almost superhuman labours, looked
frankly at the Prince and shook his head.

"Your Royal Highness has been incorrectly informed. Neither we nor our
allies have the intention of annihilating England. Certainly we are all
fully agreed that this fearful war must not be waged in vain, and that
the reward must correspond with the greatness of the sacrifice at which
it has been purchased."

"And to whom is the reward to fall?"

"To