Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-08-14
companion asked. "Does any one know?'

make this matter of sentiment. be lieve that without proof he fears to ac cept this statement. And yet above all things he fears Germany. There was some talk of missing page of the ac tual treaty between Russia and Ger many. If this could be found believe that he would sign the draft treaty" | T myself," the other said, ''do no, believe that England would be so easi ly overpowered."
 Tt is the suddenness and treachery of the attack which counts so greatly in its favor," his companion said. "I1 might be all over in two days before she could assemble fifth part of hel forces. If our information is correct Germany has men enough mobilized tc run huge risks. Besides, you know how Lafarge's report ran and what he said. The German army is beginning to suffer from sort of dry rot, as must all institutions which fulfill 6 different purpose than that for whicl they exist. The emperor knows it If war does not come Germany will have to face severe military troubles" !" T myself am for the alliance"
 "And l." the other replied, If proof of this Germano- Russian understand ing could be produced" M. Grisson returned He carefully closed and locked the door behind him
 Gentlemen" he said, "the German ambassador has just left me. His mission in every way confirms our SC cret information. He has been in structed to inquire as to our attitude in the event of any British interference with the Baltic fleet while in home wa ters"
 The two men looked up expectantly. M. Grisson continued. T replied that it was a contingency which we scarcely thought it worth while to consider. expressed my firm belief that England would ob- serve all the conventions written and understood of international law"
 And he?"
 He was not satisfied, of course. He declared that he had certain informa- ton that England was making definite plans with a view to insure the delay of the fleet. He went on to say that Germany was determined not to tol- crate any such thing. and he concludes that we, as Russia's ally, would at any rate remain neutral should Germany think 1t her duty to interfere"
 And your reply?"
 T answered that in the event of un- toward happenings France would act as her honor dictated. remaining al- ways mindful of the obligations of her alliance. He was quite satisfied"
 "He had no suspicion of thisY' the young man asked, touching the treaty with his forefinger
 None. It Is believed in Germany that tile young Englishman was really found drowned in the Seine after a short career of dissipation Our friends served us we'll here. Now. gentlemen. the English ambassador will be here in twenty minutes. What am I to say to hin7 Do we sign this draft agree ment Of do we not7"
 There was a silence which lasted nearly minute. Then the younger of the two men spoke.
 "Slr." he said respectfully. without some proof of Russia's falsity cannot see how in honor we can depart from our treaty obligations with her to the extent of signing an agreement with her putative enemy. England must fight her own battle. and God help herr'
 And youT' NJ. Grisson asked. turn ing to the third man.
 T agree" was the regretfui answer. ''If this treacherous scheme is carried out I believe that France will be face to face with the greatest crisis she has known In history. Even then I dare not suggest that we court dlshonor by breaking an alliance with a friend in distress"
 You are right. gentlemen" M. Gris- son said, with a sigh. We must tell Lord Fothergill that our relations with his country must remain unfettered. I''--
 Again the telephone bell rang. M. Grisson listened and replied with n sudden return to bis old briskness of manner.
 Tt Is young De Bergillac.- he an- nouDced. He has been to England in search of that missing page of the treaty. have told them to show him in."
 The vicomte entered, paler than ever from recent travel and deeply humili- ated from the fact that there was a smut upon his collar which he had 10 time to remove. He presented a paper to M. Grisson and bowed. The premier spread it out upon the table. and the faces of the three men as they read became a study. M. Grisson rang the bell.
 -N le Due de Bergillac and 6 young English gentleman" be told the at tendaat. ''are in my private retiring room. Desire their presence"
 The servant withdrew. The thres men looked at one another.
 If this is genuine-' the younger murnured.
 Tt Is the Russian o6cial paper. his vis-a-vis declared. holding 1t up tr the light
 Then the Due de BergilIsc a7d Gu- Poynton were ushered in M. Grissa- rose to his feet
 'M- Poyntoa.- be said. eve have all three he1rd your story ss to what vou witnessed In the forests Of Possn- It Is part of yo1r allegation that paes of writing from the private car vhscb