"It is one of those cases where
knowledge means death. But I can at least give you a hint. Have you any
influence at all with any member of your government?"
"A little" Gilbert admitted.
"Then persuade them not to send your fleet to Kiel!"
Gilbert rose to his feet, and stood on the hearth-rug looking down at
her.
"But, my dear young lady," he protested, "there are certain
international laws which every nation respects. The game of war has its
rules--unwritten, perhaps, but none the less binding. The visit of the
English fleet to German waters is an affair of courtesy--"
She interrupted him ruthlessly.
"Did you ever hear of a warship called the _Maine_?" she asked
scornfully. "Do you remember what happened to her? Can't you understand
that these things can be arranged? Your better understanding with Germany
hangs upon a thread. Germany knows exactly when to snap it. The English
fleet will be allowed to leave Kiel harbor without a doubt, but every
channel outside can be sown with mines in twenty-four hours. If I had
proofs of what I know is being planned, I would give them to you! But I
haven't.
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