. . .
"Old Rome, sick unto death, called 'barbarians' the Germans who opened
the grave. The world to-day also smells death and will surely call us
barbarians. . . . So be it! When Tangiers and Toulouse, Amberes and
Calais have become submissive to German barbarism . . . then we will
speak further of this matter. We have the power, and who has that
needs neither to hesitate nor to argue. . . . Power! . . . That is the
beautiful word--the only word that rings true and clear. . . . Power!
One sure stab and all argument is answered forever!"
"But are you so sure of victory?" asked Desnoyers. "Sometimes Destiny
gives us great surprises. There are hidden forces that we must take into
consideration or they may overturn the best-laid plans."
The smile of the Doctor became increasingly scornful and arrogant.
Everything had been foreseen and studied out long ago with the most
minute Germanic method. What had they to fear? . . . The enemy most to
be reckoned with was France, incapable of resisting the enervating moral
influences, the sufferings, the strain and the privations of war;--a
nation physically debilitated and so poisoned by revolutionary spirit
that it had laid aside the use of arms through an exaggerated love of
comfort.
"Our generals," he announced, "are going to leave her in such a state
that she will never again cross our path.
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