Makers of Madness

[_With quiet delight._

The Republic will never swallow that.

PRIME MINISTER

They are not supposed to. They will declare war, and then be the aggressors.

MINISTER OF WAR

[_Exultantly._

Our God of old lives yet and will not let us perish in disgrace!

CHIEF OF STAFF

[_Looking about._

My helmet. Damn it! Where is my helmet? I am going to dig at the plans once more. If God lets me lead the armies in such a fight, the devil can come when I'm through and fetch away the old carcass.

PRIME MINISTER

[To MINISTER OF WAR.

Where's your Secretary?

MINISTER OF WAR

[_Crossing to door._

Secretary, here!

[SECRETARY _enters._

PRIME MINISTER

[_Handing him the paper._

To the telegraph-operator with this. It is to be sent to every news bureau in the city and to all our embassies abroad.

MINISTER OF WAR

Tomorrow, the mobilization!

CHIEF OF STAFF

Tonight! I need those twelve hours for my plans.

[The SECRETARY holds the