“There are a good many Englishmen who are asking themselves that question,” remarked Cecil Brown.  “It’s my opinion that we have been the policemen of the world long enough.  We policed the seas for pirates and slavers.  Now we police the land for Dervishes and brigands and every sort of danger to civilisation.  There is never a mad priest or a witch doctor, or a firebrand of any sort on this planet, who does not report his appearance by sniping the nearest British officer.  One tires of it at last.  If a Kurd breaks loose in Asia Minor, the world wants to know why Great Britain does not keep him in order.  If there is a military mutiny in Egypt, or a Jehad in the Soudan, it is still Great Britain who has to set it right.  And all to an accompaniment of curses such as the policeman gets when he seizes a ruffian among his pals.  We get hard knocks and no thanks, and why should we do it?  Let Europe do its own dirty work.”

“Well,” said Colonel Cochrane, crossing his legs and leaning forward with the decision of n man who has definite opinions, “I don’t at all agree with you, Brown, and I think that to advocate such a course is to take a very limited view of our national duties.  I think that behind national interests and diplomacy and all that there lies a great guiding force—­a Providence, in fact—­which is for ever getting the best out of each nation and using it for the good of the whole.  When a nation ceases to respond, it is time that she went into hospital for a few centuries, like Spain or Greece—­the virtue has gone out of her.  A man or a nation is not placed upon this earth to do merely what is pleasant and what is profitable.  It is often called upon to carry out what is both unpleasant and unprofitable, but if it is obviously right it is mere shirking not to undertake it.”

Headingly nodded approvingly.

“Each has its own mission.  Germany is predominant in abstract thought; France in literature, art, and grace.  But we and you—­for the English-speakers are all in the same boat, however much the New York Sun may scream over it—­we and you have among our best men a higher conception of moral sense and public duty than is to be found in any other people.  Now, these are the two qualities which are needed for directing a weaker race.  You can’t help them by abstract thought or by graceful art, but only by that moral sense which will hold the scales of Justice even, and keep itself free from every taint of corruption.  That is how we rule India.  We came there by a kind of natural law, like air rushing into a vacuum.  All over the world, against our direct interests and our deliberate intentions, we are drawn into the same thing.  And it will happen to you also.  The pressure of destiny will force you to administer the Whole of America from Mexico to the Horn.”

Headingly whistled.

“Our Jingoes would be pleased to hear you, Colonel Cochrane,” said he.  “They’d vote you into our Senate and make you one of the Committee on Foreign Relations.”