“Without admitting the truth of a single word you have said, my dear Prince,” the Prime Minister remarked, “there is another aspect of the whole subject which I think that you should consider.  If you find us in so parlous a state, it is surely scarcely dignified or gracious, on the part of a great nation like yours, to leave us so abruptly to our fate.  Supposing it were true that we were suffering a little from a period of too lengthened prosperity, from an attack of over-confidence.  Still think of the part we have played in the past.  We kept the world at bay while you fought with Russia.”

“That,” the Prince replied, “was one of the conditions of a treaty which has expired.  If by that treaty our country profited more than yours, that is still no reason why we should renew it under altered conditions.  Gratitude is an admirable sentiment, but it has nothing to do with the making of treaties.”

“We are, nevertheless,” Bransome declared, “justified in pointing out to you some of the advantages which you have gained from your alliance with us.  You realize, I suppose, that save for our intervention the United States would have declared war against you four months ago?”

“Your good offices were duly acknowledged by my Government,” the Prince admitted.  “Yet what you did was in itself of no consequence.  It is as sure as north is north and south is south that you and America would never quarrel for the sake of Japan.  That is another reason, if another reason is needed, why a treaty between us would be valueless.  You and I—­the whole world knows that before a cycle of years have passed Japan and America must fight.  When that time comes, it will not be you who will help us.”

“An alliance duly concluded between this country—­”

The Prince held out both his hands.

“Listen,” he said.  “A fortnight ago a certain person in America wrote and asked you in plain terms what your position would be if war between Japan and America were declared.  What was your reply?”

Bransome was on the point of exclaiming, but the Prime Minister intervened.

“You appear to be a perfect Secret Service to yourself, Prince,” he said smoothly.  “Perhaps you can also tell us our reply?”

“I can tell you this much,” the Prince answered.  “You did not send word back to Washington that your alliance was a sacred charge upon your honor and that its terms must be fulfilled to the uttermost letter.  Your reply, I fancy, was more in the nature of a compromise.”

“How do you know what our reply was?” Mr. Haviland asked.

“To tell you the truth, I do not,” the Prince answered, smiling.  “I have simply told you what I am assured that your answer must have been.  Let us leave this matter.  We gain nothing by discussing it.”