The conduct of the Prince-Admiral was an obvious proof that the military leaders were not inactive, in spite of the commencement of peace negotiations.  Although he took no part in the diplomatic proceedings and simply occupied himself with military affairs, not only every minute of the day, but a good part of the night, was spent by him in work and discussions with his staff officers, with the chief officers of the land forces, and with the chief commanders of the allied Franco-Russian army.  Everyone was full of admiration for the Prince’s never-failing vigour and indefatigable power of work; his tall, slender, Teutonic form, and fair-bearded face, with the quiet, clear sailor’s eyes, never failed to impress all who came in contact with him.  Only his imperial brother, who held in his hand all the threads of political action, could rival the Prince in the traditional Hohenzollern capacity for work at this important time.

It was close on midnight when, after a long and lively consultation, the French general, Jeannerod, left the Prince’s study.  No sooner had the door closed behind him than the adjutant on duty, with an evident expression of astonishment in the sound of his voice, announced:  “His Excellency the Imperial Chancellor, Frieherr von Grubenhagen.”

The Prince advanced to the middle of the room to meet his visitor and shook him heartily by the hand.

“I thank Your Excellency for granting me an interview with you to-day, although it is so late and you are overwhelmed with work.  I had a special reason for wishing to confer with you, which you will understand when I tell you that all kinds of rumours have reached me as to exaggerated demands on the part of our allies.  My previous attitude will have shown you that I have no intention of interfering in diplomatic negotiations, or even exercising my influence in one direction or another.  I feel that I am here not as a statesman, but simply as a soldier; and for that very reason I think you can speak the more openly to me.  I have been told that the complete annihilation of England is intended as indispensable to the conditions of peace.”

The Chancellor, whose manly, determined face showed no signs of exhaustion, notwithstanding his almost superhuman labours, looked frankly at the Prince and shook his head.

“Your Royal Highness has been incorrectly informed.  Neither we nor our allies have the intention of annihilating England.  Certainly we are all fully agreed that this fearful war must not be waged in vain, and that the reward must correspond with the greatness of the sacrifice at which it has been purchased.”

“And to whom is the reward to fall?”