_Myself._ I want to see Lord KITCHENER, please.
_Policeman._ Quite impossible, Sir.
_Myself_ (_coldly handing card_). I don't think you realise who I am.
_Policeman_ (_much impressed_). This way, Sir.
[_I ascend the secret staircase, pat the bloodhounds chained outside
the sanctum, and enter._
_Kitchener_ (_sternly_). Good morning; what can I do for you?
_Myself_ (_simply_). I have come to offer my services to the War Office.
_Kitchener._ Have you had any previous military experience?
_Myself._ None at all, Sir.
_Kitchener_ (_warmly_). Excellent. The very man we want. You will bring
an absolutely fresh and unbiassed mind to the problem before us. Sit
down. (_I sit down._) You have a plan for defeating the Germans? Quite
so. Now--er--roughly, what would your idea be?
_Myself_ (_waving arm_). Roughly, Sir, a broad sweeping movement.
_Kitchener_ (_replacing ink-pot and getting to work with the
blotting-paper_). Excellent.
_Myself._ The details I should work out later. I think perhaps I had
better explain them personally to Sir JOHN FRENCH and General
JOFFRE.
_Kitchener._ I agree. You will be attached to Sir JOHN'S
Staff, with the rank of Major. I shall require you to leave for the
Front to-night. Good day, Major.
[_We salute each other, and the scene changes._