(A POSSIBLE SCENE OF THE FUTURE.)
PLAN OF ACTION.--_Somewhere conveniently situated for
all parties. The King, the Kaiser, and the Emperor,
discovered discussing the Treaty that has now been in force
for some years._
_Kaiser_ (_with assumed cheerfulness_). Well, my dear Brothers, it is
really time you should do something. It is not on my own account that
I am anxious, but on yours--purely on yours.
_King_ (_dryly_). Certainly!
_Emperor_ (_with a smile_). No doubt! Pray proceed.
_Kaiser_ (_addressing Italy_). Well, my dear friend, as I am afraid
we are on the eve of a contest with France, I must beg of you to place
three Army Corps upon your Alpine frontiers.
_King_ (_with assumed surprise_). Why should I do this? It will be
most inconvenient!
_Kaiser_. Why, to carry out the provisions of the Treaty.
_Emperor_ (_interposing_). Your pardon, that stipulation was
suppressed at King HUMBERT's request.
_Kaiser_ (_annoyed_). Oh, was it! Then, my friend, perhaps you will
be so good (as my relations with the CZAR are strained almost to
breaking), as to station troops on the Russian frontier beyond Cracow.
_Emperor_ (_with improvised astonishment_). Why should I do this? It
will be most inconvenient.
_Kaiser_. Why, to carry out the provisions of the Treaty.
_King_ (_interposing_). Your pardon; that stipulation was suppressed
at the request of the Emperor of AUSTRIA.
_Kaiser_. Oh, was it? (_Losing his temper._) Then I consider the whole
affair as gross a swindle as--
_Emperor_ (_interrupting_). Nay, Sire, remember your birth and
position! It is a passing annoyance, but it should not move you.
Remember, you are a Hohenzollern! Let me offer you a cigarette.
_Kaiser_ (_calming down_). Well, perhaps I had better be quiet. It is
more dignified.
_King_ (_helping himself to the Emperor's cigarette-case_). Let me
join you.
_Kaiser_. But I say, what use is the Treaty to either of us?
_Emperor_ (_with a smile_). Properly treated, it is of service to us
all. (_Lights it, and offers it to his two partners_). It will serve
as a spill for our cigarettes! [_Scene closes in upon the Treaty
ending in smoke._
* * * * *