human
So you are still at it,
gpt
What do you mean?
human
Modest as usual, said the colonel.
gpt
I've been hearing all about the little war you've been carrying on on your own account. It was a gallant piece of work, and I congratulate you.
human
Oh, that was nothing, replied Frank.
gpt
It was a job that came our way and we had to do it. But how comes it that I see you in this out of the way place?
human
I have been to Berlin on a military commission for the Allies, replied the colonel,
gpt
So you got to Berlin, did you? asked Frank with interest.
human
It's the place I've been wanting to get to ever since I've been in the war. But I wanted to go in with a conquering army with bugles blowing and drums beating and flags flying and plant the flags of the Allies on the Kaiser's palace.
gpt
I have shared that ambition, replied the colonel,
human
Do you think so?
gpt
I shouldn't be surprised, was the reply.
human
Things are in a terrible condition there. The Soldiers' and Workmen's Councils are trying to take possession of the Government. There were street riots every day that I was there. The police station was captured by the rioters and scores of detectives and policemen were murdered by the mob. The buildings are riddled with bullets and cannon balls. Berlin is getting some of the punishment that is due for her guilt in starting the war.
gpt
I suppose that fellow Liebknecht is at the head of all this,
human
He was, but he isn't any longer,
gpt
What do you mean? asked Frank.
human
Has he been arrested?
gpt
He's been killed,
human
How did that happen?
gpt
He was shot while attempting to escape from the officers who were taking him to prison, said the colonel.
human
At least, that was the explanation given. More than likely that was only a pretext. But he is dead anyway, and so is that she-tigress, Rosa Luxemburg, who was his partner in stirring up the mobs. They sowed the wind of riot and massacre and now they have reaped the whirlwind.
gpt
Well, now that they are killed I suppose things will quiet down somewhat,
human
I don't know, he said dubiously.
gpt
The mobs will probably try to obtain revenge for the killing of their leaders. Things look very black, not only in Berlin but in every part of the country. Business is paralyzed, millions are on strike, the food situation is bad, and the whole nation is mad with the bitterness of defeat.
human
How about their signing the treaty? asked Frank.
gpt
Do you think they will do it?
human
They say they won't, replied the colonel.
gpt
They are calling it all kinds of names, 'the graveside of right', 'the Peace of violence', 'the shackles of slaves' and all that kind of rot. They swear they will never sign it. But then you have to take that talk for what it is worth. The Germans are the greatest bluffers and the quickest quitters in the world. There is what you Americans call the 'yellow streak' all through the nation. They said they wouldn't sign the armistice, but they signed it. They said they'd never let us enter their territory, but we're here. Now they're saying they'll never sign the Peace Treaty, but they'll probably do it when it comes to the pinch. Outside they're tigers, but inside they're sheep.
human
Well, said Frank,
gpt
I almost wish they wouldn't. I'd rather have the treaty signed at Berlin than at Versailles.
human
Eager for more fighting with the Huns?
gpt
Not that exactly, returned Frank.
human
But when I start a job I like to finish it and finish it right.
gpt
Well, said the colonel,
human
A man with a red beard, did you say?
gpt
Why, yes, answered the colonel, a little amused by his earnestness.
human
Not that there's anything extraordinary about that, I should suppose. There are probably thousands of men with red beards in Berlin. Why do you ask?
gpt
Because, said Frank,
human
I shouldn't wonder if you were right, said the colonel.
gpt
What is the man's name?
human
Spatler, I think, replied Frank.
gpt
Heinrich Spatler. At any rate that's the name he gave to the lieutenant.
human
Spatler, repeated the colonel, wrinkling his brows.
gpt
It seems to me that I saw that name on one of the banners carried by the rioters at the meeting. It may be that you are right. If he's the same man, he's a fanatic of the most dangerous kind and will stop at nothing. I hope that now your people have him under lock and key you'll keep him there. But I must go now, as I want to reach Mayence to-night if possible. I'm very glad to have had this few minutes' chat with you. By the way, when have you heard from Madame Sheldon? I hope that she is well.
human
I had a letter from her a week ago, replied Frank.
gpt
She is in excellent health and full of gratitude to you for your efforts in recovering her property. As soon as I am released from the Army of Occupation she plans to meet me in Paris and go with me to Auvergne. There she will have a chance to meet you and express her thanks in person.
human
I shall be charmed, replied the colonel.
gpt
I should like nothing better than to have her settle in France permanently as a resident of our beautiful Auvergne, but I suppose that is too much to hope for. You have America in your blood.
human
Yes, laughed Frank.
gpt
France is beautiful and great, but America is to me above all.
human
I should think less of you if it were not so, answered Colonel Pavet.