(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.