“Precisely. I rely on you to prevent that contingency arising.”
“That is a much easier matter, I confess.”
“Then you undertake to keep the war from extending to us?”
“I undertake to keep a second Power from attacking Japan,” I answered cautiously.
Lord Bedale was quick to perceive my reservation.
“But in that case we cannot be involved, surely?” he objected.
“I cannot undertake to keep you from attacking Russia,” I explained grimly.
“But we should not dream of attacking her—without provocation,” he returned, bewildered.
“I fancy you will have a good deal of provocation,” I retorted.