"That is not the point," was the reply.
"But I have made all arrangements," protested Robard. "Everything is ready. The chief of the Italian general staff is in Venice at this moment, and at noon will inspect the large stores of ammunition at the northern outskirts of the city. A word from you and ammunition, chief of staff and all will be destroyed."
"I will give no such word," was the angry response. "Besides," and the ambassador considered a moment, "why do you wish a word from me in this matter? It could have been done without my consent."
"Well, sir, I—we—I," stammered Robard, evidently at a loss for a convincing reply.
There came the sound of a blow, as though a hand had struck a table and the ambassador's voice rose angrily.
"Robard," he said sternly, "I can see through your plot. You would have me stand sponsor for this crime, that you might disqualify me upon my return to Vienna."
"I assure you, sir—" began Robard.
"Enough," replied the ambassador. "I have not forgotten that you were ever my enemy—at least until this war brought us closer together and put an end to all our disputes—at least, so I believed. Now I know better."
"Sir—" Robard began again.
"I have told you I would have no hand in it," declared the ambassador.
"What is more, I forbid it! Do you understand, I forbid it!"