“Leaving how many in their present position, as a screen?”
“Very few, sire. Hardly more than 50,000 men.”
The Kaiser growled something, unintelligible to Hal, into his mustache. Then he spoke aloud:
“If the British were aware of that,” he said, “by a quick advance they would place us at a tremendous disadvantage.”
“So they would, sire,” agreed General Von Kluck. “But it must be seen that they do not anticipate our plan.”
“In that event,” came the Emperor’s reply, “it will be necessary for that part of your force which is left to make a show of strength at the same moment the mass of your command is withdrawn.”
“Exactly what I had figured upon, sire.”
“Good; but you say it is impossible for you to be ready until the day after to-morrow. In that event, we must hold the English in their present positions at all costs. A premature advance on their part, while we would undoubtedly repulse it, would mean the ruination of our coup. See to it, gentlemen, that there is no leak.”
“There shall be none, sire,” came a chorus of officers.
“Very well. But I had had my mind set on being in Paris long ere this. Had it not been for the interference of these English—and these starving Belgians, I would be there now,” and the Kaiser’s voice grew harsh. “They must be crushed,” and he struck the table a heavy blow with his clenched fist.