"So they are," agreed Marshal Foch, "but under the circumstances I can do no better."
"But surely, sir," said General Herwigs, "you realize that they are more harsh than have ever before been imposed upon an enemy by a civilized nation?"
"Perfectly," said Marshal Foch. "At the same time, sir, never has a civilized nation wrought such ruin on the world at large as has Germany in the last four years. He who plays, must pay the fiddler, you know, sir."
"Is there no hope, sir," asked General Herwigs, "that the terms may be modified?"
"None," said Marshal Foch briefly.
For the space of perhaps five minutes General Herwigs was silent. Then he said:
"You will grant me a few moments' private conversation with my associates, sir?"
"As many as you choose," replied Marshal Foch.
The German delegates retired to the far end of the car, where they conversed in low voices for perhaps ten minutes. Then they returned to their seats.
"Since you insist upon these terms," said General Herwigs, "I want to record formal protest against their severity."