(The GENERAL produces a map, over which they pore together.)
POTENTATE. Excellent, excellent! A most valuable capture. Our losses were ...?
GENERAL. Slight, Sire.
POTENTATE. Better and better. I cannot afford to lose my good Prussians, my heroic, my invincible Prussians. To what do you attribute the success?
GENERAL. The success was due in a large measure to the perfection of the apparatus suggested a week ago by your Majesty's scientific adviser.
POTENTATE (blanching a little). Ah, then it was not a charge, eh?
GENERAL. The charge followed, Sire; but the work was already done. The defenders of the trench were already dead or dying before our heroes reached it.
POTENTATE (sinking back in his chair with his finger to his lips, and a slight frown). Thank you, General, your news is of the best. I will detain you no longer. (The GENERAL bows.) Stay! Has a counterattack been launched yet?
GENERAL. Not yet, Sire. No doubt one will be attempted to-night. Our men are prepared.