“Immorality brings its punishment, be sure of that. Some day we shall have enough of China. As to the Rock, I know the argument; I may be wrong. I’ve had the habit of regarding it as necessary to our naval supremacy.”

“Come! there we agree.”

“I’m not so certain.”

“The counter-argument, I call treason.”

“Well,” said Beauchamp, “there’s a broad policy, and a narrow. There’s the Spanish view of the matter—if you are for peace and harmony and disarmament.”

“I’m not.”

“Then strengthen your forces.”

“Not a bit of it!”

“Then bully the feeble and truckle to the strong; consent to be hated till you have to stand your ground.”

“Talk!”