"Much too long-winded and laborious. I will talk to the Director-General about that, Bertha."
And, turning to the supervisor, he demanded curtly: "The composition of the mixture?"
The man bowed to the ground to hide his confusion, and once more Bertha jumped into the breach.
"He doesn't know—nor do I. Secret formula of Grandfather Frederick. Don't press him, Uncle Majesty, for even to speculate on these technicalities means dismissal and disgrace for an employé." Though she spoke in a pleading tone of voice, the War Lord continued to frown.
"Perhaps he is allowed to explain why no shorter process is used."
The supervisor fairly beamed with readiness and satisfaction. "May it please Your Majesty, our way—I beg Fraulein's pardon, the Krupp way—is the only absolutely sure method to forestall bubbles and flaws."
"And a flaw, is it a serious matter?" asked the War Lord, very much alert.
"Indeed, Your Majesty, for it may cause the shattering of a shaft, the breakdown of machinery, the bursting of cannon."
"And all cannon turned out by the works have the benefit of this process?"
"All without exception, Your Majesty."