“Why not?”
“With Eleven coming here to tell us when we are to strike?”
“Why not?” Victor repeated. “We are prepared to strike at any hour. What matters whether to-night or a week from to-night—since we cannot fail?”
“If that were only certain!”
“It rests with you.”
“That’s just it,” Sturm doubted moodily. “Suppose I fail?”
“Why, then—I suppose—you will die.”
“I know. And so will all of us, Excellency.”
“Oh, no. Undeceive yourself, my friend. I shall survive. You will surely die, and perhaps many others with you; but I would not be Number One if I had turned my hand to this scheme without discounting failure first of all. My way of escape is sure.”
“I believe you,” Sturm grumbled.