It is more intricate now, but
very much more interesting as an intellectual problem.
PRIME MINISTER
[_Indicating his glass._
Another, good man.
MINISTER OF WAR
You're smelling blood when you drink like that.
PRIME MINISTER
[_Turning to the_ CHIEF OF STAFF.
Here! You old death's head! You are prepared, you say?
CHIEF OF STAFF
[_Calmly._
I have been making my plans for twenty years. The present plans have
been complete, except for slight revisions, for three years.
PRIME MINISTER
The army and navy are fully equipped?
MINISTER OF WAR
Down to the last shoe-string.
PRIME MINISTER
[_To_ CHIEF OF STAFF.
Would you say it would be better to wait a week or a month or even a
year--or to strike at once?
CHIEF OF STAFF
[_Firmly and quietly._
Strike at once.
MINISTER OF WAR
You dreamers, you theorists! How about the King's negotiations?
PRIME MINISTER
[_Rising, with the message in his hand._
Gentlemen, I have seen fit to abbreviate the King's message. I have not
altered a word nor added a word. I have merely omitted all that did not
seem to me pertinent or useful.
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