"I have shared that ambition," replied the colonel, "and there's nothing in the world that could have kept us from doing it, if the Germans hadn't signed the armistice just when they did. But, for that matter, we may have to do it yet." "Do you think so?" asked Frank with quickened interest. "I shouldn't be surprised," was the reply. "Things are in a terrible condition there. The Soldiers' and Workmen's Councils are trying to take possession of the Government. There were street riots every day that I was there. The police station was captured by the rioters and scores of detectives and policemen were murdered by the mob. The buildings are riddled with bullets and cannon balls. Berlin is getting some of the punishment that is due for her guilt in starting the war." "I suppose that fellow Liebknecht is at the head of all this," remarked Frank. "He was, but he isn't any longer," replied Colonel Pavet. "What do you mean?" asked Frank. "Has he been arrested?" "He's been killed," was the answer. "How did that happen?" "He was shot while attempting to escape from the officers who were taking him to prison," said the colonel. "At least, that was the explanation given. More than likely that was only a pretext. But he is dead anyway, and so is that she-tigress, Rosa Luxemburg, who was his partner in stirring up the mobs. They sowed the wind of riot and massacre and now they have reaped the whirlwind." "Well, now that they are killed I suppose things will quiet down somewhat," remarked Frank. The colonel shook his head. "I don't know," he said dubiously. "The mobs will probably try to obtain revenge for the killing of their leaders. Things look very black, not only in Berlin but in every part of the country. Business is paralyzed, millions are on strike, the food situation is bad, and the whole nation is mad with the bitterness of defeat." "How about their signing the treaty?" asked Frank. "Do you think they will do it?" "They say they won't," replied the colonel. "They are calling it all kinds of names, 'the graveside of right', 'the Peace of violence', 'the shackles of slaves' and all that kind of rot. They swear they will never sign it. But then you have to take that talk for what it is worth. The Germans are the greatest bluffers and the quickest quitters in the world. There is what you Americans call the 'yellow streak' all through the nation. They said they wouldn't sign the armistice, but they signed it. They said they'd never let us enter their territory, but we're here. Now they're saying they'll never sign the Peace Treaty, but they'll probably do it when it comes to the pinch. Outside they're tigers, but inside they're sheep." "Well," said Frank, "I almost wish they wouldn't. I'd rather have the treaty signed at Berlin than at Versailles." "Eager for more fighting with the Huns?" asked the colonel, with an amused smile. "Not that exactly," returned Frank. "But when I start a job I like to finish it and finish it right."