“I have been sent there to tell them to wait. That is our gravest danger now. If we pull together we shall win. If our emotions run away with our judgment--” “The throne will defeat your forces piecemeal and destroy your morale.” “Exactly. My one fear is that I may not reach Wu Chang in time. But”--with a careless gesture--“that is as it may be. I will tell you now why I spoke to you. We need you. Our organization is incomplete as yet, naturally. One matter of the greatest importance is that our spirit be understood from the first by foreign countries. There is an enormous task--diplomatic publicity, you might call it--which you, Mr. Doane, are peculiarly fitted to undertake You know both China and the West. You are a philosopher of mature judgment. You would work in association with Doctor Wu Ting Fang at our Shanghai offices. There will be money. Will you consider this?” “It is a wholly new thought,” Doane replied slowly. “I should have to give it very serious consideration.” “But you are in sympathy with our aims?” “In a general way, certainly. Even though I may not share your optimism.” “On your return to Shanghai would you be willing to call at once on Doctor Wu and discuss the matter?” “Yes.... Yes, I will do that. I must leave you now. We are nearly at Kiu Kiang.” Sun, glancing out the window, raised his hand. Doane looked; two small German cruisers, the kaiser's flag at the taff, were steaming up-stream. “They know,” murmured Sun, with meaning. “I wish to God I could find their means of information. They _all_ know. From the Japanese in particular nothing seems to be hidden. Two or three of your American war-ships are already up there. And the English, naturally, in force.” “They must be on hand to protect the foreign colony at Hankow. The Szechuen trouble would justify such a move.” But Sun shook his head. “They _know_,” he repeated. Then he clasped Doane's hand. “However.... that is a detail. It is now war. You will find events marching fast--faster, I fear, than we republicans wish. Good-by now. You will call on Doctor Wu.”