‘Because they look upon the struggle as one between Spaniard and Cuban,’ Kehler rejoined quickly. ‘But let us suppose there to be a war, in which the United States was engaged against Spain?’ ‘You have just said there will be no such war.’ ‘A war is always possible, provided those interested in bringing it about are not too scrupulous.’ This sinister language at length convinced me that the Bavarian had not come to see me for nothing. I decided to draw him out. ‘Provided such a war actually commenced, I agree that some combination on behalf of Spain might be possible,’ I murmured, as though reviewing the situation in my mind. ‘But where is the Government sufficiently in earnest to undertake so terrible a responsibility?’ ‘It is that Government,’ Kehler responded, ‘which sees its subjects departing in greater numbers every year, but which looks around in vain for some unoccupied region towards which to direct the stream of emigration.’ ‘You mean Germany?’ ‘We look around us,’ he continued, scarcely noticing my interruption, ‘and we see all the continents staked out in advance by other Powers: Asia by England and Russia, Africa by England and France, North America by England and the United States, Australia by England alone. There remains only South America, in the possession of weak Latin races, unable to make use of their advantages, but who are protected in their decay by the bullies of Washington.’ ‘A war in which the United States found itself fully occupied would be a fine opportunity for the German Michael to plant his standard in Brazil or the Argentine, I understand.’ Kehler looked at me earnestly. ‘The man who undertook the task of making such a war inevitable, without compromising exalted personages, would be no loser,’ he remarked significantly. I looked back at the Bavarian before demanding-- ‘Have you any definite scheme to put before me?’ ‘Until I know that you accept,’ he demurred. ‘I do not know that you are accredited,’ I reminded him. ‘What authority do you require?’ ‘The Imperial autograph simply.’ ‘Impossible.’ ‘I am accustomed to be trusted by my employers,’ I returned decidedly. ‘I cannot act under any other conditions.’ ‘That is final?’ ‘It is final.’ ‘Then I am afraid I can only ask you to forget that I have occupied so much of your time.’ I allowed Kehler to rise and take his departure without making the least sign. The moment he was out of hearing I sprang to the telephone and rang up the agent of the Sugar Trust. Herr Kehler’s refusal to produce the guarantee for which I asked convinced me that he contemplated some action of a character doubtful, to say the least, if not criminal.