"At this moment, in April, 1915, as you are well aware, conferences are in progress between the Allies and the last of the great European powers that has remained neutral. These conferences are going to succeed; and they will succeed because the future of that power demands it and because the whole nation is uplifted with enthusiasm. Among the questions raised is one which forms the object of a certain divergency of opinion. I mean the question of money. This foreign power is asking us for a loan of three hundred million francs in gold, while making it quite clear that a refusal on our part would in no way affect a decision which is already irrevocably taken. Well, I have three hundred millions in gold; I have them at my command; and I desire to place them at the disposal of our new allies. This is my second and, in reality, my only condition." M. Masseron seemed utterly taken aback: "But, my dear sir," he said, "these are matters quite outside our province; they must be examined and decided by others, not by us." "Every one has the right to dispose of his money as he pleases." M. Masseron made a gesture of distress: "Come, sir, think a moment. You yourself said that this power was only putting forward the question as a secondary one." "Yes, but the mere fact that it is being discussed will delay the conclusion of the agreement for a few days." "Well, a few days will make no difference, surely?" "Sir, a few hours _will_ make a difference." "But why?" "For a reason which you do not know and which nobody knows . . . except myself and a few people some fifteen hundred miles away." "What reason?" "The Russians have no munitions left." M. Masseron shrugged his shoulders impatiently. What had all this to do with the matter? "The Russians have no munitions left," repeated Don Luis. "Now there is a tremendous battle being fought over there, a battle which will be decided not many hours hence. The Russian front will be broken and the Russian troops will retreat and retreat . . . Heaven knows when they'll stop retreating! Of course, this assured, this inevitable contingency will have no influence on the wishes of the great power of which we are talking. Nevertheless, that nation has in its midst a very considerable party on the side of neutrality, a party which is held in check, but none the less violent for that. Think what a weapon you will place in its hands by postponing the agreement! Think of the difficulties which you are making for rulers preparing to go to war! It would be an unpardonable mistake, from which I wish to save my country. That is why I have laid down this condition." M. Masseron seemed quite discomforted. Waving his hands and shaking his head, he mumbled: "It's impossible. Such a condition as that will never be accepted. It will take time, it will need discussion. . . ."