You have read the demands
which England has dared to lay before my master with reference to the
encounter in the North Sea."
Monsieur Grisson bowed.
"I have studied them with great interest," he admitted.
"I do not need tell you then that they are scouted with indignation by
my master and his advisers," the Prince answered. "Neither shall we
permit for a single moment the detention of our fleet upon its mission."
"That means, then, war with England," Monsieur Grisson remarked quietly.
"Unless they instantly withdraw their insolent demands--undoubtedly,"
the Prince answered.
Monsieur Grisson turned to the German.
"And you, Count," he asked, "how does this concern you?"
"We also," the Count answered, "consider the demands of England
unwarrantable. We believe that there were undoubtedly Japanese torpedo
boats concealed amongst the English fishing fleet, and we consider that
the action of the Admiral in command of the Russian fleet was fully
justified."
"You are prepared, then, to give Russia your moral support?" the
President asked.
"We are prepared to do more," the Count answered boldly. "If England
persists in her demands we are prepared to demonstrate against her.
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