_Int. For. (interrupting)._ Yes, thanks, I have seen everything, and had
everything explained to me. I do not believe that there is a single
official secret that has not been revealed to me in the kindest manner
possible.

_Com. Gen. (heartily)._ Come, that is as it should be! We like to tell the
whole world what we can do.

_In. For. (drily)._ Exactly, and teach your neighbours how to do it?

_Com. Gen. (gazing at his neglected work)._ But if you know everything, why
do you come to me?

_In. For._ Well, I thought if I got it first hand from the Commander of the
Future, it would strengthen the opinion I have already formed of the
unpreparedness of the British Empire. For I take it that the British Empire
_is_ unprepared?

_Com. Gen. (amused)._ Why, certainly! I thought everybody knew that! If war
were declared now, according to all the rules of the game, we ought to be
absolutely ruined.

_In. For._ Dear me! I am sorry to hear it! But surely your Fleet is fairly
strong?

_Com. Gen. (laughing)._ What a joke! Oh, I dare say, ship for ship and gun
for gun, we are more powerful than any other nation. But if hostilities
broke out, our Fleet would be valueless. We should want every vessel to
guard our island shores, and our commerce and colonies would have to shift
for themselves.