career so ruthlessly shattered—then he shook himself together and glanced across at his companion with a wry little smile.

“You will think me a great croaker!” he said. “It was the first shock—the thought of everything [Pg 12]going to pieces. In a day or two, I shall be marching as light-heartedly as all the others—knowing only that I am fighting the enemies of my country—and wishing to know no more!”

[Pg 12]

But Stewart did not answer the smile. Confused thoughts were flying through his head—thoughts which he struggled to compose into some order or sequence.

Bloem looked at him for a moment, and his smile grew more ironic.

“I can guess what is in your mind,” he said. “You are wondering why we march at all—why we offer ourselves as cannon-fodder, if we do not wish to do so. You are thinking of defiances, of revolutions. But there will never be a revolution in Germany—not in this generation.”

“Yes, I was thinking something like that,” Stewart agreed. “Why will there be no revolution?”

“Because we are too thoroughly drilled in the habit of obedience. That habit is grooved deep into our brains. Were any of us so rash as to start a revolution, the government could stop it with a single word.”

“A single word?”

“Yes—‘verboten’!” retorted Bloem, with a [Pg 13]short laugh. Then he pushed back his chair and rose abruptly. “I must say good-by. My orders are awaiting me at Elberfeld.”

[Pg 13]

Stewart rose too, his face still mazed with incredulity.

“You really mean——”

“I mean,” Bloem broke in, “that to-morrow I go to my depot, hang about my neck the metal tag stamped with my number, put on my uniform and shoulder my rifle. I cease to be an individual—I become a soldier. Good-by, my friend,” he added, his voice softening. “Think of me sometimes, in that far-off, sublime America of yours. One thing more—do not linger in Germany—things will be very different here under martial law. Get home as quickly as you can; and, in the midst of your peace and happiness, pity us poor blind worms who are forced to slay each other!”

“But I will go with you 

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