, because she knew I could not err, and her game was to belittle the bust. How barbaric! how devilish!

   but how characteristic! And why did she belittle it?" he continued.

   "'Why, indeed, go to that trouble?' I said.

   "'Because'—his words were slow and impressive—'

    because she wanted it

   ! She wanted it, hungered for it, thirsted for it. She had let it go and she could not forgive herself. How much she wanted it no one will ever know!' He paused.

   "'What then did she do?' he resumed. 'Finding that her bitter attack on the bust was useless, and served only to make us prize it the more, she began to plot to steal it. I could not tell you the number of attempts that have been made to get possession of this world-wonder. No one could tell you. Day after day Englishmen, disguised even as German gentlemen, thronged the museum, all asking the way to the bust. We were continually on our guard. Attendants patrolled the room day and night. Our efforts were successful.'

   "He paused again and looked at me in triumph.

   "'Yes,' he resumed, 'the bust remained where it was. England, in despair, then decided that a supreme effort must be made, and began to arm and mobilize. The art faction got hold of Sir

    Edward Grey

   —nobbled him, as you say. It was upon learning of this treacherous preparation and its dastardly motive, that our sublime

    Kaiser

   took the action he did. I say it with conviction, there would have been no war but for England's mad desire to possess again the

    Leonardo

   wax bust.'

   "'But what about the violation of Belgium?' I asked.

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