Moonchild

indeed be a service. To save time, begin from Von Kluck's occupation of Paris, about four days hence." "Impossible, General! Von Kluck will never capture Paris. Why, the man is actually of plebeian origin!" "After dinner — but only then — such observations are in perfectly good taste. Proceed!" "I am not joking in the least, General. Von Kluck will not be allowed to try to capture Paris." "It is at least curious that he is marching straight upon the city!" "Only to thin out our line, sir. Do you observe that the Germans have driven a salient to St. Mihiel?" "I have. What of it? " "The object, sir, I submit, is to cut off Verdun from the South." "Yes?" "Why Verdun? Because the Crown Prince is at the head of the army which threatens it. Paris will never be taken but by that modern Caesar!" "Something in that, I admit. The little beast is certainly unpopular." "They are bound to make him the national hero, at any cost." "And where do we come in?" [327] "What could be clearer? Their right wing will break through somewhere, or roll us up. Verdun will be isolated. Der Kronprinz (God bless his noble heart!) will walk through, and goose-step all the way to Paris. It is the only chance for the Hohenzollern dynasty." "It is military madness." "They think they have enough in hand to risk it. But see, sir, for God's sake see the conclusion! If I'm right, Von Kluck is bound to swerve East, right across our front — and we'll smash him!" "He couldn't risk such a crazy manoeuvre." "Mark my word, sir, he will." "And what do you suggest that I should do about it? Unofficially, Captain Grey, quite unofficially!" "Get ready to lam it in, sir — quite unofficially." "Well, sir, I congratulate you — on having talked the most amusing nonsense that I've heard since my last talk with General Buller! And now perhaps you had better report to Colonel Mavor as Intelligence Officer." The general's tone was contemptuous. "Facts are required in this army." "Psychological facts are facts, General."