The Begum's Millions

12. The Council

 While talking, Dr. Sarrasin had pulled off the wrapper from the paper and cast a glance mechanically on the lead article. To his stupefaction, he read the following few lines, to himself at first, and then aloud, to the surprise and deepest indignation of his friends: “New York, September th. A violent attack against the rights of man will shortly be carried out. We have learned from a reliable source that formidable instruments of war are being manufactured in Stahlstadt with the aim of attacking and destroying France-Ville, the city of French origin. We do not know whether the United States will be able or should intervene in this struggle,2 which will renew tensions between the Latin and Saxon races; but we denounce this odious abuse of power. May France-Ville not waste an instant in preparing its defenses . . . etc.” The Council The King of Steel’s hatred for Dr. Sarrasin’s work was no secret. Everyone knew that he had come to set up his own city against theirs. But no one believed that he would go so far as to attack this peaceful city and to attempt to destroy it in one fatal blow. Yet, the article in the New York Herald was quite clear. The correspondents of this powerful paper had somehow uncovered the plans of Herr Schultze, and—as they said—there was not a moment to lose! The worthy doctor remained a moment in confusion. Like all honest souls, he refused as long as possible to believe in such evil. It seemed impossible to him that one could push perversity to the point of wishing to destroy, for no reason and out of pure malice, a city which was in many ways the common property of mankind. “Just think that our death rate this year will be under one and a quarter percent!” he exclaimed naively, “that we do not have anyone over ten years of age who does not know how to read, that nei12  ther murder nor theft has been committed here since the foundation of France-Ville! And to think that barbarians1 would come destroy such a successful experiment in its early stages! No! I cannot believe that a chemist, that a scientist, were he German a hundred times over, could be capable of such a thing!” It was necessary, however, to trust in the evidence of a paper that was thoroughly devoted to the doctor’s work and take counsel without delay. The first moment of despondency now past, Dr. Sarrasin collected himself and addressed his friends: “Gentlemen,” he said to them, “you are members of the Civic Council, and it is your responsibility as well as mine to take all necessary measures for the safety of the city. What is our first move to be?” “Is there any possibility of conciliation?” asked Mr. Lentz. “Can we honorably avoid this war?” “That’s impossible,” replied Octave. “It is obvious that Herr Schultze wants it, come what may. His hatred will accept no compromise !” “So be it!” exclaimed the doctor. “We must come to an agreement in order to be in a position to answer him. Do you believe, Colonel, that there is a way to defend ourselves against the cannons of Stahlstadt?” “Any human force can be effectively countered by another human force,” replied Colonel Hendon, “but it is not our duty to think up a defense with the same arms that Herr Schultze will use to attack us. The construction of war machines capable of resisting his would require much time, and I do not believe that we could manufacture them, since we do not have such workshops. We have but one chance of safety: keep the enemy from arriving at our doors and making a blockade impossible.” “I am going to call a Council meeting immediately,” said Dr. Sarrasin. He preceded his guests into his office. It was a modestly furnished room, three sides of which were covered by shelves of books, while the fourth, under some pictures and “Do you believe, Colonel, that there is a way to defend ourselves?”  art objects, contained a row of numbered telephone mouthpieces, like so many ear-trumpets. “Thanks to the telephone,” he said, “we can hold council in France-Ville and remain each in his own home.” The doctor touched an alarm bell which immediately communicated his call to the home of all the Council members. In...