Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/266

246 "It was then or never. I could by his answer know exactly what the President had in mind. I remained silent for a moment, and then pronounced the following four words in a slow, decided manner:

Mr. President, a revolution.'

"The features of the President manifested profound surprise. 'A revolution,' he repeated, mechanically. Then he turned instinctively toward Mr. Loomis, who remained standing, impassive, and he said in a low tone, as if speaking to himself:

A revolution! * * * Would it be possible? * * * But if it became a reality, what would become of the plan we had thought of?' * * * He quickly recovered himself, and asked, 'What makes you think so?

The champion of the canal returned to the game by stating that he had certain special indications which led infallibly to that conclusion, and withdrew.

This was all. Every word. And yet from