What the Government wants, of course, is to get back its gold, the result of years of taxation, which cannot very easily be re-levied." "And when did this robbery take place ?" asked Jennie.
"On the night of the 17th." "On the night of the 17th," repeated the girl, more to herself than to the voluble old woman; "and it was on the 16th that the Premier made his war speech." "Exactly," said the old lady, who overheard the remark not intended for her ears; "and don't you think there was something striking in the coincidence ?" "I don't quite understand.

What coincidence ?" "Well, you know the speech of the Premier was against England.

It was not a speech made on the spur of the moment, but was doubtless the result of many consultations, perhaps with Russia, perhaps with Germany, or with France--who knows?
We have been growing very friendly with Russia of late; and as England has spies all over the world, doubtless her Government knew before the speech was made that it was coming; so the police appear to think that the whole resources of the British Government were set at the task of crippling Austria at a critical moment." "Surely you don't mean, madame, that the Government of England would descend to burglary, robbery--yes, and murder, even, for the poor soldiers who guarded the treasure were as effectually murdered as if they had been assassinated in the street?
You don't imagine that the British Government would stoop to such deeds as these ?" The old lady shook her head wisely.
"By the time you are my age, my dear, and have seen as much of politics as I have, you will know that Governments stop at nothing to accomplish their ends.

No private association of thieves could have laid such plans as would have done away with two hundred millions of florins in gold, unless they had not only ample resources, but also a master brain to direct them.

Nations hesitate at nothing where their interests are concerned.