But in the suggestion that the facts should be published, Bismarck saw the opportunity he had wished.

He went into the next room and drafted a statement; he kept to the very words of the original telegram, but he left out much, and arranged it so that it should convey to the reader the impression, not of what had really occurred, but of what he would have wished should happen.

With this he returned, and as he read it to them, Roon and Moltke brightened; here at last was an answer to the French insults; before, it sounded like a "Chamade" (a retreat), now it is a "Fanfare," said Moltke.

"That is better," said Roon.

Bismarck asked a few questions about the army.