Publisher's Synopsis
This brief series of chapters is not a tale "Of moving accidents by flood and field, Of hair-breadth 'scapes i' the imminent deadly breach." Some dangers I have passed through during the last three years, but nothing to speak of. Nor is it a romance in the style of those thrilling novels of secret diplomacy which I peruse with wonder and delight in hours of relaxation, chiefly because they move about in worlds regarding which I have no experience and little faith. There is nothing secret or mysterious about the American diplomatic service, so far as I have known it. Of course there are times when, like every other honestly and properly conducted affair, it does not seek publicity in the newspapers. That, I should suppose, must always be a fundamental condition of frank and free conversation between governments as between gentlemen. There is a certain kind of reserve which is essential to candor.
