Peddler of Wars©

IN THE SUDAN, at Omdurman, a vast horde of Sudanese are charging in savage excitement, waving their spears wildly and letting out terrifying shrieks. They are colorfully painted for war. At an observation post, a number of officers wearing the uniforms of foreign nations are standing with a group of newspaper reporters and military and government British personalities. Basil Zaharoff is among them. All of them are using field glasses, focusing on the action ahead.

    In battle formation, a British Army brigade is lined up and patiently holding its fire. Sudanese are racing toward the brigade. Suddenly, the sounds of machine gun fire plus bullets are striking the ground, and then, like a scythe cutting across a grain field, the entire attacking force is mowed down. The second wave approaching suddenly stops in bewilderment. As the machine gun fire opens on them, many of them are mowed down. The rest turn and flee in terror. The remnant of the attacking force is disappearing into the jungle growth.

    At an observation post Basil is beaming. He turns toward the officers and journalists. (Richard Harding Davis is one of them.) Also present is a young British journalist, Winston Churchill.

    Basil, to the group, "Well, gentlemen, there you have the proof of the Vickers claims. Battles will be won with those weapons. You have witnessed the changing face of war!"

    Churchill, "This very well could lead to the extermination of war as a means to an end in international disputes, Mr. Zaharoff. "

    Basil glances at him sharply, "Yes? What newspapers do you represent, Mr..., er, Mr..."

    Churchill, "Churchill. Winston Churchill. I'm not affiliated with any single press. My services are available to newspapers everywhere." He smiles. "I'm very popular with the Madrid newspapers right now."

    Basil, "I don't understand the point of your remark, Mr. Churchill."

    Churchill, "A series of reports on the Spanish colonies, Cuba particularly, and the Philippines."

    Basil, pondering, "I see."

    Davis to Churchill, "He really doesn't yet. But now that you've tipped him off, he'll look into it, Winston!"

    Basil smiles, "And you'll be there, standing alongside me, eh, Mr. Davis?"

    Davis, "I will try in every way to be there, Mr. Zaharoff!"