Free Stars & Stripes Forever by Harry Harrison

them again very soon. They will soon see the folly of their ways when they read this ultimatum. Surrender or war will have a very salutary effect upon them. Though I must say that our demands were met with a very cool reception."
    The fire crackled; the only other sound the scratch of the pen on paper. Lyons warmed his hands, aware of a sudden chill. Would there be war? Would it come to that in the end?
    It was an exhilarating albeit a most depressing thought. War against aborigines was one thing. Against an armed and dangerous foe was another. But this was a country divided and the Union was already battling for its life. While Britain, at peace with the rest of the world, could draw upon the mighty strength of her Empire if it came to battle. The richest Empire the world had ever seen. America had managed to slip from the British grasp—but that could be rectified. There was a continent brimming with wealth here that would only add greater luster to the Empire.
    Perhaps a war would not be such a bad idea after all.

ON THE BRINK
    Dr. Jenner closed the door to Prince Albert's bedroom as quietly as he could, turning the handle as he shut it so there would not be the slightest click of metal on metal. Queen Victoria watched him, eyes wide with fright and apprehension; the flame on the candlestick in her trembling hand wavered and smoked.
    "Tell me..." she said, almost breathlessly.
    "Sleeping," the doctor said. "A very good sign."
    "It is, of course!" Victoria felt the slightest lift of spirits. "It has been, I don't know how long, days, nights since he has slept a little, or not at all."
    "Nor you either, for that matter."
    She dismissed this with a disdainful wave of her small and chubby hand. "I am not ill, he is the one whom you and Sir James must be concerned about. I have been sleeping on that makeshift bed in his dressing room. But he walks about, does not lie down—and he is so thin. Some nights I do not believe he sleeps at all. Nor does he eat! It tears at my heart to see him like this."
    "His gastric fever must run its course so we must be patient. You can be of immense help by doing what no one else can do. You must see that he eats something every day. Even if only gruel, his body must need all the help to fight this disease." Jenner took the candle from her trembling hand and placed it on the table next to the couch. "You had best sit, ma'am."
    Victoria sat as bid, spreading her skirts wide. Trying to fold her hands steady on her lap, but kneading them ceaselessly instead.
    "I saw Lord Palmerston today," Jenner said. "He was most concerned about the Prince's health and had what I consider to be a most worthwhile suggestion. I am of course most qualified, but I see no reason that other physicians might—"
    "He has talked to me too. You need not go on."
    "But his suggestion may be a wise one. I would certainly not take umbrage if another physician, or even more, were consulted."
    "No. I do not like Palmerston's interference. You are my dear husband's doctor and so you shall remain. This hasty feverish sort of influenza and deranged stomach will soon pass as it has done so before. At least he is resting now, sleeping."
    "The best medicine in the world for him in his condition..."
    As if to deny his words the candle flame guttered as the door to the bedroom opened. Albert stood there in his dressing gown, clutching the fabric to his chest, his pale skin stretched taut across his cheekbones.
    "I awoke—" he said weakly, then coughed, a racking cough that shook his frail body.
    Jenner sprang to his feet. "You must return to your bed—this is most imperative. The chill of the night alone!"
    "Why?" Albert asked in tones of deepest despair. "I know how ill I am. I know this fever, an old enemy—and knowing it I know that I shall not ever recover."
    "Never!" Victoria cried. "Come dearest, come to bed. I shall read to you until you fall asleep."
    Albert was too weak to protest, merely shaking his head with Teutonic