Two of the leading diplomats of Europe, sitting across a dinner table in a locked room, both shot to death. That was the spark that kindled the war flames in the summer of 1936. The two had met in the Teuton capital to discuss a secret matter of vital importance. No one, not even the occupants of the press room next door, had heard the shots fired, yet there the two men were, riddled with bullets. Teutonic police, after a quick investigation, announced that the Esperenchman had started the duel. Excited Teutons began shouting, "Down with Esperance!" Mobilization began.Of those reporters whose room was so close to the mystery chamber, there were some who did not believe they had killed each other. John Keats, the American, was one. At the height of the excitement, two attempts were made on the life of Keats, and another was murdered. The surviving reporters, seeing that war was inevitable, took the first train for the Esperench capital. But war was inevitable: can Keats put a stop to it?