That she had reversed this
decision, on the unsolicited counsel of an extremely queer
stranger, was a phenomenon the peculiarity of which did not strike
her at the time. All that she felt was a settled confidence in the
beetle man's sound reason for his advice.
"Very good," said Mr. Brewster. "If I can get through a message to
the State Department, they'll bring pressure to bear on the Dutch,
and we can take the yacht through the blockade. It's only a
question of finding a way to lay the matter before the Dutch
authorities, anyway. I've been making inquiries here, and I find
there's no intention of bottling up neutral pleasure craft. I dare
say we could get out now. Only it's possible that the Hollanders
might shoot first and ask questions afterward."
"It would have to be done quickly, dad. They may quarantine at any
time."
"Dr. Pruyn ought to be here any day now. Let's leave that matter
for him. There's a man I have confidence in."
"Mr. Perkins says that Dr. Pruyn will bottle up the port tighter
than the Dutch."
"Let him, so long as we get out first. Now, Polly, you tell this
man Perkins that I'll pay all expenses and give him a round
hundred for himself if he'll bring me a receipt showing that my
cablegram has been dispatched to Washington.
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