My Buried Treasure by Richard Harding Davis
page 47 of 54 (87%)
page 47 of 54 (87%)
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"It's like this, Mr. Marshall," he began quietly. "The President desires my presence in Washington, thinks I can be of some use to him there in helping carry out certain party measures--measures to which he pledged himself before his election. Down here, a British steamship line has laid down local rules which, in my case anyway, are ridiculous. The question is, are you going to be bound by the red tape of a ha'penny British colony, or by your oath to the President of the United States?" The sophistry amused Marshall. He smiled good-naturedly and shook his head. "I'm afraid, Senator," he said, "that way of putting it is hardly fair. Unfortunately, the question is one of fact. I will explain to the captain----" "You will explain nothing to the captain!" interrupted Hanley. "This is a matter which concerns no one but our two selves. I am not asking favors of steamboat captains. I am asking an American consul to assist an American citizen in trouble, and, "he added, with heavy sarcasm, "incidentally, to carry out the wishes of his President." Marshall regarded the senator with an expression of both surprise and disbelief. "Are you asking me to put my name to what is not so?" he said. "Are you serious?" |
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