“Is it possible that this can be the means of the ‘higher forces’ I spoke of, the means to segregate the nations once more?”
III—LONDON’S INCREDULITY
1
Jasper Thrale’s mission was no easy one. England, it appeared, was slightly preoccupied at the moment, and had no ear for warnings. Generally, he was either treated as a fanatic and laughed at, or he was told that he greatly exaggerated the danger and that these matters could safely be entrusted to the Local Government Board, which had brilliantly handled the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. But there were some exceptions to this rule.
His first definite statement had been made to his own editor, Watson Maxwell of the Daily Post.
“Yes,” said Maxwell, when he had given Thrale a patient hearing, “it is certainly a matter that needs attention. Would you care to go out as our special commissioner and report at length?...”
“There isn’t time,” replied Thrale. “The thing is urgent.”
Maxwell brought his eyebrows together and looked keenly at his correspondent. “Do you really think it’s so serious, Thrale?” he asked. “After all, what evidence have you, beyond the Chinese reports?”