"Are they prepared for such a trip—for such an important mission, now?" asked the Secretary of the Navy.
"They are prepared for such a trip, as well as any crew could be, and they are as capable, as courageous and as trustworthy as anyone could ask," was the response, "but of course, they did not contemplate a diplomatic mission at the same time. However, there is no reason why, if they are going across by plane, they should not carry documents, important or otherwise, with them."
"But these documents are such that if they once start with them they must get across," interrupted the Assistant Secretary of State testily.
"I see," remarked the air service man with fine sarcasm. "Wind, sea, fate, predestination and everything else be hanged. They've just got to suspend all elements for the time being and get across. That's perfectly clear."
The Assistant Secretary of State sputtered for a moment and got purple with rage. But before he could explode into language more violent than diplomatic, the Secretary of War intervened.
"How long would it take that crew to come from Halifax to Washington?" he asked.
"By plane?"
"Yes."
"If they were given orders by telegraph now, and barring mishap, they could be on hand here tomorrow morning easily."