At a word from his superior, Sachsen tucked the papers he had been studying into a portfolio. The governor stared intently at his visitor for a moment before he spoke.
"Mynheer Gross," he announced sharply, "your captain tells me your contract with him runs to the end of the voyage. He will not release you."
"Then I must fill my contract, your excellency," Peter Gross replied.
Van Schouten frowned with annoyance. He was not accustomed to being crossed.
"When will you be able to take over the administration of Bulungan, mynheer?"
Peter Gross's brow puckered thoughtfully. "In three weeks—let us say thirty days, your excellency."
"Donder en bliksem!" the governor exclaimed. "We need you there at once."
"That is quite impossible, your excellency. I will need help, men that I can trust and who know the islands. Such men cannot be picked up in a day."
"You can have the pick of my troops."
"I should prefer to choose my own men, your excellency," Peter Gross replied.