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?”
“That paper, Mr. Marshall,” returned Hanley steadily, “is a mere form, a piece of red tape. There’s no more danger of my carrying the plague to Jamaica than of my carrying a dynamite bomb. You know that.”
“I do know that,” assented Marshall heartily. “I appreciate your position, and I regret it exceedingly. You are the innocent victim of a regulation which is a wise regulation, but which is most unfair to you. My own position,” he added, “is not important, but you can believe me, it is not easy. It is certainly no pleasure for me to be unable to help you.”
Hanley was leaning forward, his hands on his knees, his eyes watching Marshall closely. “Then you refuse?” he said. “Why?”
Marshall regarded the senator steadily. His manner was untroubled. The look he turned upon Hanley was one of grave disapproval.
“You know why,” he answered quietly. “It is impossible.”