"Nothing in this world came out of satisfaction."
"Except the human race," said Brat.
Mr. Macallan grinned. "I'll allow you that." But he went on glowering down at the bright harbour scene. "I look at them and think: 'These people kept Scotland fighting for four hundred years, and I can't find the answer."
"The answer, of course, is that they didn't."
"No? Let me tell you that my country — "
"They've been much too busy for the last thousand years keeping the shores of England. But for them your Scotland would be part of Spain to-day."
This was apparently a new idea to Mr. Macallan. He decided to let it ride.
"You weren't looking for me, were you? When you came to the Blue Bird?"
"Yes. I went to the office first and they told me you would be here. There's something I want and I thought that you might help me to it."
"Not publicity, I take it," Mr. Macallan said dryly.