With the fourth course, however, Mr. Dalken seemed to feel certain of his own cruise being the accepted one. He turned to gloat politely over Mrs. Courtneys defeat, when Mr. Ashby spoke.
The only reason I feel inclined to vote for the Orient in Dalkens yacht, is a selfish one: I would like immensely to be one of the party on this merry voyage, but I would not dare go on board a yacht that is destined for the South Seas. I would have no jumping-off place, in order to get me back to New York for the busy season. Now, should you all choose Dalkys plan to go to Japan, I can remain with you until we reach Hawaii, there I can catch a fast steamship back to San Francisco, thence speed home to New York. Thems my sentiments, frens! concluded Mr. Ashby.
By the time the salad was served every one but Polly, Eleanor and Elizabeth had been drawn into the discussion. It took great self-control for the two girl-partners to keep silence in this vital and interesting debate.
Finally, Mr. Dalken turned to Eleanor and said: In all my experience, this is the first time I have not heard Nolla have a say after every other orator. Either she has nothing to say, or she is waiting to drop a bomb upon our heads when we have said all we know.
Eleanor laughed. Thats just it! When you all are through Ill say my little piece, and Im sure it will take away your breath.
The friends laughed, for they understood Eleanor and liked to urge her to discuss her egotistical opinions often they were well worth hearing, too. Polly could not help sending Elizabeth a glance. The girl kept her eyes fixed upon her plate, defying Pollys scrutiny.
Mr. Dalken held up a hand as he commanded: Silence in this Court. Our wise Judge will now render an opinion!
Eleanor instantly took up his line of chaff, and, midst the laughter, bowing politely, said in a dignified manner: I thank you, Mr. Sheriff. As the Honorable Judge of this trial at Court I wish to give my opinion, and possibly a verdict. Has the prisoner at the bar anything more to say in behalf of her plan to sail the South Seas?
A condescending bow to Mrs. Courtney told those at the table that she must be the prisoner who committed the crime of planning
an impossible voyage. Mrs. Courtney smiled and shook her head to signify she had had her say.
Ahem! began Eleanor; then remembering that Polly had the papers upon which they had outlined the cruise as they wished to have it, she turned and bowed in her direction. Will the Counsel for the State kindly read the evidence in the case under argument?
Polly laughed, but Mr. Dalken said: What a pity I missed having such a wise judge at court in the days when I tried my cases. I am sure I might have won every case I argued.
This brought forth a general laugh at Eleanors expense but little cared she, because she had an axe to grind and such an insignificant matter as a laugh cost her nothing.
Polly now opened the typewritten page she had taken from the girdle of her gown and glanced at the opening words. Then she explained: This is a plan worked out by Nolla and myself. Before I mention the very good reasons for choosing this plan, I wish to outline the plan itself. Then Nolla will say why we selected this cruise, and tell you the points in favor of choosing it.
Polly now read: We decide upon Dalkys yacht, because it is cheaper than leasing a craft; it is more luxurious than any hired boat could ever be; it is claimed to be absolutely safe to sail the most dangerous seas; and, best of all, Dalky is our sworn ally and gives Nolla and me our own way in almost everything. Thats that!
The reasons for taking Mr. Dalkens yacht caused a hearty laugh at his expense; but Polly continued reading without a pause, and the laugh was hushed soon in order that the audience might not lose one word of her plans.
We agree with Dalky in choosing a voyage which will take us to the West Indies where we can visit many interesting points generally visited by other tourists; we also agree with him that a trip through the Panama Canal will be not only most instructive to us all but it will also prove to be a short cut for my plan of the continued cruise. Thus far, that is until we reach the Pacific Ocean we have agreed to follow Dalkys outline of the trip.
But once having reached the Pacific, we begin to see a fascination in sailing south not to the Cannibal Islands, but southward as far as Peru. To those who have never visited Peru it might be told, that here is a sight worth seeing: the famous land that gave birth to the tubers known to us as potatoes; also the land of the Incas.
Polly interrupted herself at this point to say: Friends, you may think I copied all this from the travelogue issued by the South American Steamship Line, but I assure you I did not ! The circular given the public by that steamship company never mentions the fact that Peru was the motherland that first produced the potato to the world at the time when Pizarro found himself ship-wrecked upon its shores. Hence this is original information discovered by Nolla and myself at the time of the War Famine of potatoes in this country. Then Polly turned her attention to the reading of the paper.