[Transcriber's Note: This story was first published in March 1955Galaxy and the etext was produced from the anthology "All theTraps of Earth and other stories". Extensive research did notuncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publicationwas renewed.]
The chief of protocol said, "Mr. Hudson of—ah—Mastodonia."
The secretary of state held out his hand. "I'm glad to see you,Mr. Hudson. I understand you've been here several times."
"That's right," said Hudson. "I had a hard time making your peoplebelieve I was in earnest."
"And are you, Mr. Hudson?"
"Believe me, sir, I would not try to fool you."
"And this Mastodonia," said the secretary, reaching down to tapthe document upon the desk. "You will pardon me, but I've neverheard of it."
"It's a new nation," Hudson explained, "but quite legitimate. Wehave a constitution, a democratic form of government, duly electedofficials, and a code of laws. We are a free, peace-loving peopleand we are possessed of a vast amount of natural resources and—"
"Please tell me, sir," interrupted the secretary, "just where areyou located?"
"Technically, you are our nearest neighbors."
"But that is ridiculous!" exploded Protocol.
"Not at all," insisted Hudson. "If you will give me a moment, Mr.Secretary, I have considerable evidence."
He brushed the fingers of Protocol off his sleeve and steppedforward to the desk, laying down the portfolio he carried.
"Go ahead, Mr. Hudson," said the secretary. "Why don't we all sitdown and be comfortable while we talk this over?"
"You have my credentials, I see. Now here is a propos—"
"I have a document signed by a certain Wesley Adams."
"He's our first president," said Hudson. "Our George Washington,you might say."
"What is the purpose of this visit, Mr. Hudson?"
"We'd like to establish diplomatic relations. We think it would beto our mutual benefit. After all, we are a sister republic inperfect sympathy with your policies and aims. We'd like tonegotiate trade agreements and we'd be grateful for some PointFour aid."
The secretary smiled. "Naturally. Who doesn't?"
"We're prepared to offer something in return," Hudson told himstiffly. "For one thing, we could offer sanctuary."
"Sanctuary!"
"I understand," said Hudson, "that in the present state ofinternational tensions, a foolproof sanctuary is not something tobe sneezed at."
The secretary turned stone cold. "I'm an extremely busy man."
Protocol took Hudson firmly by the arm. "Out you go."
General Leslie Bowers put in a call to State and got thesecretary.
"I don't like to bother you, Herb," he said, "but there'ssomething I want to check. Maybe you can help me."
"Glad to help you if I can."
"There's a fellow hanging around out here at the Pentagon, tryingto get in to see me. Said I was the only one he'd talk to, but youknow how it is."
"I certainly do."
"Name of Huston or Hudson or something like that."
"He was here just an hour or so ago," said the secretary."Crackpot sort of fellow."
"He's gone now?"
"Yes. I don't think he'll be back."
"Did he say where you could reach him?"
"No, I don't believe he did."
"How did he strike you? I mean what kind of impression did you getof him?"
"I told you. A crackpot."
"I suppose he is. He said something to one of the colonels thatgot me worrying. Can't pass up anything, you know—not in theDirty Tricks Department. Even if it's crackpot, these days you gotto have a look at it."
"He offered sanctuary," said the secretary indignantly. "Can youimagine that!"
...