ITHE 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 people believe 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 tap the document upon the desk. “You will pardon me, but I’ve never heard of it.”
“It’s a new nation,” Hudson explained, “but quite legitimate. We have a constitution, a democratic form of government, duly elected officials, and a code of laws. We are a free, peace-loving people and we are possessed of a vast amount of natural resources and—”
“Please tell me, sir,” interrupted th
