"But what about the Major--"
He said patiently: "You don't understand. It's all part of my plan,
see? The Major is the big thing here and he's got a birthday coming up
next month. Well, the way I put it to Amy, we'll fix him up with a
yacht as a birthday present, see? And, of course, when it's all fixed
up and ready to lift anchor--"
I said doubtfully: "That's the hard way, Vern. Why couldn't we just
sort of get steam up and take off?"
He shook his head. "_That_ is the hard way. This way we get all the
help and supplies we need, understand?"