The office of the Chat Han Shipyard was located in East London. Sir Hope, the director, slammed his hand on the desk and roared at the purchasing officer across from him:
"Send those damned Frenchmen gold coins, women, as much as you want! That's what you people do best. Just get me those fucking steam engines, no matter what!"
The purchasing officer lowered his head and muttered softly:
"We've tried all those ways, Director, but they still refuse to sell..."
Hope, furious, kicked over the coat rack and shouted at the officer:
"Don't just stand there, go figure something out!"
He had thought he could buy a batch of French steam engines and use them on the steam paddle ships, thus fulfilling the orders that were on the verge of default. That would have solved the immediate crisis—although the French engines required considerable adaptation, most customers would be willing to wait a while rather than withdraw their deposits.
