Value of a Dream

Dirk has a dream for himself and for Hong Kong which is the most prevalent theme throughout the book. He wants Hong Kong to be a base of operation for the traders and a base for the British navy. They need the protection of the navy when they deal with the Chinese traders on the mainland and Hong Kong has a good safe harbor.

Dirk also has a dream of returning to England and being active in Parliament. He wants to be able to work to guarantee the future of Hong Kong. He wants Hong Kong to be accepted by the British as well as the Treaty of Chuenpi. He is willing to help work for a new government in England in order to achieve this goal. Dirk pushed the British plenipotentiary to negotiate the treaty for Hong Kong instead of for the six mainland...