Time flew by, and soon it was June 1901.
After waiting for several months, Arthur had given up hope of purchasing immigrants from the Netherlands.
Unexpectedly, a Dutch fleet quietly arrived in Australian waters from the Dutch East Indies.
If the Dutch fleet had not early on signaled their intentions through flag symbols, the Australian Navy would have mistaken them for invaders.
The Dutch fleet was led by Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Herbert Von and Governor William Rosbon of the Dutch East Indies. Accompanying them was a guest of even greater importance, Queen Mother Emma, mother of Dutch Queen Wilhelmina and widow of the late King William III.
The prestige of Queen Mother Emma was due not only to her being the mother of Queen Wilhelmina, but also to her having been the regent of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Upon receiving the news, Arthur was taken aback, and immediately ordered Prime Minister Evan to go and meet them.
