lit his meerschaum, then threw himselfback in his rocker to quietly discuss it.
It was a plain, outspoken letter, such as one man ofthe world writes to another. Here is one extract: -
Our business is increasing at a rapid rate, JakeSolomon. I have too much to do and so have you; therefore, although I did not think it necessary toinform you before, I have been in communicationwith my brother John, and he is sending me out ashrewd, splendid man of business. He will havearrived before your return.
I can trust John thoroughly, and this Don PedroSalvador, over and above his excellent businesscapabilities, can talk Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
I do not quite like the name, Jake, so he must becontent to be called plain Mr. Peter.
About the very time that Jake Solomons was readingthis letter, there sat close to the sky-light of anoutward-bound steamer at Liverpool, two men holdinglow but earnest conversation. Their faces were partlyobscured, for it was night, and the only light aglimmer from the ship's lamp.
Steam was up and roaring through the pipes.
A casual observer might have noted that one was aslim, swarthy, but wiry, smart-looking man of aboutthirty. His companion was a man considerably over forty.
"I shall go now," said the latter. "You have myinstructions, and I believe I can trust you."
"Have I not already given you reason to?" was therejoinder. "At the risk of penal servitude did I notsteal my employer's keys, break into his room atnight, and copy that will for you? It was but a copyof a copy, it is true, and I could not discover theoriginal, else the quickest and simplest plan wouldhave been-fire:"
"True, you did so, but" – the older man laughedlightly-"you were well paid for the duty you performed."
"Duty, eh?" sneered the other. "Well," he added,"thank God nothing has been discovered. Myemployer has bidden me an almost affectionate farewell, and given me excellent certificates."
The other started up as a loud voice hailed the deck:
"Any more for the shore!"
"I am going now," he said. "Good-bye, old man, and remember my last words: not one single drop ofblood shed!"
"I understand, and will obey to the letter. Obedience pays."
"True; and you shall find it so. Good-bye!"
"A Dios!" said the other.
The last bell was struck, and the gangway washauled on shore.
The great ship Benedict was that night rolling andtossing about on the waves of the Irish Channel.
Jake Solomons acquainted Roland and Peggy withthe contents of this last letter, and greatly did thelatter wonder what the new overseer would be like, and if she should love him or not.
For Peggy had a soft little heart of her own, andwas always prepared to be friendly with anyone who, according to her idea, was nice.
Jake took his charges all round the city nextday and showed them the sights of what is now oneof the most beautiful towns in South America.
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