The consul's trunk remained just where it had been
placed near the door, and on it lay a large sheet of foolscap, with
writing on it, and addressed at the top to Albert Gordon. The
handwriting was the consul's. Albert picked it up and read it with
much anxiety. It began abruptly
The fishermen who brought us to this forsaken spot tell me that
it rains here six months in the year, and that this is the first
month. I came here to serve my country, for which I fought and
bled, but I did not come here to die of rheumatism and pneumonia.
I can serve my country better by staying alive; and whether it
rains or not, I don't like it. I have been grossly deceived, and
I am going back. Indeed, by the time you get this, I will be on
my return trip, as I intend leaving with the men who brought us
here as soon as they can get the sail up. My cousin, Senator
Rainsford, can fix it all right with the President, and can have
me recalled in proper form after I get back. But of course it
would not do for me to leave my post with no one to take my
place, and no one could be more ably fitted to do so than
yourself; so I feel no compunctions at leaving you behind. I
hereby, therefore, accordingly appoint you my substitute with
full power to act, to collect all fees, sign all papers, and
attend to all matters pertaining to your office as American
consul, and I trust you will worthily uphold the name of that
country and government which it has always been my pleasure and
duty to serve.
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