Two hours before Mr. Dunlap heard the rap on his bedroom door, a pale and trembling figure, clothed in a dilapidated evening suit, had slunk stealthily past his chamber and entered the apartments occupied by the husband of the Dunlap heiress.
“Dear Mr. Dunlap.—I am instructed by Admiral Snave to inform you that an uprising of the blacks is imminent; that it will be impossible to protect you in your exposed position should such an event take place. The admiral suggests that you remove your family at once to the American Consulate, where protection will be furnished all Americans. Very respectfully,
Thomas Maxon, Lieut. U.S.N.”
“P.S.—Please adopt the Admiral’s suggestion. I think you had better let Jack know about this.
T.M.”
Such were the contents of the letter of which the U.S. marine was bearer and it was answered as follows:
“Dear Mr. Maxon.—Express my gratitude to Admiral Snave for the suggestion, but be good enough to add that the health of my niece demands absolute quiet and that I shall remain here instead of going to the crowded Consulate; that I deem any disturbance as exceedingly improbable from my intimate acquaintance with the character of the natives of this island.
Very respectfully,
J. Dunlap.