"I have been out into the wilderness to see the poor creature myself. She is indeed in a pitiful plight, being far from fair to look upon, and gaunt and thin with exposure and suffering.
"I conversed with her and found her intelligent, and patient under her great afflictions; in fact, her sad case so touched my heart that, not only for her sake, but for the sake of the other unfortunate maidens who, unless this cruel law is altered, may have to suffer a fate similar to hers, I have decided to marry her myself, and thus rescue her and others who may follow her.
"I think of my sweet Princess and feel that she would approve—for never shall I see her dear face again—and in making this marriage she would know I was inclined to it from pity and not from any untruthfulness to her most dear memory.
"The stone she gave me I cannot bear to see any more, and this I ask you to keep until I claim it again; all my other goods and the money in the bank I leave to you absolutely.
"I feel that I may never see you again, and if this be so, accept my hearty and devoted thanks for all you have done for me. Think of me sometimes and
"Believe me to be,
"Your friend always,
"Shin Shira Scaramanga Manousa Yama Hawa."
I sat a long while after I had read this letter, thinking of all the strange happenings since I had known my little friend.
I had grown quite to love and respect him, and when I thought of the noble and chivalrous deed he intended performing in order to save the poor creature in that far-off island, I felt that he was indeed worthy of all admiration.
I got down a map, and tried in vain to find the island he mentioned. It was not marked in any of those which I had by me.
Then I found the portmanteau which Shin Shira had left with me, and looked at the little yellow costume, which reminded me so much of my friend.