"It needs a strong man to rule it," the governor acknowledged, running his glance across Peter Gross's broad shoulders in subtle compliment.
"Those who have held the post of resident there found early graves."
"You are young, vigorous. You have lived here long enough to know how to escape the fevers."
"There are worse enemies in Bulungan than the fevers," Peter Gross replied. "It is not for nothing that Bulungan is known as the graveyard of Borneo."
The governor glanced at Peter Gross's strong face and stalwart form regretfully.
"Your refusal is final?" he asked.
"On the contrary, if your excellency will meet one condition, I accept," Peter Gross replied.
The governor put his glass down sharply and stared at the sailor.
"You accept this post?" he demanded.
"Upon one condition, yes!"