Chapter II
THE WRECK
IT was not a long letter that Uncle Herbert wrote; but, on the other hand, it was to the point—
DEAR HOWARD,—
At last I have had this affair settled, and by the time you receive this I hope to be on my way home.
Old Humphrey's cipher, together with several other interesting old documents, is now in my possession, but I am afraid that we are not out of the wood yet, as the cipher requires a lot of puzzling out.
Chappell, an English mining engineer out here, who has done me good service as an interpreter, tells me that all sorts of vague rumours are flying about regarding my presence in Pernambuco, and advises me to take great care both of myself and the papers while I am here. I wonder why?
However, there's no need to write more, as I hope to be back again in dear old Polruan ere long. I've had a draft sent on to the Devon and Cornwall Bank, representing the cash part of the business, as I think it's safer.
Love to Reggie, and remembrances to any friends you run across.
HERBERT.