The Dark Star

Now, Fate has thrown an odd combination from her dice-box; and Destiny

has veiled herself so impenetrably that nobody can read that awful

visage to guess what thoughts possess her.

You, in America, have heard of the murder of the Austrian Archduke, of

course. But--have you, in America, any idea what the consequences of

that murder may lead to?

Enough of that. Now for the favour I ask.

Will you go at once to Brookhollow, go to Ruhannah's house, open it,

take from it a chest made of olive wood and bound with some metal

which looks like silver, lock the box, take it to New York, place it

in a safe deposit vault until you can sail for Paris on the first

steamer that leaves New York?

Will you do this--get the box I have described and bring it to me

yourself on the first steamer that sails?

And, Jim, keep your eye on the box. Don't trust anybody near it. Rue

says that, as she recollects, the box is about the size and shape of a

suitcase and that it has a canvas and leather cover with a handle

which buttons over it.

Therefore, you can carry it yourself exactly as though it were your

suitcase, keep it with you in the train and on shipboard.

Will you do this, Jim? It is much to ask of you. I break in upon your

work and cause you great inconvenience and trouble and expense.

But--will you do it for me?

Much depends upon your doing this. I think that possibly the welfare

of your own country might depend on your doing this for me.

If you find yourself embarrassed financially, cable me just one word,

"Black," and I shall arrange matters through a New York bank.

If you feel that you do not care to do me this favour, cable the

single word, "White."

If you have sufficient funds, and are willing to bring the box to me

yourself, cable the word, "Blue."

In case that you undertake this business for me, be careful of the

contents of the box. Let nobody see it open. Be certain that the

contents are absolutely secure. I dare not tell you how vitally

important to civilisation these papers already are--how much they may

mean to the world; what powers of evil they might encourage if in any

way they fall into other hands than the right ones.

Jim, I have seldom taken a very serious tone with you since we have

known each other. I am very serious now. And if our friendship means

anything to you, prove it!