The young man goes abroad with this letter inclosed in a maroon
alligator-skin pocket-book, and when he arrives in Brazil he finds that
the way has been paved for him by the following letter of advice:
[International Introductory Letter System, Form Z 23,] New York, Dec.
25, 1886.
No. B 135,986.
Sir: Mr. W------, a young man with great assurance and a maroon-colored
alligator-skin pocket-book, bearing a letter of introduction to you
numbered as above, is now at large. He will visit Europe for a few
weeks, after which he will tour about South America. He will make a
specialty of volcanoes and monarchs.
He will offer to exchange photographs with you, but you must use your
own judgment about complying with this request. Do not allow this letter
to influence you in the matter.
You will readily recognize him by the wonderful confidence which he has
in himself, and which is not shared by those who know him here.
He is a fluent conversationalist, and can talk for hours without fatigue
to himself.
You will find it very difficult to wound his feelings, but there would
be no harm in trying.
Should you get this letter in time, you might do as you thought best in
the matter of quarantine. Some foreign powers are doing that way.
Mr. W------has met a great many prominent people in this country.
What this country needs is more free trade on the high seas and better
protection for its prominent people.
I have tried to be conservative in what I have said here, and if I have
given you a better opinion of the young man than his conduct on
fuller acquaintance will warrant, I assure you that I have not done so
intentionally.
You will notice at once that he is a self-made man, so your admiration
for the works of nature need not be in any way diminished. With due
respect, your most obedient servant,