cedented
demand all over the world for both iron and copper, and our company is
largely interested in the production of these metals. As existing
sources of supply are inadequate it is of importance that new ones
should be discovered, and if they can be found on the Atlantic
seaboard, so much the better. In looking about for new fields that may
be profitably worked, our attention has been directed to the island of
Newfoundland and the coast of Labrador. While the former has been
partially explored, we desire more definite information as to its
available ore beds. There is a small island in Conception Bay, not far
from St. Johns, known as Bell Island, said to be a mass of iron ore,
that is already being worked by a local company. From it I should like
to have a report, as soon as you reach St. Johns, concerning the nature
of the ore, the extent of the deposit, the cost of mining it, the
present output, the facilities for shipment, and so forth. At the same
time I want you to obtain this information without divulging the nature
of your business, or allowing your name to become in any way connected
with this company.

"Having finished with Bell Island, you will visit such other portions
of Newfoundland as are readily accessible from the coast, and seem to
promise good results, always keeping to yourself the true nature of
your business. Finally, you will proceed to Labrador, where you will
make such explorations as are possible. You will report any
discoveries in person, when you return to New York, as I do not care to
have them entrusted to the mails. Above all, do not fail to bring back
specimens of whatever you may find in the way of minerals. Are these
instructions sufficiently clear?"

"They seem so, sir."

"Very well, then. I wish you to start this very day, as I find that a
steamer, on which your passage is already engaged, sails from a
Brooklyn pier for St. Johns this afternoon. This letter of credit,
which only awaits your signature before a notary, will, if deposited
with the bank of Nova Scotia in St. Johns, more than defray your year's
expenses, and whatever you can save from it will be added to your
salary. Therefore, it will pay you to practise economy, though you
must not hesitate to incur legitimate expenses or to spend money when
by so doing you can further the objects of your journey. You have
enough money for your immediate needs, have you not?"

"Yes, sir. I have about fifty dollars.