Theodore Goodridge Roberts

“ Socially, he was a delight to those planters, officials, merchants and ship-masters whom business or chance threw in his way and to whom he took a liking. He entertained almost every evening when at home in his fine house behind the town. ”

“ As his conquests extended, his garrisons increased and his army grew. The garrison of the capital was half a battalion of jungle infantry commanded by a score of white and half-caste officers.
Tom Deblore walked into the barrack-yard one morning, attracted by sounds of rifle-fire, and found a firing-squad, dead men on the ground and other men lined up against a wall. ”

“ He was rich in more than knowledge, personal charm and friendship. Plantations, mines, even controlling interests in mercantile firms were his, some inherited from his father, others acquired later by purchase or personal enterprise. Having twice entertained him to dinner. Doctor Javais offered Captain Deblore a responsible and remunerative position ashore.
"I need a right-hand man," he had said, turning lightly in his chair and holding a candle from the table to Tom's cigar. ”

“ The rest of his plantations were sold in the course of the week. On Saturday night he said, "My dear friend, we must come to a decision and an understanding. I am a rich man. Wealth makes a free man. Europe calls to my intellect, but the country behind calls to my heart. Shall we go east or west—eastward to the real civilisation, or westward to the unspoiled hills where there is nation-building to be done?"
Tom said that the doctor would have no use for his services in Europe. The doctor made no reply to that ”