“Whatever the reasons, what interests me is that the United States didn’t get Samoná Bay.” The shipowner’s voice rasped. “I never trust those--those _people_. It’s bad enough to have to do business with them in the islands. Well”--he made a gesture of resignation--“I didn’t come here to quarrel. You’ll simply have to handle this fellow.” The Secretary picked up a sheet of paper from his desk. He was wondering how well he or anybody else could “handle” Frederick Douglass. “I’ve already dictated a letter to him in which I express the hope that he will accept President Harrison’s appointment--” The shipowner interrupted with something like a sneer. “You’re certainly going out of your way to be cordial.” “_Ignorant calf!_” was the Secretary’s unspoken thought. Aloud he continued as if he had not heard. “--because his influence as minister,” he said steadily, “is the most potent force we can send to the Caribbean for the peace, welfare and prosperity of those weary and unhappy people.” “Um--um.” The idea was penetrating. “Not bad, not bad at all.” “It can be late fall before he arrives.” They regarded each other across the flat-topped desk. “Meanwhile--” “Meanwhile,” the shipowner was getting to his feet, “much can happen.” “I was thinking that.” “Perhaps the usurper, Légitime, will not be on hand to greet our new Ambassador.” “Perhaps!” The gentlemen bowed and separated. That evening Stephen Preston sent a joyful letter home. “A miracle has taken place, truly a miracle!” And on Cedar Hill the Douglasses sat on their porch and re-read the letter which a messenger had brought from Secretary of State Blaine. “You deserve it, my dear. You deserve every bit of it!” She smiled at her husband, her eyes shining with happiness. Douglass’ voice was a little husky. The letter trembled in his hand. “Secretary Blaine is right. This is important to every freedman in the United States. It’s important to that valiant small nation which owes its independence to a successful slave revolt. This recognition is important to dark peoples everywhere. I am so grateful that I’m here to do my part.” And Helen Douglass reached out and took his hand. She was proud, so very proud of him. Telegrams and letters of congratulation came in, not only from all over the United States, but from Mexico, South America, Africa. A clockmaker in Zurich sent Douglass a great clock carved from a huge block of wood.