"It says," Signore Difranco said, taking the letter from my hands, "that there are many opportunities for prosperity and fortune in this new French Protectorate."
"When did you get the letter?" I asked.
The next words out of his mouth were as unexpected as a fifth ace in a poker deck. "Oh, I've been carrying it around for a few weeks now. I wasn't quite sure about it, but now that I've had some time to consider it, I have decided I am going out there to take a look around. And you are more than welcome to join me. It will be a grand adventure, one you will never forget, I am sure."
"Where is it again?" I asked. I was a little piqued that Signore Difranco hadn't mentioned the letter before or that he was considering leaving the United States.
"Somewhere in the Far East between India and
