ABSTRACT
NORTHWOOD arrived at Singapore after an absence of two years. His mother was naturally delighted to see him. Her son's letters, which reached her
Northwood took up his former position in the offices of the Golconda Company, and found his work as interesting as ever. After twelve months of routine duty, the necessity of further constructive work became apparent. Japanese coals were then a leading factor in the trade of Singapore, and it became evident that this business would have to be organized and put on a proper basis. Various interests of some importance in China had also to be considered, and it was finally decided that Northwood should make a journey to the North in order to settle some difficult questions on the spot. As he afterwards discovered, it was no small matter which he was undertaking on his voyage to China and Japan.
