by Jules Verne
Chapter 9
THE SECOND LETTER
On Board the Terror
July 15.
To the Old and New World,
The propositions emanating from the different governmentsof Europe, as also that which has finally been made by theUnited States of America, need expect no other answer thanthis:
I refuse absolutely and definitely the sums offered for myinvention.
My machine will be neither French nor German, nor Austriannor Russian, nor English nor American.
The invention will remain my own, and I shall use it aspleases me.
With it, I hold control of the entire world, and therelies no force within the reach of humanity which is able toresist me, under any circumstances whatsoever.
Let no one attempt to seize or stop me. It is, and willbe, utterly impossible. Whatever injury anyone attemptsagainst me, I will return a hundredfold.
As to the money which is offered me, I despise it! I haveno need of it. Moreover, on the day when it pleases me tohave millions, or billions, I have but to reach out my handand take them.
Let both the Old and the New World realize this: They canaccomplish nothing against me; I can accomplish anythingagainst them.
I sign this letter:
The Master of the World.
