Three days previously he had received a wire: "Have written fully." The letter came via Marseilles.

After congratulations at the escape of himself and the staff, Mr.Partridge wrote: "As you say that the house and warehouse are entirely destroyed, with all contents, there can be nothing for you and the clerks to do; and you had best return, at once, to England.

I will make the best arrangements that I can for you all.
"As I have a plan of the ground, I have already instructed an architect to prepare a sketch for rebuilding, on a larger scale than before.

The insurance companies are sending out agents to verify claims.

Looking at your last report, it seems to me that the loss of goods, as well as that of buildings, will be fully covered.