Brussels, spring 1914.

My dearest daughter,

As you might have noticed, this letter is not dated, simply because I was not sure when it would be posted or when it would reach you. I have entrusted it to our Brussels housekeeper Madeleine with instructions to mail it to you in case something might happen to me that would prevent me from making contact with you myself. The fact that you have now received this letter means this is the case and - if Madeleine has followed my instructions, which I'm confident she did - she will have added a separate note, explaining what has actually befallen me.

Unless I have joined your beloved mother due to illness or a fatal accident, it is most likely that my current faith is connected with the June 1914 issue of "The Tough Donuts" magazine I publish in memory of your mother. Therefore - in order to continue my work - I would ask you to leave your present position, travel to Leiden (Holland) and contact my dear friend professor Robert Diensma. He has - some time ago - agreed to be the keeper of all my papers and notes related to this matter (I call them "The Minerva Chronicles"). Once you arrive there, he will not only transfer the papers to you, but also provide you with lodgings in a house I bought there last year. He has also offered to give you all further assistance you might require. The house is not only a nice place for you to stay, but the cellar also holds a printing press and all other things you need to continue publishing "The Tough Donuts", which is exactly what I would like you to do, until my (hopefully) speedy return.

The above mentioned documents also contain a list of subscribers and I would like you to send them all a letter explaining my current situation (please use an alias). They are not only all people I would trust with my life, but many of them also contribute to the magazine, although I always sign the articles with my own name to protect their privacy. It is vital you continue doing this (signing with my name) for both their and your safety. Under the present circumstances there is no need to publish the magazine on a regular base, just print an issue whenever you have enough material about the subject treated in the June 1914 issue.

Financial backing will not be a problem: Robert Diensma will take you to the bank, where an account in your name has been opened. I have just recently transferred nearly all my money into this account, which will enable you to live and continue working for many decades to come. To help you with the printing and other magazine-related issues, you will find that my trusted assistent Arno Maesen will have already arrived in Leiden, or will do so shortly. Since he is on my payroll, I have included details on his wages etc amongst the documents that await you. Please also see to it that he is provided with a place to live in, either a house or appartment, whatever he prefers. He is a dedicated chap and I'm sure his work will prove crucial during times to come.

I hope this letter finds you in good health and that you will be willing and able to take on the assignment as described above. I hope to see you soon and wish you all the best with the venture. Don't worry about me; I'll be fine.

Your loving father,

Gustaaf Costers