Heidelberg
Heidelberg, 26 June 1886
To the Reverend Pastor Ullmer (Esquire)
DEAR SIR PASTOR:
This morning I visited all the banks in order to change this note, but I did not find any which honors Spanish notes; they are giving me only two days to send this note to Paris, while they assure me that the notes will be sold. Since I have promised to give you the money this very day, I did not agree with them. Either keep this note (100 pesetas = 100 francs) till I get francs, that is, next week, or, if you are in a hurry, send it back to me tomorrow through Friedrich, in order that I may have it changed on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Yesterday, after I had gone half of the way, I suddenly saw Barle running behind me. In spite of the stones which I threw at him and despite all my efforts, I did not succeed in sending him back. For a long while, he followed me at a distance; finally I decided to take him along since Friedrich is going home today. I gave him a nice supper (milk and bread) and the people here were kind to him, the. . . Barle however barked and growled much at midnight. At every arriving student, he made such a great noise as if he were very brave and alert.
From Sanne, I also received in good condition everything that I had left; and therefore I thank you very much once more. May you also receive, when you are abroad, the same treatment and friendship as I have found among you; and if, being a foreigner, I can do nothing for you in a foreign country, I can be of some service to you in my homeland, where you will always find a good friend, if I do not die, of course. The joy at being understood by other people is great that one cannot easily forget it. You understood me too, in spite of my brown skin, which to many people is yellow, as if that were puzzling or absurd; fortunately, it is gradually becoming lighter to many; for example, to the landlady in Heilig Steinach; but, unfortunately, not all people are landladies.
I great with all my heart Mrs. Ullmer and Eta and wish you a most happy future.
Your good friend,
RIZAL
04-158 [Misc.]