... the land of America was known to be more
dangerous than the unpredictable ocean itself; and the
Americans were reputed to be sorcerers and warlocks,
who, through subtle enchantments, could change the entire
way of a man's thinking. It seemed impossible that a
man could grow to dislike coral beaches, lagoons, palm
trees, outrigger canoes, and the like. Yet it had happened.
Other men ... had journeyed to America, and
had been exposed to the enchantments there, and had
never returned. ...