my dear barrie,—it is all but twenty years since

we were first acquainted, for if we live till the spring of

1908, our friendship will have reached its majority.

of those far-off days i cherish, as i believe you do, a

grateful memory. how many problems had we to

discuss, how many ideals had we to satisfy, and how

much ambition had we to fulfil! i think you, at least,

have gone far to fulfil all yours, who have written your

name indelibly in the literature of our generation.

that name i am, after the long lapse of years, prefixing

to this book of stories, in the hope that they

will interest you, and as a testimony to the enduring

quality of our friendship.

yours always,

h. b. marriott watson.

january 1906