The Vandekkers [antikvár]

DEDICATION TO Rear Admiral E. R. G. R. EVANS, C.B., D.S.O. Because the first idea of this story came to me during a delightful visit to your house at Weymouth, and despite the fact that my fictional author has already inscribed a dedication in his Prologue, perhaps you will forgive me for over-ruling him and dedicating it to you, though I am painfully aware that submitting an adventure story—and a seafaring one at that—to such a Sea Adventurer as yourself, is comparable to sending the proverbial piece of coal to Newcastle. In the world of fictional romance your name must ever be extolled by all those heroes whose deeds have seemed impossible, for by your own achievements you have given the lie to their detractors. In that mysterious place where such giants resort, a Tavern we hope, where young Jim Hawkins can sit once more at old Barbecue's feet and laugh about the Apple Barrel, while Captain Smollett, off duty for the time, can without loss of dignity introduce the real Captain Flint, who died of rum at Savannah, to his namesake Silver's Parrot : where Davie Balfour and Alan Breck can once more discuss their epic fight in the Round-House of the Covenant brig : where D'Artagnan calls upon Jack Falstaff for " The Men in Buckram Suits"; where Rikki the Valiant interrupts Darzee's Chaunt by inquisitively biting the heel of Achilles : yes, in that