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adduced from objects apparently insignificant. You have now ex- 

 cited my anxiety greatly to obtain specimens of the skin in the two 

 places to which I alluded, — if tradition be of any value the duration 

 of the animal covering must in these cases be very great, for the story 

 is that the skin was taken from a Danish pirate, — this would take us 

 back nearly nine hundred years. I hope to send you a sample. 

 I can only state that Sir Harry Englefield accredited and communi- 

 cated the tale to the Society of Antiquaries, a good many years since, 

 and that when I was last in Essex, it was not forgotten. As regards 

 Worcester, and the little portion which you have examined, you may 

 rely on its being as described taken from a very ancient door now 

 condemned and replaced by modern wood-work. There is another 

 fragment of this skin in the collection formed by the late Dr. 

 Prattinton, of Bewdley, bequeathed by him to the Society of Anti- 

 quaries, an d this first drew my attention to it. If you think such a 

 trifle worthy of a place in the invaluable Museum under your care, as 

 connected with so strange a story, I hope to be successful in sending 

 you a specimen of Dane's skin, older than the Conquest to place 

 by it. 



I remain, dear Sir, yours very truly, 



Albert Way. 



On the 14th of July, I received a third communication, as follows. 



(No. 3.) 



Wonham, Reigate, 

 July 14, 1847. 



Dear Sir, 



I am enabled to forward to you a fragment, small 

 indeed, but authentic, of the skin, traditionally supposed to have been 

 that of a Dane, attached time out of mind to a door of the church of 

 Hadstock, Essex, supposed to have been pillaged by him. You will 

 very much oblige me if you can, according to your kind promise, aid 

 me in verifying this singular tale, as you did so successfully in regard 

 to the story at Worcester. Will you preserve the fragment for me, as 

 the person who has sent it to me, has, I fancy, a value for the relic. 

 I am chiefly curious as to the fact, which by your kind assistance, I 

 hope, may be elucidated. 



I remain, dear Sir, yours truly, 



Albert Way. 



