XX. INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR 



country papers is still in successful use. He also, 

 while but a boy, obtained a patent on some improved 

 device for hydraulic elevators. His inventive faculty 

 was not limited to mechanics : he invented dramatic 

 situations and wrote plays, one of which he himself 

 put on the stage with considerable success throughout 

 the country. But his buoyant temperament and too 

 confiding nature scarcely fitted him for the duties of a 

 theatrical manager. 



Mr. Ensign made frequent trips to Europe, and in 

 summers took long camping vacations in the woods of 

 the Northeast and of Canada. When in New York 

 his home was usually at the Lotos Club, where his 

 warm and kindly disposition made him a general 

 favorite. His mother died in his early life; and he 

 was never married. He had a great affection for 

 a beautiful horse 'Lady Lee,' the heroine of the 

 story in this volume ; and he drove her almost daily 

 for nearly fifteen years. He was an enthusiastic 

 member of the Gentlemen's Driving Association at 

 the old Fleetwood Park, having won the silver cup 

 there, and other prizes on other occasions, driving his 

 own horse. Professional racing and track gambling 

 he abhorred, and though he owned some fine horses, 

 would never allow them to go upon the race-track. 



Like so many busy men, Mr. Ensign was looking 



