Introduction 13 



his steed out on every possible occasion — not to mention impossibles now 

 and then. To them all goes hearty thanks, warm assurance of appreciation, 

 earnest hopes I may some day be able to return those favors and kindnesses. 

 To list tliem aU or even in part would call for more space than even the most 

 soft-hearted or "philanthrophic" editor would think of giving, even for a tale 

 more appealing to more people or more important. Without such help these 

 notes would have been shorter, fewer, farther from completeness than they 

 now are hoped for. None of those kindly and ingenuous spirits could have had 

 any idea that such a performance as this would result. On my shoulders alone 

 must rest the blame. 



Enough, however, for introduction. The waiter should serve the meal, not 

 force the diner to wait while he spins his philosophy of eating and drinking, 

 reminds the hungry victim where the fruit came from or how the meat is 

 dressed or the salad is planned to fit in with the dessert. Turn now to the meal 

 itself, even if it be far from a feast. 



