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It was in January, 1923, that I received a letter from an old friend of mine, a journalist and a traveller, whom I will call Walter Wright, from which the following is an extract:--

New York. July, 1922. . . . You will remember my telling you about Gerald Malone's papers two or three years ago--if not, you will understand what happened if you read the introduction to the manuscript I am sending you to-day, registered and under separate cover. I tried to do what he wanted, and, now it's finished, I want you to read it and tell me whether you think the story could possibly be published as it is. If not, could you re-write and re-cast the whole thing on the basis of the material (all Malone's papers) which I am sending you with what I have done? Should it ever be published I should like it to appear in England.

W. W.

I wrote back saying I thought the story should be published as it stood; that I would not hear of re-casting, re-writing or altering it. Should I try to find a publisher?

He answered by cable: "Go ahead. Married yesterday."

By the next mail I received a short letter from him telling me of his marriage, and that all his plans had been changed. He and his wife were starting at once for the South Seas, Australia, the East Indies, and Japan, and other places. The journey was to be combined with writing and business, and might probably last several years. It was impossible for him to do anything more. He gave me absolute control over the MSS., and asked me to do what I could with, and for it.

That being so, I endeavoured to comply with his wishes, and the result is the publication of the story as I received it from Wright, without any alteration on my part.

I have heard nothing further from Wright, with the exception of a picture postcard from Sumatra.

MAURICE BARING.

1924.