The Splendid Spur
READING AGE 16+
Being Memoirs of
The Adventures of
Mr. John Marvel,
A Servant of
His Late
Majesty King Charles I
In the Years 1642-3,
Written by Himself.
Edited in Modern English by
Q
~
To
Edward Gwynne Eardley-Wilmot
My Dear Eddie,
Whatever view a story-teller may take of his business, 'tis happy
when he can think, "This book of mine will please such and such a
friend," and may set that friend's name after the title page. For
even if to please (as some are beginning to hold) should be no part
of his aim, at least 'twill always be a reward: and (in unworthier
moods) next to a Writer I would choose to be a Lamplighter, as the
only other that gets so cordial a "God bless him!" in the long
winter evenings.
To win such a welcome at such a time from a new friend or two would
be the happiest fortune for my tale. But to you I could wish it to
speak particularly, seeing that under the coat of Jack Marvel
beats the heart of your friend
Q.
Torquay, August 22d, 1889.
~
Unfold
THE ADVENTURE OF THE LEDGE;
AND HOW I SHOOK HANDS WITH MY COMRADE.
We had some ado to find the gate: but no sooner were through, and upon the high road, than I lash'd the horses up the hill at a gallop. To guide us between the dark hedges we had only our lantern and the glare ahead. The dishes and cups clash'd and rattled as the hea……
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