PREFACE

This book was planned some years ago by Martin Ross and myself. A
few portions of it were written, and it was then put aside for other
work.

Without her help and inspiration, it would not have been begun, and
could not have been completed. I feel, therefore, that to join her
name with mine on the title-page is my duty, as well as my pleasure.

E. OE. SOMERVILLE.




CHAPTER I


"Christian, dost them see them?" sang an elder brother, small enough
to be brutal, large enough to hurt, while he twisted Christian's arm
as though it were indeed the rope that it so much resembled.

"I won't say I saw them, because I didn't!" replied Christian, who had
ceased to struggle, but was as far as ever from submission; "but if I
had, you might twist my arm till it was like an old pig's tail and I
wouldn't give in!"