I DEDICATE THIS IDYLL OF
A MOTHER AND SON.

M.D._

* * * * *

"The dawn sleeps behind the shadowy hills,
The stars hold their breath, counting the hours....
There is only your own pair of wings and the pathless sky,
Bird, oh my Bird, listen to me--do not close your wings."
--RABINDRANATH TAGORE.




AUTHOR'S NOTE.


As part of my book is set in Lahore, at the time of the outbreak, in
April 1919, I wish to state clearly that, while the main events are true
to fact, the characters concerned, both English and Indian, are purely
imaginary. At the same time, the opinions expressed by my Indian
characters on the present outlook are all based on the written or spoken
opinions of actual Indians--loyal or disaffected, as the case may be.

There were no serious British casualties in Lahore, though there were
many elsewhere. I have imagined one locally, for purposes of my story.
In all other respects I have kept close to recorded facts.