Curtis, the brother of Sir Henry Curtis, Bart., who, it will be
remembered, was one of the late Mr. Allan Quatermain's friends and
companions in adventure when he discovered King Solomon's Mines, and who
afterwards disappeared with him in Central Africa.


This extract runs as follows:--

"You may recall that our mutual and dear friend, old Allan Quatermain,
left me the sole executor of his will, which he signed before he set out
with my brother Henry for Zuvendis, where he was killed. The Court,
however, not being satisfied that there was any legal proof of his
death, invested the capital funds in trustee securities, and by my
advice let his place in Yorkshire to a tenant who has remained in
occupation of it during the last two decades. Now that tenant is dead,
and at the earnest prayer of the Charities which benefit under
Quatermain's will, and of myself--for in my uncertain state of health I
have for long been most anxious to wind up this executorship--about
eight months ago the Court at last consented to the distribution of this
large fund in accordance with the terms of the will.

"This, of course, involved the sale of the real property, and before it
was put up to auction I went over the house in company of the solicitor
appointed by the Court. On the top landing, in the room Quatermain used
to occupy, we found a sealed cupboard that I opened. It proved to be
full of various articles which evidently he had prized because of their
associations with his earthy life. These I need not enumerate here,
especially as I have reserved them as his residuary legatee and, in the
event of my death, they will pass to you under my will.