written, as from the mouth of the former, with its humours and
errors, its light and its dark side, just as it happened; with the
following few limitations. The year it belongs to is disguised; the
names of persons are throughout fictitious; and, at my instance,
certain slight liberties have been taken to conceal the identity of
the English characters.

Remember, also that these persons are living now in the midst of us,
and if you find one topic touched on with a light and hesitating pen,
do not blame the Editor, who, whether they are known or not, would
rather say too little than say a word that might savour of
impertinence.

E. C.

March 1903

NOTE

The maps and charts are based on British and German Admiralty charts,
with irrelevant details omitted.





1 The Letter

I HAVE read of men who, when forced by their calling to live for long
periods in utter solitude--save for a few black faces--have made it a