[Illustration: "I loved thee so, boy Jack."]

THE SPLENDID SPUR

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
(ARTHUR T. QUILLER COUCH)

1897




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