AUTHOR OF “THE VIKING AGE,” “THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN,”
“EXPLORATIONS IN EQUATORIAL AFRICA,” “A JOURNEY TO
ASHANGO LAND,” ETC.
LONDON
JOHN MURRAY ALBEMARLE STREET
1893
TO GEORGE W. CHILDS
My Dear Childs: Years of our unbroken friendship, going back more than a quarter of a century, have passed away, and the recollection of all your kindnesses during that time comes vividly before my mind. Many a time your home in Philadelphia, at the sea-side, or at Wootton has been my home, and many of the happy days of my life have been spent with you and your kind wife. Three years ago I lay on a sick-bed at your house, and all that tender nursing, the skill of the physician, and loving hands could do that winter was done for me, and for all that I am indebted to you and to Mrs. Childs. Now a twenty miles’ walk day after day does not fatigue me. “Ivar the Viking” was partly written, after my recovery, under the shade trees of Wootton and in the midst of the perfume of its flowers. To you, my dear old friend, I dedicate the book as a token of the esteem and high regard I have for your noble character, and in grateful remembrance of all you have done for me.
PAUL DU CHAILLU.