Fiction > Book editions > New York, 1889 - Master of Ballantrae

THE MASTER OF BALLANTRAE.
SUMMARY OF EVENTS DURING THE
MASTER'S WANDERINGS.
The full truth of this odd matter is what the world
has long be'^n looking for and public curiosity is sure to
welcome. It so befell that I was intimately mingled
with the last years and history of the house ; and there
does not live one man so able as myself to make these
matters plain, or so desirous to narrate them faithfully.
I knew the Master ; on many secret steps of his career,
I have an authentic memoir in my hand ; I sailed with
him on his last voyage almost alone ; I made one upon
that winter's Journey of which so many tales have gone
abroad ; and I was there at the man's death. As for
my late Lord Durrisdeer, I served him and loved him
near twenty years ; and thought more of him the more
I knew of him. Altogether, I think it not fit that so
much evidence should perish ; the truth is a debt I owe
my lord's memory ; and I think my old years will flow
more smoothly and my white hair lie quieter on the pil-
low, when the debt is paid.
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