The High Toby

My Dear Barrie,-It is all but twenty years since

we were first acquainted, for if we live till the spring of

1908, our friendship will have reached its majority.

Of those far-off days I cherish, as I believe you do, a

grateful memory. How many problems had we to

discuss, how many ideals had we to satisfy, and how

much ambition had we to fulfil! I think you, at least,

have gone far to fulfil all yours, who have written your

name indelibly in the literature of our generation.

That name I am, after the long lapse of years, prefixing

to this book of stories, in the hope that they

will interest you, and as a testimony to the enduring

quality of our friendship.

Yours always,

H. B. MARRIOTT WATSON.

January 1906