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) By Arthur T. Quiller Couch 1897 [Illustration: “I loved thee so, boy Jack.”] 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 only other that gets so cordial a “God bless him!” in the long winter evenings. To win such a welcome at such a time from a new friend or two would be the happiest fortune for my tale. But to you I could wish it to speak particularly, seeing that under the coat of JACK MARVEL _beats the heart of your friend_ Q. _Torquay, August 22d_, 1889. INTRODUCTORY NOTE. “Q.” A year or two ago it was observed that three writers were using the curiously popular signature “Q.” This was hardly less confusing than that one writer should use three signatures (Grant Allen, Arbuthnot Wilson, and Anon), but as none of the three was willing to try another letter, they had to leave it to the public (whose decision in such matters is final) to say who is Q to it. The public said, Let him wear this proud letter who can win it, and for the present at least it is in the possession of the author of “The Splendid Spur” and “The Blue Pavilions.” It would seem, too, as if it were his “to keep,” for “Q” is like the competition cups that are only yours for a season, unless you manage to carry them three times in succession. Mr. Quiller-Couch has been champion Q since 1890.