the kindly reception given to the bellman book of verse is mainly responsible for the publication of this collection of short stories, originally printed in the bellman, and should it find favor equal to that of its predecessor, it is probable that other volumes of like character may follow this.

indeed, the former editor of the bellman has in mind the publication of a series of books, uniform in size and appearance with this, including a second and perhaps a third volume of fiction and, finally, the bellman’s book of essays, to contain some of the essays and editorials of that periodical which are esteemed of more than transient value; in all, perhaps half a dozen small volumes.

whether this congenial undertaking shall be carried out or abandoned depends very largely upon the welcome given this, the second book of the contemplated series. there is no desire to exploit the files of the bellman for commercial purposes, but should it appear that there exists a sincere demand for such literature it will be the writer’s pleasure to supply it.

more than two years have passed since the bellman was discontinued, and it is most gratifying to its founder, as well as to all those who were concerned in its publication, to note many continuing evidences of the regard and appreciation p. viiiin which it was held by its former readers and to receive repeated expressions of regret that it has ceased to exist.

the bellman is no more, but his memory still endures, and evidently a large number of his loyal old friends continue faithfully to cherish it.

for them, more especially, is this collection published. the selection has been made almost at random and does not pretend to be a choice of the best stories that were printed in the bellman, but merely a few of those among the many which appeared under the familiar heading, “the bellman’s tale,” and which the editor considers meritorious and worthy of perpetuation in book form.

november, 1921.

—w. c. e.