THE MYSTERY OF HOLLY TAVERN A STORY OF NINE TRAVELLERS.
BYLAURISTON COLLIS.
PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.
1873.TO TWO HOME CIRCLES,
Bound together by many tender ties, and to whom I am indebted for the happiest moments of a varied life, I dedicate this feeble effort.
The beloved and venerated head of one of these circles, who months ago began these pages with us, has laid down the burthen of life, and been borne to his rest in the Haven beyond; others, scattered by the happenings of eventful years, now dwell far apart, and do not often meet to mingle memories. When we tenderly think of those gone before, let it be in the eventide, when earthly cares cannot come in between. When we remember the dear ones, now grown old, once so young and strong as to gather us all under their sheltering wings, let our hearts bless them for all their loving care, and our lives prove that they have not lived in vain. When we think of our scattered ones, let it be lovingly. To keep fresh and green some of our fireside stories, and to sketch some of the scenes and characters that are now fast fading from view amid the din and bustle of a more practical age, the "Story of Nine Travellers" has been written. May its readers be found generous to its faults.
THE AUTHOR.
BALTIMORE, March 19, 1873.