In a previous v previous volume "The Green Flag" I have assembled a number of my stories which deal with warfare or with sport. In the present collection those have been brought together which are concerned with the grotesque and with the terrible such tales as might well be read "round the fire" upon a winter's night. This would be my ideal atmosphere for such stories if an author might choose his time and place as an artist does the light and hanging of his picture. However if they have the good fortune to give pleasure to any one at any time or place their author will be very satisfied.