Cy Ross. A novel

Preface

. The manuscript of " Cy Boss," upon its completion, was submitted by its author to others, for reasons patent to all. The criticisms and suggestions, taken as a whole, were both surprising and confusing ; for the very incidents that received the severest censure, being recommended for extrusion, were, by equally competent judges, as warmly commended and approved. There is, however, a better reason why " Cy Boss " should remain as written, and without abridgment or other alteration. Granted that from a literary point of view this story could have been strengthened and embellished by the elimination of certain incidents, as well as by partial reconstructions here and there upon different lines ; still, let us not forget that Truth is paramount, and its natural beauties easily eclipse the pretensions of literary technique.

Incidents herein narrated are actual transcripts from life. Events and experiences are depicted in these pages just as they came to pass. They have become an integral part of human experience. As they were neither conjured, created, nor influenced by the author in the smallest degree, he respectfully submits that he be not held accountable for occurrences, over which he has not had, at any time, the slightest control. C Y ROSS. By MBLLEN COLE.