Martin Rattler Page 2

  MY DEAR YOUNG READERS,

  In presenting this book to you I have only to repeat what I have said inthe prefaces of my former works,--namely, that all the important pointsand anecdotes are true; only the minor and unimportant ones beingmingled with fiction. With this single remark I commit my work to yourhands, and wish you a pleasant ramble, in spirit, through the romanticforests of Brazil.

  Yours affectionately,

  R.M. BALLANTYNE.

  [October, 1858.]

  MARTIN RATTLER