Excerpt from Responsibility: A Novel

En toute chose il faut considérer la fin. In all things the end is to be looked to - in the case of novels the last chapter. Curious that the weakness of the frail - heart beating too flutteringly for a "good read" until assured of the fate of the beleaguered and distressed - should go hand-in-hand with discernment. The good reader demanding a bouquet of writing as well as his bellyful of story does well to take the edge off grosser appetite that he may properly savour the fineness of the dish. It is for the epicure's sake, therefore, that I begin my story at the end, simple madness to the plain man who will see scant reason for not beginning at the beginning. But I confess to being an opportunist who would make the best of as many worlds as there may be, hankering in truth after a still more generous provision. Alas that man's creation of new worlds is nowhere possible save in's own brain! The wise man does the best with what he has, still on this poor planet rejoicing in his liberty to tell his story in his own way. I beg, therefore, to inform my readers - or such of them as have already indulged in furtive glances at my last leaves - that I have been before them. The chapter which finds itself last in point of binding is in reality my last but one, the present page the end of the tale.

I am in a Base Hospital, my turn at the war done, my "bit" accomplished. The doctors have decided that I am to be sent home "for discharge."

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