My Life with Stanley's rear guard

In July last Mr. Stanley wrote to me privately, suggesting that I should write a little volume giving the story of my life with his Rear Guard. He further suggested that in this little book I should deal with the different matters in dispute between us. The proposal at the time had no charm for me. I wished to avoid controversy al- together, and to be allowed to forget, as far as possible, all about my connection with the Emin Expedition. The Rear Guard was a failure; something could undoubtedly be said on all sides of the question, and it seemed to me that, under all the circumstances, the subject had far better be left alone. This was my view of the matter, and this my reason for holding aloof from the controversy as long as I could.