OFF DUTY (A dozen yarns for soldiers and sailors)

In my work here at Pelham Bay Camp with our wounded from abroad, with our sick boys who did not get “over there,” and with the well but often lonely men, who frequent our library, I have discovered a distinct need for some collection of the best stories, especially adapted to the “genus homo.” To meet this want, I have prepared this compilation for our soldiers and sailors, and incidentally for all to read who will. Work with our American youth is most inspiring because of his open mind, his courage, and his great appreciation of any service rendered him. This fact I have learned through becoming acquainted with the brave lads on the hospital cots at Pelham, who have needed help in whiling away the long hours of waiting. In all camps there are many men not acquainted with books. My aim has been to introduce them to some of our best writers, knowing that friendship and liking would soon follow. The work has been a pleasant one, made doubly so because of the willing co-operation given me by the distinguished authors whose stories are contained herein; and by the equally generous response which the various publishers have made to my requests. It was not done for me, but for the purpose of the compilation. To authors and publishers I hereby express my gratitude.