“To all those who lead monotonous lives in the hope that they may experience at second hand the delights and dangers of adventure.[author's dedication]”

“People with a grudge against the world are always dangerous. They seem to think life owes them something. I've known many an invalid who has suffered worse and been cut off from life much more . . . and they've managed to lead happy contented lives. It's what's in yourself that makes you happy or unhappy.”

“I was born to live dangerously.”

“No sign, so far, of anything sinister—but I live in hope.”

“... one may live in a big house and yet have no comfort.”

“There is no telling what a human character is. Until the test comes. To most of us the test comes early in life. A man is confronted quite soon with the necessity to stand on his own feet, to face dangers and difficulties and to take his own line of dealing with them. It may be the straight way, it may be the crooked way --- whichever it is, a man usually learns early just what he is made of.”

“People should be interested in books, not their authors.”