Only a year and half has yet elapsed since I had the honour of being enrolled among the juris consulti of the realm; and whilst waiting for briefs, I have devoted by far the larger portion of my time to the study of the law; whilst a small part only, by way of remunerative recreation, has been turned to literary pursuits. The result of the latter has been, the production of the present volume. I have not been guilty of Writing a book of fiction, but of facts gathered from the experiences of early life: and having done so, and placed them in the hands of the public, I would throw the gauntlet to the man who asserts that I have done anything derogatory to myself or my profession.