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PREFACE.
In this book I have attempted to present a true picture of life and events in the Pirate City of Algiers, as exhibited about the first quarter of the present century.
Without claiming to be absolutely correct in every trivial detail, I may perhaps venture to hope that, having spent a winter in Algiers, and made a careful examination of the most interesting and authentic records obtainable, error in fact and colouring has been avoided.
My best thanks are due to Colonel Playfair, Consul-General at Algiers, and to several other friends, for their kindness in furnishing me with the books and some of the material out of which my tale has been constructed.
R. M. BALLANTYNE.
