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Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset), 1874-1965

"The Magician"


Then I heard nothing of him till the other day, when our friend Miss Ley
asked me to meet at dinner the German explorer Burkhardt. I dare say you
remember that Burkhardt brought out a book a little while ago on his
adventures in Central Asia. I knew that Oliver Haddo was his companion in
that journey and had meant to read it on this account, but, having been
excessively busy, had omitted to do so. I took the opportunity to ask the
German about our common acquaintance, and we had a long talk. Burkhardt
had met him by chance at Mombasa in East Africa, where he was arranging
an expedition after big game, and they agreed to go together. He told me
that Haddo was a marvellous shot and a hunter of exceptional ability.
Burkhardt had been rather suspicious of a man who boasted so much of his
attainments, but was obliged soon to confess that he boasted of nothing
unjustly. Haddo has had an extraordinary experience, the truth of which
Burkhardt can vouch for. He went out alone one night on the trail of
three lions and killed them all before morning with one shot each.


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