The idea that the extraordinary narrative¹ which has been called the Joyce-Armstrong Fragment is an elaborate practical joke evolved by some unknown person, cursed by a perverted² and sinister³ sense of humour, has now been abandoned by all who have examined the matter.  The most macabre⁴ and imaginative of plotters would hesitate before linking his morbid⁵ fancies with the unquestioned and tragic⁶ facts which reinforce the statement.  Though the assertions contained in it are amazing and even monstrous⁷, it is none the less forcing itself upon the general intelligence that they are true, and that we must readjust our ideas to the new situation.  This world of ours appears to be separated by a slight and precarious⁸ margin⁹ of safety from a most singular and unexpected danger.  I will endeavour in this narrative, which reproduces the original document in its p. 103necessarily somewhat fragmentary form, to lay before the reader the whole of the facts up to date, prefacing my statement by saying that, if there be any who doubt the narrative of Joyce-Armstrong, there can be no question at all as to the facts concerning Lieutenant¹⁰ Myrtle, R.N., and Mr. Hay Connor, who undoubtedly¹¹ met their end in the manner described.