Was Doyle Dalton a Liar?
Doyle Dalton began his diary when he stole one of his father's ships. He expounded on the marvels of his voyage as he sailed the world and collected items for his diary. This diary exposed him as a liar and a braggart as he exaggerated his adventures.
He actually wrote two diaries, but often the second has been forgotten in the series. The reason: It was written in a strange language that looked like Arabic but wasn't Arabic. What was it?
In Time by Einstein Jamie got the clue to crack the code. Now she can read the second diary, the one that's been overlooked. This diary is written by a man reflecting back on his life. Has he learned anything, or does he remain the liar and braggart his family considers him? Here's your first chance to judge the man. This is how his second diary begins. Doyle Dalton's Diary is available internationally April 25, 2025!
My name is Doyle Humphrey Dalton. And you have translated my secret diary. You must have gone to extraordinary lengths to translate it. I know, because I know how carefully I penned each word in a language only you and few others can read. Then I hid this in plain sight with its companion! How clever am I?
My first diary is a contentiously sterilized adaptation of deception. This is my one true diary. One day you and I will meet. I know because I penned this after we met. I felt it necessary to be forthright with someone—you!—before I shed this mortal skin. Although I have not always been wholly honest with others in this world, I have always been straightforward with my loving wife, Sheila. She has been my sole confidant until now.
My life is riddled with mountainous mistakes and misconceptions, and I fear my family will reflect upon these and define my life by them. Once I would not have cared a whit. Creating offspring was not my first consideration when I stole that ship. All I thought of was ME!
But trust me, Jamie, I do not take deception lightly. Not as I grow advanced in age. In my youth I was a different man. I was a considerable braggart. I did foolish things. I thought foolish thoughts. I was a fool! I was like a ship without a rudder—aimlessly drifting, if I am honest. Of that my regret is keen. I had reason for my furtiveness. You will see. But I see now I could have done it more gently.
Ah, to feel the lust of youth again but tempered by the wisdom of age! Now I am an older man. Back then I never deceived without good reason—even if it was imagined. Believe me when I say I never meant this ruse to bring harm upon my family.
Originally, I hoped my gift, my Cabinet, would be my family’s legacy. A point of pride! As a younger man this was a deluded musing based on lack of worldly wisdom. Later, this musing evolved into something of necessity. Had I known in my youth what would befall me, I surely would have chosen truth as my light. Alas, hindsight is clear! And you, my dearest, possess a key role in affecting that.
Before you judge me cruelly for my deception, read this confession. My second diary. It is written cryptically as it is intended for your eyes only. Only in this way can I speak forthright of things I saw and know. Of some of these you have first-hand accounts. With these shared accountings, I hope you better judge the rest of my words and be my advocate. If you wish to share this with my descendants, that is your choice. You know them better than I. Will they listen? Can I persuade them I am not the man they imagine? I leave the decision in your capable hands.
I remain, as always, your humble servant.
Doyle H. Dalton
Postscript: I hope you choose to tell my family!
Opmerkingen