Every New Year's day we write each other a letter, always in the same words, which both answers and asks the same questions: "Still alive ?" If either fails to receive his letter at the specified time, he will presume that the other is _hors de combat_, if not dead, and make further inquiry.

But I think I shall win.
Three years ago I met Giessler at the meeting of the British Association, and, though he denied it, he was palpably aging.

His shoulders were bent, his hearing and eye-sight failing, and the _area senilis_ was very strongly marked, while I--am what you see.
I have, however, had an advantage over the professor, which it is only fair to mention.

In my wanderings I have always taken occasion, when opportunity offered, to observe the habits of tribes who are remarkable for longevity.

None are more remarkable in this respect than the Callavayas of the Andes, and I satisfied myself that they do really live long, though perhaps not so long as some of them say.