Credit for the genesis of this sub-genre of the ghost story should be given jointly to Robert Aickman and his collaborator in We Are for the Dark, Elizabeth Jane Howard. Contributing three tales each, the authors were not identified with their own stories when the book was first published in 1951. We Are for the Dark contains six stories: ‘The Trains’, ‘The View’ and ‘The Insufficient Answer’ are by Robert Aickman, while ‘Three Miles Up’, ‘Left Luggage’ and ‘Perfect Love’ are by Elizabeth Jane Howard.

    I remember climbing down the ship's ladder from the Glasgow Steamer into the little rowboat that took me ashore. I can see the villagers waiting eagerly and curiously for the mail - and the passengers - while behind them stood their thatched-roof cottages, all in a row along the shore.I recall visiting in several of these cottages, also in the gamekeeper's home, the one with two stories and a tiled roof, farther inland. I recall the glorious vista from the top of the nearby mountains, that marvelous view of rolling sea, mist-draped islands, and the setting sun.Here, in this lovely, lonely spot, The Secret of the Cave was born. May it inspire children everywhere to find their greatest joy in helping others, and bringing comfort and happiness to those in need.Uncle Arthur.Los Altos, California