The Red Cloud chief., 1880-10-07

philosophical dissertations. and hair
breadth 'scapes I could not abide.
But the novel slowly wrote itself out
In our minds.
We agreed that Rudolph's eyes should
be as black a. night. and Eveiyns Z
deep gray; aud that the villain should
be the stepfather Of the former. inter
estingly lame and dcformed. somewhat
after the manner OF Richard Ill
But rs we consulted. and I borrowed
money TO live on an old anecdote. in
which my father, who was a story-;eiier.
used 10 delight. kept itself prominently
In the foreground Of my consciousness.
An illiterate man, having been under
conviction Of sin and experienced re-
iigion IN the most approved way. felt
himself called TO preach. wheFeBpDn
the clergy Of the same denomination.
ashamed 10 number him among them.
demonstrated with him.
~"Brethren." said n. at is written.
no forth aud preach the gospel to
every critter."
Yes returned a brother. but /,
aoes not say that every critter shall
preach the gospel"
iDAs upupiIui as 10 wnether " would
not be better to be a coal-heaver who
knew his business than q literary pre-
tender.
"Avice," said I. 81 can't write the
novel. Ii will be nonsense, and such
nonsense as the publishers see every
day Of their lives"
The small wife was not to be dis
couraged.
well leave it, and perhaps some
time you can finish it.; but wish YOU
would do something for me. Don't sou
remember you used to tell me stories Of
your Aunt Be'sey and the odd things
she said? Now. Harry. write them
down, and put in all the queer spelling
and old-fashioned words, and l know
il will sell"
l did it. with much disgust at the
work and myself for doing it. | don't
mind saying now that the expression
was 4 libel IN the English language. the
framework msTchinc-midc, AMI what
was intended for pa.hos extremely
diluted.
1-ent tito a publisher. 10 my complete
surprise received an acceptance, aud
within the shortest time possible saw
the book in print.
Il knew they'd take IT," slid Avice,
calmly triumphant, when | told her the
news.
| look ut her solemnly before daring
TO confess the truth. and then said, in
underneath
But, ms dear, do YOU know it was
all NONSENSE"
"Of course" she said, coollv. in a
matter-of-faot tone. II knew that all
the time; and, Harry, | thought that
was all you could writc!'
We both felt, after that confession.
that there was a thorough understand
Ing between us. and | have never doubt
Ell my wife's judgment since.
The book not only sold. but was pop
ular. and | had the satisfaction Of hear
ing myself praised for IA work of which
| vas ashamed. Again | met Uncle
Phil. "Well, boy" said he, taking his
pipe out. and regarding me with n look
of amused satisfaction. $50 you did
have some brains, after all; that is,
brains enough To get yourself between
two blue covers"
Uncle Phil" said ], confidentillly.
"yOu know rs well as | that the book
would only do credit to an ass. Why
did il succeed"
For several reasons. One, that the
public is Il fool, and morcoy IN unre-
liable fool. Ii will iaud a book 10 the
skies if the wind blows east. and sniff
contemptuously if it happent to be in m
other quarter. Besides. your little vol
ume was Il comfortable size to be car
ried on a journey. and people read it on
the train. So you don't think you're a
genius?"
"On the contrary, | know I'm a
fool" said |. with much humility and
frankness. "Will you take me into
business and let me devote myself to
leather?"
He did, and | have since paid my
debts and laid by money enough To keep
us in umbrellas through several rainy
days, but glory is still in the dim dis
tance.-BoSt0n 7rdnscT.Dt.