Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-02-15
. TRIUMPH OF COLLABORATION
Two Authors Who VIII Seek Immortal
ity Separately.

"
The really great advantage in collr-
b~oration," said Brown, peering at NE
through his spectacIes, lis that it en-
ables each ma to test his work. His
partner represents the public for him
Just So" | cried.
What pleases his partner will please
the public. And what doesn't he can
at once discard. That must be our
principle"
You're right said I. I'VE must
be sensitive. If you think what l
write no goou-out it goes"
And if you think what I write not
effective-we drop it. In that way
only the cream of both our minds will
remain"
Brown" said 1, eve shall be naagni-
ficent. Your quiet fm-you Know
it's wonderful
"And Your r%o1licking humor;''' said
Brown.
"And Your eye for a ludicrous sftua-
ton"
"Oh. it will be the greatest farce
ever scent Let's start off at once.'
We arranged to start at once. The
plot was ready. 1t vas very simple,
being concerned mainly with the adj
ventures of a country vicar. who, by
a train Of ingenious circumstances, is
forced to pass himself off as an emf
nent boOkmaker. The bookmaker is
secretly engaged to the niece of the
wears wife, and has. in order K re-
commend himself to the young lady's
father, pretended to be 81 conservative
member of parliament. The cOnserva-
tive member Of parliament's wife OBJ
iects to his attending the races, and,
in order to escape her scrutiny, he
goes to the Derby attired as a book
maker. Of course, the real boOkmaker
comes as the member Of parliament
and the vicar-hOwever, that's enough
to show you the outline of the piece.
A fortnight later Brown and L met
again. We had each made a draft of
the first act.
swell, how does it go?" asked Brown.
Ripping" said T.. 81 think you'll
laugh at some of my ideas"
Cad, ana mine runs capitally." said
Brown. "Wil1 you read yOurs?'
mo, no, you fire ahead" said L,
lighting my pipe.
Brown began to read. He chuckled
very much at several points; when he
did SO I also laughed. When he had
finished he said:
"NOw, before we say a word, read
yours"
I read mine as well as I could. 1
had to stop and laugh several times,
and Brown smiled approximately at
the same points. When / finished,
pipe. There was silence for a mo-
ment.
Eyes, yours is very funny" said
Brown presently.
ooh, so is yours"
II we take the best Of BOTH con
tinued Brown, "it will be first-rate.
Now, what do you think of mineT"
"My dear Brown" said /, " I enjoyed
it very much. It's full of your quiet
wit and satire. But-er-do you think
it's quite broad enough fun for a
farce? They want the is dotted for
EN-, you know
"Ye-es," said Brown, "but we can't
make it all horseplay, can we?"
I'm not sure, you know, that the
audience wouldn't take that speech of
the wears seriously. Oh, of course
[ know it's satirical."
"And don't you think" asked Brown,
that that business with the blue and
pink umbrella is playing to the gal
cry just Il leetle more than We need?'
"Well, We'll cut that" said L
thought it went to my heart. "And
hat speech, perhaps that had better
h, Brown?",
eff you think so. old fellow said
Brown lugubriously.
"Now, look here, I'll knock these two
.to one; then I'll send it to you, and
-ou can knock it about a bit more.
hen We'll finally settle it together"
We pursued that plan throughout
he play; and we worked with the ut
cost harmony. Brown was most good
when / cut some rather recon-
tie jokes of his and gave his dialogue
freer treatment, and I did not com
lain when Brown felt compelled to
etc some magnificent bits of business
had written in about a showerbath