The record-union., 1896-02-29
LADIES ARE ASSURED

should have an immediate reading.
Three days later a note came to me
stating that the story had made an ex-
ceedingly favorable impression and
asking me to call at once, that arrange
ments for early publication might be
completed.
The time had now arrived for re-
sumption of my newspaper work, but
statement of my situation to my en-
ployer led him to consent to my release,
and I took up my abode in a modest
boarding house, and devoted myself to
the reading of proof-sheets and brows-
ing in the book shops and public libra
ries. My old newspaper friends learned
what l was about, and the coming of my
romance was heralded in advance in a
way which was extremely pleasing and
destined, 1 thought, to be profitable as
well.
But however delightful this period of
expectancy was to me, it is of no inter-
est to others, and I must hurry on. At
last my book appeared. The first weeks
sales were far beyond my own hopes
and those of my publishers, and highly
favorable notices from the press were
beginning to come in. Personal con-
gratulations from old friends were
reaching me over the wires and by
mail. and lis doubtful whether any man
in New York went to bed happier than
on the Sunday evening following the
Monday on which my book had gone
forth.
Early in the morning bundle of
morning dailies was brought to my
T n
gIancing huriedly over their literary
columns for the one subject which
found lodging in my mind. After ex-
amining the New York and Boston pa
pers, picked up one from Philadelphia,
and was proceeding to open to its lit
erary page when headline in the news
columns caught my eye. Astounding
Plagiarism" it read in bold, black lines.
"A Popular New Book Proves Mere
Translation of a Forgotten French Ro
nance" Then followed my name as
that of the plagiarlst, with the title of
my book and a dozen or more extended
extracts, with a literal translation of
the alleged French original in parallel
columns.
/ was almost stupefied, at first, with
sheer amazement Not only was con-
scious that / had never in my life read
or heard any such story, from which
I might have copied, had been dishon-
est enough to do so, but I was wholly
unable to read the language in which
the alleged original was said to have
been written. Then it occurred to me
that the whole attack must be nothing
but a cruel hoax. I sent a messenger
boy in all haste for my most intimate
friend, an artist named Tomlin, and
laid the matter before him and asked
his opinion. He thought, as l, that it
was surely intended as hoax Wish
ing to have the matter cleared up to
my own satisfaction before meeting my
publisher, who might be expected to
call for an explanation at any moment,
| took my friend with me, rushed to the
depot, and caught the first train for
Philadelphia.
The ride on the cars allowed time for
my amazement and confusion to give
way to anger. and when we were ush-
cred into the office of the offending
paper. shortly before noon. without
waiting to take the offered seat, l de-
manded of the editor in tone trembling
with rage: Upon what evidence, sir.
do you base the charge of plagiarism
made against Hearts and Hands on the
Southern Sea in this mornings paper?"
Upon the evidence of this book %
he replied calmly, and took from his
desk an octave volume, musty with age.
l took it neryously from his hand and
passed it to my friend, as I have already
mentioned my own inability to read
French. The editor turned to consider
some message from the composing
room, and I took advantage of his mat
tention 10 glance at my friends face
One look was enough; as the editor
turned toward us again. took the book
and placed it upon his desk, expressed
my thanks mechanically for the infor-
nation received, and we passed out into
the street.
1T is your book, word for word
John" my friend said as we reached the
pavement. Il cannot imagine how you
could ever have been guilty enough to
do such a thing. or stupid enough to
suppose that it would pass undetected.' y
WHY Tomlin," I answered, you
surely don't mean that you believe this.
You know / can't read a word of French,
even aside from the question of my
honesty. and I don't know what reason
I nave ever given you to doubt that
You must take it for granted that I
have common sense, John" he replied
testify. Everyone knows that the coun-
try is full of miserable hacks who would
translate such a book for a mere pitt
| tanee and take a bribe to keep still
about 1t. You have let your ambition to
write a novel run away with your char
acter and sense, too. and I'm done with
you forever"
And with this outburst he turned alb
ruptiy across the street and left me. I
knew him too well to follow. and with
heavy heart I went to the depot and
took the train back to New York
AS I entered my boarding house an
ominous looking envelope was handed
to me, bearing the imprint of my pub