St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1897-09-17
My $4,000 Prize Novel.


The advertisement announced that
the first prize was $4,000; also
other prizes, but l did not bother to
note them. When | first laid eyes
upon it was interested as read
it l grew confident; and when saw
that the contest did not close for
four months yet, became impatient.
A novel Of about 100000 words was
called for. At the rate of 10000
words day, could easily complete
mine in thirty days-a month; and
as l can easily write on my type
writer fifty words minute, | can
write, therefore, 5000 words an
hour, or the 10000 words in less
than four hours, certainly a mild
days work. AS made these calcu-
ations l reflected that four months
was allowed to the contestants to
submit their efforts-it was an eter-
nifty; and felt really aggrieved.
Still, $4,000 was tidy little sum,
and l could afford to be patient;
but as there was at least four times
the time necessary, determined not
to hurry myself. Up to this time |
had been rather poor, so the first
thing to do was to take advantage
of my improved circumstances. Ac-
cordingly l told the butcher, the
baker, the candlestick-maker, all OF
whom were rather clamorous just
then, that in few months | would
receive $4,000; and of course they
could not do enough for me. Next |
saw house-agent, and afterexplain
ing my good fortune to him, ar
ranged to move at once into the best
house he had. also opened &C.
counts with the best tailor, uphol-
sterer, haberdasher, ETC., in town. l
was very careful, however, that the
grand total did not approach the
$4,000, much less exceed it. | am
honest, and l do not like to get into
debt. But | was also determined
that so long as the money lasted |
should enjoy a moderate amount OF
luxury.
The sensa ton of being rich was so
unusual and delightful that the time
slipped by unnoted, and it came upon
me as shock one day that only ff-
teen days remained to the time when
my novel must be sent to the publish
ers. Well, | must work eight hours
a day instead OF four, that was all
but l settled myself with sigh to
my task as l thoughtsot the glorious
days would miss. Upon adding up
my accounts, too, was surprised to
find that already had spent nearly
So 900; but consoled myself with
the reflection that the winner in such
a contest would be famous, and
could always command good price
for his work. Ease and aff1uence
were in my grasp, if there was but
1900 LETT tor me.
l finished my novel, with couple
of days to spare; and then happened
a most singular thing, something
that am entirely at loss to explain.
When the judges announced their
awards, my novel was not men,
toned! 1t is inexplicable. l wrote
to the publishers and expostulated.
They didn't answer. l wrote again
and explained fully how they were
defrauding, yes, robbing, my credit
ors. | didn't move them. | repeat
eddy urged upon them that they were
actually taking the bread out of
poor mems mouths. They ignored
my pleas.
Ofcourse nothing remained for me
to do but to explain to my creditors
how UNANIMOUSLY had been swindled;
and-well, just the minute | get out
of Jail l propose to make those loath-
some publishers suffer, if there is law
in the nd.-[Exchange.