Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-11-30

many years now, and even in the
metropolis had made considerable of
a name for himself as an author and
story teller. In his old home they
saw his name in magazines side by
side with men of established fame,
and they took much local pride in
concluding that he belonged to such
company on equal terms. And in this
they were not far from right, for
Southland was really parsonage in
the literary world. TO be sure he had
had his failures, his heart burnings,
his disappointments, his discourage
ments; but that was long ago, and of
these those at home knew nothing
anyhow, as he did not cry out when
he was hurt and did not know how to
whine. So he worked on until he
reached q position which was recog-
nized by the public aud by the pub
fishers catering to the public taste.
In his old homo there was dlsposi-
ton to make use of Southard. No
aspirant for literary, artistic or the
atrical fame ever left that neighbor-
hood without bringing letters of in
PRODUCTION to him. He was expected
to give counsel and assistance. AS
Southland was an amiable man he did
what he could and never failed to try
to honor the drafts upon his time,
acquaintance, experience and posi-
ton. Sometimes these encounters
were amusing. For instance, long,
lean and lanky lawyer called on him
with an introduction and announced
that he had moved to the metropolis
to lead literary life. He asked
Southland what his method of work
was. Southland did not have any
method.
"What is your favorite style, what
are your predilections?" the visitor
asked.
Il am sure have none. 7 only
try to write little pieces that the ed
itors will like, and so keep the pot
boiling"
The visitor was evidently disap-
pointed; so Southard asked him about
his predictions. The bearded face
Frightened and the literary lawyer
said through his nose, with a com
/ posure and conviction that were
most comical but entirely serious:
"Wal, believe, my prediction if
for the descriptive and the didactic,
with slight vein of humcr."
This was delicious, and Southland
had to use all his self-command to
preserve a straight face. 1t was moi
always like this, however. Often these
interviews were pathetic enough. I'm,
ending failure was the portion of most
of those who came to Sorthard for as.
sistance. And few gave up quickly
They worked on and on as a rule,
always hopeful that the next effort
would brine some sort of recognition
if not complete success. Now ant
again one did have some success, sc
Southland, who was friendly and optim
istic by nature, was usually sympa
thetic and encouraging. There came
to him one day man getting towards
forty years, a man who had seen mucl
of the world in narrow sense, as ht
had taught school in its four quarters.
Fl was Scotch Irish by birth, but wa,
born in one of the British Colonies
and, therefore, was more British, me orc
narrowly Britishthanthe veriest Cock
ney. Grant was also a man of learn
ing, and as such, was recommended
to Southland by kinsman in the OLE
home. Southland soon saw that Grant
pretensions were genuine and tool
pleasure IN helping him as best h,
could.
But Grant, though very industrious
was hard to help. He knew every
thing movable and wrote with ease
He could not, however, sell his pro
duct. Southland hawked his thing
about and now and then effected
sale. 1t was discouraging business
however, discouraging both for South
ard and for Grant. And it was tire
some, too, when Grant appropriated
the role of protege, role to which h,
had not in the least been invited. TIL,
editors told Southland that Grant
work was not Just up to the mark, tina
it lacked vitality and, therefore, in
terest. Whether they were right o
not is another matter, but their view
stood in the way of the protege pros