CAPITÁN CRESPÍ HO
(STA. CATALINA)
PALMA DE MALLOI
SPAIN (ESPAÑA)

unday, August 14th.

Caro Alberto,

I've just got your note of the 12th and I am delighted
that you and P. are coming to lunch ( even though it's yours ! ) of
the 29th. I've put down I oclock at the Royal Court Hotel---I s
haven't shed my Spanish habits of eating late! As you know I am
arriving on the 24th so I will 'phone you to announce my arrival.

Of course, I shall be in fine fettle. I've never felt better
apart from the pain in all the teeth and bad legs. But I have been
overworking. However, Avril estimates that I've earned £4,000 in the
last year so I suppose I can't complain. She is very pleased with
me, but has made me rest lately in readiness for the London trip.

I am looking forward to seeing you both immensely. By
the way, I still haven't heard from Weidenfeld, inspite of a cold
reminder. At least his secretary could answer if he can't ! ,
so what happens now ? I am bringing you another big chapter of
GENTLY COMES THE NIGHT as well as the Ms of LITTLE MOON STORY (
my nonsense novel ! ) which I completed in 2 weeks. Avril is now
typing it busily so I hope it will be ready by the time I arrive.
I've sacked my Spanish secretary so I'm rather hard pushed ----
particularly with this blasted film. I am now supposed to sail
round the Horn in a three -master as well as being forced to
Denmark and other places. I ask you--at my venerable age ! I
said firmly to the film man that, despite my love of the sea, I
was going to stay on terra-firma and in Majorka; anyway he agreed
providing I completed the original story for him---it will take
6 months more at they way they work on scripts. I've never written
so many different versions in my life ! But still, I'm well paid
and it is not bad hack work which I was afraid of: it should make
a good film.

Drop me a line about this contract business because what
with lost letters etc I am all at sea. Does Weidenfeld not
answering constitute a breach of contract, or what ? Anyway, the
nonsense book will be ready in time in case of accidents.

In haste,
hasta la vista
Roberto