not believe their vastness and
complexity. Douglas B. Longhurst said humorously that the receiver's
work would be cut out for him. I cannot deny that some of them have a
speculative look. God forbid a sensitive, refined spirit like yours
should ever come face to face with a Commissioner in Bankruptcy;
these men get all the sweetness knocked right out of them. But I
could bear up better if it weren't for press comments. Often and
often, Loudon, I recall to mind your most legitimate critiques of the
press system. They published an interview with me, not the least like
what I said, and with _jeering_ comments; it would make your blood
boil, it was literally _inhumane_; wouldn't have written it about a
yellow dog that was in trouble like what I am. Mamie just winced, the
first time she has turned a hair right through the whole catastrophe.
How wonderfully true was what you said long ago in Paris about
touching on people's personal appearance! The fellow said ----" [And
then these words had been scored through and my distressed friend
turned to another subject.] "I cannot bear to dwell upon our assets.
They simply don't show up. Even _Thirteen Star_, as sound a line as
can be produced upon this coast, goes begging. The wreck has thrown a
blight on all we ever touched. And where's the use? God never made a
wreck big enough to fill our deficit I am haunted by the thought that
you may blame me; I know how I despised your remonstrances. O,
Loudon, don't be hard on your miserable partner. The funny dog
business is what kills. I fear your stern rectitude of mind like the
eye of God. I cannot think but what some of my books seem mixed up;
otherwise, I don't seem to see my way as plain as I could wish to. Or
else my brain is gone soft. Loudon, if there should be any
unpleasantness you can trust me to do the right thing and keep you
clear. I've been telling them already how you had no business grip
and never saw the books. O, I trust I have done right in this I I
knew it was a liberty; I know you may justly complain, but it was
some things that were said. And mind you, all legitimate business!
Not even your shrinking sensitiveness could find fault with the first
look of one of them if they had panned out right. And you know the
_Flying Scud_ was the biggest gamble of the crowd, and that was your
own idea. Mamie says she never could