uthors; and it would seem that this was not enough,
for it failed to pay, and all parties concerned presently abandoned
it to its fate and it was heard of no more. Just why "Ah Sin" did not
prosper it would not become us to decide at this far remove of time and
taste. Poorer plays have succeeded and better plays have failed since
then, and no one has ever been able to demonstrate the mystery. A touch
somewhere, a pulling-about and a readjustment, might have saved "Ali
Sin," but the pullings and haulings which they gave it did not. Perhaps
it still lies in some managerial vault, and some day may be dragged to
light and reconstructed and recast, and come into its reward. Who knows?
Or it may have drifted to that harbor of forgotten plays, whence there
is no returning.

As between Harte and Clemens, the whole matter was unfortunate. In the
course of their association there arose a friction and the long-time
friendship disappeared.

CXI. A BERMUDA HOLIDAY

On the 16th of May, 1877, Mark Twain set out on what, in his note-book,
he declared to be "the first actual pleasure-trip" he had ever taken,
meaning that on every previous trip he had started with a purpose other
than that of mere enjoyment. He took with him his, friend and pastor,
the Rev. Joseph H. Twichell, and they sailed for Bermuda, an island
resort not so well known or so fashionable as to-day.

They did not go to a hotel. Under assumed names they took up quarters
in a boarding-house, with a Mrs. Kirkham, and were unmolested and
altogether happy in their wanderings through four golden days. Mark
Twain could not resist keeping a note-book, setting down bits of scenery
and character and incident, just as he had always done. He was impressed
with the cheapness of property and living in the Bermuda of that period.
He makes special mention of some cottages constructed of coral blocks:
"All as beautiful and as neat as a pin, at the cost of four hundred and
eighty dollars each." To Twichell he remarked:

"Joe, this place is like Heaven, and I'm going to make the most of it."

"Mark," said Twichell, "that's right; make the most of a place that is
like Heaven while you have a chance."

In one of the entries--the final one--Clemens says:

"Bermuda is free (at present) from the triple curse of railways,
telegraphs, and newspapers, but this will not last the year. I propose
to spend next year here and no more."

When they were ready to leave, and started for t