llowing letter invites Mr. Baxter to allow himself (under an
_alias_) and his office in Edinburgh to figure in a preface to the
new story. Such a preface was drafted accordingly, but on second
thoughts suppressed; to be, on renewed consideration, reinstated in
the final editions.

_Saranac Lake, January '88._

DEAR CHARLES,--You are the flower of Doers.... Will my doer collaborate
thus much in my new novel? In the year 1794 or 5, Mr. Ephraim Mackellar,
A.M., late steward on the Durrisdeer estates, completed a set of
memoranda (as long as a novel) with regard to the death of the (then)
late Lord Durrisdeer, and as to that of his attainted elder brother,
called by the family courtesy title the Master of Ballantrae. These he
placed in the hand of John Macbrair, W.S., the family agent, on the
understanding they were to be sealed until 1862, when a century would
have elapsed since the affair in the wilderness (my lord's death). You
succeeded Mr. Macbrair's firm; the Durrisdeers are extinct; and last
year, in an old green box, you found these papers with Macbrair's
indorsation. It is that indorsation of which I want a copy; you may
remember, when you gave me the papers, I neglected to take that, and I
am sure you are a man too careful of antiquities to have let it fall
aside. I shall have a little introduction descriptive of my visit to
Edinburgh, arrival there, denner with yoursel', and first reading of the
papers in your smoking-room: all of which, of course, you well
remember.--Ever yours affectionately,

R. L. S.

Your name is my friend Mr. Johnstone Thomson, W.S.!!!

TO E. L. BURLINGAME

_Saranac Lake, Winter 1887-88._

DEAR MR. BURLINGAME,--I am keeping the sermon to see if I can't add
another. Meanwhile, I will send you very soon a different paper which
may take its place. Possibly some of these days soon I may get together
a talk on things current, which should go in (if possible) earlier than
either. I am now less nervous about these papers; I believe I can do the
trick without great strain, though the terror that breathed on my back
in the beginning is not yet forgotten.

The _Master of Ballantrae_ I have had to leave aside, as I was quite
worked out. But in about a week I hope to try back and send you the
first four numbers: these are all drafted, it is only the revision that
has broken me down, as it is often the hardest work. These four I
propose you should set up fo