“No doubt you will recall that our criticisms of the material which you have submitted from 85 time to time in the past, were directed chiefly against faults arising out of your unfamiliarity with your subjects. The present manuscripts bear the best testimony that you have been gathering your material at first hand. We have the feeling, as we read, that every sentence flows straight from the heart.
“Now we want just such vivid, gripping, red-blooded cross-sections of life as these, your two latest accomplishments; in fact, we can’t get enough of them. Therefore, instead of making you a cash offer for these two stories, we suggest that you first call at our office at your earliest convenience. If agreeable, we should like to arrange for a series of Western stories and articles, the evolving of which should keep you engaged for some time to come.
“Cordially,
“––––”
The hands of the two friends clasped across the table. No word disturbed the silence until the forgotten waiter broke in impatiently:
“Yo’ o’der, sahs?”
“Champagne”––this time it was Calmar 86 Bye who gave it––“a quart. And be lively about it, too.”
“Well, well!” Bob Wilson’s admiration burst forth. “It is worth a whole herd of steers.”