Part 9 (1/2)

”The scenery is just in your line, yet different from any thing you have yet done. Phew! what a book we could make together out here.

During the past week Mrs. Roe and I went over the Santa Ynez Mountains, and I wished for you at every turn of the San Marcus Pa.s.s. Then there are scores of these, with beautiful canons. But I will tell you about them in September, when I hope to see you.

”I expect to give much of September and all of October to the study of the Highlands, and only wish you can so arrange as to be with me as much as possible.

”I've been toiling over the Earthquake story, and while you and the critics will say it is no great 'shakes,' I shall have to remember how the mountain labored. I have at least a month's more work upon it, and am giving up the whole of my time to it, now that I am in the mood for writing.

”How are you enjoying the summer, and are you very busy?

”Lucky you did not get into that fight with the Park Commissioners during your July heats. If you had there would have been some 'ha'r lifted,' as they say out on the plains. You would make a better subject for a scalping-knife than I. Have you seen much of Mr.

Alden? He sent me two fine photographs of himself recently.

”I trust that Mrs. Gibson and the boy are keeping well through the intense heat of which we read in the papers. This climate surpa.s.ses anything I ever imagined. We have had but one hot day thus far.

July has been delightfully cool, about the same as last December, with the exception that the evenings and nights are a little warmer. The sea-bathing is superb. Mrs. Roe and all five children are enjoying it this afternoon.

”Yours sincerely,

E. P. ROE.”

”WAs.h.i.+NGTON, Conn., September, 1887.

”Hurrah! Hurrah! Welcome home, one and all! Such is the burden of my emotions as I read in to-day's paper that Mr. Roe, the Roe-manser, has returned to civilization from the Santa Barbarans, and is once more at 'Shanty Clear.'

”Seriously, I am immensely delighted that you are once more with us, and shall look forward to an early meeting. And now apropos--we, my wife and I, have enjoyed many a memorable season of pleasure at your country home. Can we not persuade you and Mrs. Roe to give us a visit at ours? for here is my favorite camping ground and my home acre. As soon as you feel sufficiently rested from your trip, and providing you are so disposed, will you make us happy by spending a few days with us?--that is if you still remember your neglectful correspondent and care to hobn.o.b with him as of yore.

”That proposed Highland trip is immensely tempting, and I shall hope to arrange to take a few days outing with you, but alas! it cannot be until early November or the very last of October. I am so _full_ of obligations until then.

”Don't call this a letter. It is written in the face of a yawning mail-bag and must be judged accordingly.

”Your sincere friend,

”GIBSON.”

Mr. Gibson's own work was so pressing that autumn that he was unable to spare the time for the Highland trip mentioned in his letter, when many of the sketches were to be made for the projected story. The remaining letters are from my brother to Mr. Gibson.

”December 15, 1880.

”Some one rang at my door to-day--he must be nigh of kin to Santa Claus--and left your superb volume. It almost took away my breath.

”I gave you 'Small Fruits' only. But the fruits of your pencil and pen are the reverse of small.

”Do you realize what a benefactor you are in sending me, on this dull cloudy day, exquisites of the finest seasons of the year?

Spring is months away, but I have had the sweetest glimpse of spring beside my winter fire. The blazing wood supplied the warmth,--and your fancy did the rest in reproducing June.

”I am deeply in your debt. Draw on me for unlimited quant.i.ties of strawberries.”

”April 16, 1882.