The Argosy, Vol. 82 No. 4 — page 201: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE LOG-BOOK. reached the age of Mr. Rivers. It only goes to _ emphasize afresh the universal appeal of THE ARGOSY. Turkey, Texas. I am writing this, not as a kicker, but as a booster of our magazine, the book of books. I have just finished the February number, and will say that it comes up to the full standard, in my estimation. “Why There Was a Murder on Pearl Street’ just cannot be beaten, and all the whole book is good, and worth any person’s perusal. I am now seventy-five years old; am an old Con- federate veteran, and have written the history of my life, and must say that THe Arcosy has been one of the incentives to me, and helped me greatly in writing. J. H. Rivers. GOES BY THE AUTHOR A neat way of expressing a reader’s interest in the man or woman who writes a story is fur- nished in the letter below from one who, of course, is now ranged on the side of those who pay particular attention to authors’ names. At present I have made no arrangements with the Williamsons about a story for THE Arcosy. I think, however, our Providence friend will be especially interested in “A Wall Street Cavalier,” to appear before long. Providence, Rhode Island. The first thing I do when I make a call on an author’s imagination is to look on the name-plate on the title-page. When Mr. Magazine presents Mr. Author to me, I know it is the correct thing to know and remember the man’s name. Then I say to myself: “I’m glad I have this opportun- ity to know this man. I wonder whether I'll want him for a close friend or just a casual acquaintance, or whether I’ll be sorry I ever met him.” And I set myself immediately to find out by studying his style, personality, imagination, descriptive faculty, and knowledge of life and characterization. When my study brings satis- factory conclusions, I am always on the look- out to renew and deepen our friendship. ‘The Williamsons? Yes, delightful people. I met them in the ALtt-Story a few weeks ago. Will they be in your book? I'll be very happy to meet them again. The above not only places my position on author’s names before you, but hints at some- thing I’d like to see—something by the William- sons, and preferably a travel story at which they excel. And you may pass on the information to An Old Chap (May Log) that I am greatly vexed with him. Frances R. SHaw. HOW DID YOU COME BY YOUR FIRST ARGOSY? If all readers of periodicals were as reasonable as Mr. Lockhart, the editor’s path would indeed be strewn with roses. I am glad to have his on the March novel, even though it is rather belated. I have in stock another corking long tale by Mr. Cain, “ The Gilded Trap.” I am wondering what you all think of the Bronx yarn in the present issue. The author, the artist, 767 and the editor all made a special motor trip to Bronx Park in order to get the scene for the cover picture. Rogers, Texas. I have just finished reading George M. A. Cain’s “ Four Speeds for Forest Hill,” and I think it is just fine. I will not say that I like every- thing in THe Arcosy as well as I do that one, but I do say that I read THE Arcosy in prefer- ence to any other magazine. The editor of a big paper like THe Arcosy could not put in stories that would suit every one, so I am content to get one once in a while that is as good as the above mentioned. I do not remember where I found my first copy of Tue Arcosy, but I have not missed one in some while now. I have been read- ing all my life, or nearly ever since I can re- member, and I have read many books, but I always look forward to the coming of THE Arcosy as being a rare treat indeed. I am glad that I do not have to knock THe Arcosy, for I find that it is worth every cent, and more, of the dime I pay for it. Let the editor give us what he thinks best, and I surely will not kick. He is doing his best to please us all, and he has certainly pleased me up to now, and will in the future, so long as he keeps up his present gait. T. I. Lockwart. A BOOSTER WORTH HAVING There has just come to hand another opinion on the March novel. Better late than never. Our Tennessee friend is a partizan worth having, the sort of chap one would like to have go on the stump for one if one were running for office. Listen to him: Fayetteville, Tennessee. I have just finished reading “ Four Speeds for Forest Hill.” Let me tell you one thing: Mr. Fred Jackson has not got anything on Mr. George M. A. Cain, and “31754,” by Lawrence Perry, cannot be beat. Oh, well, they are all good; but if any one finds fault with the two I have just mentioned, why, they should see a doctor at once. Give us some more like them. J. R. Hampton. THE ONE THING THAT CAUSED HIM TO QUIT Here’s an appreciative reader, indeed, one who sticks to THE Arcosy in spite of trouble with his eyesight. Fortunately for him we do not print on shiny paper. My best wishes to you, Mr. White, for an improvement in your vision, and many thanks for your complimentary words. Warren Point, New Jersey. I had been an ardent reader of THE Arcosy for several years when, owing to defective eye- sight, I was compelled to give up reading en- tirely, and had not seen a copy of Arcosy for more than eighteen months until I purchased the April, 1916, issue, and even.though my eyes are aching from too close application to the final chapters of “ Heir to Three Millions” (May num- ber), I must say that I never found so much wonderfully good reading between two paper COMMICLOOOkKS (C@