23.
1923:
Rapid City, Man. December 9,
1923
Dear Mr. Phelps,
So it's all cut and dried. Just at a moment when I was on
the rack with passing off gall-stones - which explained at
last, in a somewhat harmless way, the increasing tortures
to which I had been subjected - some people here took it
into their hands to prefer charges against me. The charges
were that I am some kind of a "damn foreigner" and an ATHEIST
!!!
Well, there was quite an uproar in town. The vast majority,
including the board, hoping that I would fight their fight
and down those few among them who always made trouble for
every worth-while man they had ever had here. But I declined.
A meeting was called in which the people who had made the
charges were to face me. I consented provided that the board
would previously accept my resignation. For, I said, I consider
it below my dignity even to set them right so long as it
might appear as if I did so for the sake of my salary. The
board complied. The meeting came off, and not one of those
who had brought the charges turned up; which, in a way, was
fortunate; for I was in bed, temperature 103, pulse 120,
and almost yelling with pain; though Mrs. Grove was ready
to answer my questions.
Well, it means I'm out of a " job " and free for 2 years
to dream and write. If within that time my books begin to
yield an income, well and good. If not, there is the road,
for then I shall go preaching against our insane so-called
civilization.
I feel wonderfully contented.
Yours,
F.P.G.
