47.
1925:
Rapid City, Man. April 18,
1925
Dear Phelps,
4 days in the Bigelow Clinic at Brandon
have exploded 2 theories: that of cancer and that of appendicitis.
A third theory - that of Dr. Bigelow himself - namely of
lumbar tuberculosis has been negatived today by a 24 test
at home. Which leaves me with my excruciating pains unexplained.
The chances are that they'll open my abdomen to explore.
Good news: a magazine editor in the U.S.A. to whom I have
from time to time offered some of my "trash", has managed
to lose "Latitude 53 North" and wants it. I cannot locate
an Ms. I had forgotten I'd ever written such a thing. Incidentally
he asks me for "more sea stuff ." Says he was mightily impressed
by the "power of my descriptions". I wondered whether you
might have a Ms. of that thing? Imagine F.P.G. as a popular
writer of " sea stuff "! I laughed and laughed. But he offers
$75. So I think I'll let him have that thing; possibly under
a pen-name, provided I can find it. It will pay the x-ray
man at Brandon.
I've written L.P. that, provided he answer me that the W.R.L.H.
will appear in Canada in the fall, he can do as he pleases - intentionally.
Yours,
F.P.G.
