54. 1925:
Rapid City, Man.    August 26, 1925

---

Dear Phelps,

Our 'flivver' took us home last night, well and doing. After four week in Sask. We betook ourselves to the mountains and spent the latter half of the holidays in Alberta and British Columbia. Your letter overtook me here on arrival.

As for the book, I have not heard of late. I read the proofs about the middle of July.

As for Equal Opportunities, I don't know. I think of it with something akin to scorn, as of something trifling, inconsequential. I have no Ms., or I might burn it. I have seen the mountains, you know. Even the Settler are no more than a little foot-hill. But "Our Daily Bread" seems to be growing on me. I think I shall settle down to that book once I get settled to anything.

The convention amused me. It seemed all so irrelevant. Reports of branches, etc. Calculated, so it seemed to me, to gratify personal vanities, and small vanities at that. Even the copyright situation? Anything to do with literature? Good literature was once written without any copyright. Let us seek for the kingdom of Heaven, and all such things shall be added unto us. You say I stirred them. If I did, I didn't notice it. I spoke for 12 minutes by the watch. And half an hour later I left. But, of course, I am six feet three, 'blond', and speak with a brogue.

Should you see Pierce, you might ask him about the Settlers. But don't make the impression as if I were impatient, worried, or eager, for I am not. I am done with the book. However, if it is to appear, it might as well appear in time for the Christmas trade, so as to net me a few cents of which I am in sore need. Yet, if it does not, well and good, too. I have worried along so far. By the way, I rather froze Mr. French, acting perfect indifference, which was not acted, though.

I hope you are as well as we are. I have not slept in a house since June 30: that hardens a person.

Let me hear from you.

Yours,
F.P.G.