FPG's Letters to A. L. Phelps



71. 1925:
Rapid City, Man.    28 November, 1925

Dear Phelps,

Tell Perry I'm coming. I promised to have "a good feed" at his place the next time. I'll redeem my word. Woodhouse, too.

You can dispose of me for Thur. Fri. Sunday in any way you see fit. - or want, better still. Can you conveniently phone Horatio Wallace? If so, ask him when it will suit him best to have me out at the house. Dispose of any other evening except one as you see fit. One evening I should like to have with you alone if that is not asking too much.

Besides, I'd like to nose about in day time.

I'll be there from Wed. night till, let me say, Monday or Tues. I think I do need to get away from the typewriter fro a spell.

Further: no, my dear. You are not going to pay for anything. I'll eat your food; but I'll pay for my bed. I haven't reached the bottom yet. Only I am broke till Dec. 1 st - on that day I can borrow from Mrs. G. with whom my credit, so far, is good.

I'll try to do what you ask re "Painted Fires". But don't make any stir about it.

I'm not really cross at W.T. Only sad at the exceedingly low level. I even thanked him for his endeavors on my behalf. Though, really, you know.

I don't care one hoot about anything except that the yarn should sell to the extent of ensuring publication for the Daily Bread which seems once more to grow on me.

Things are gathering here in this bush. I don't know just what it is. But the local bookseller who has never yet landed a vol. of mine flaunts 3 copies in his window display, so I am told. I have not been downtown of late.

Well, so long,
F.P.G.

Wednesday, 4:50 C.P.R.
Have changed my mind about "Painted Fires". It is too unsavory a task. Am sending you my copy. I have marked 6 passages in one chapter and written out the corresponding passages or references in the T. of the Y. The ship will serve as book-mark. That was all I could stand. I could near rereading the book. I cannot do it. But, mind, this is just to convince you. I don't want this in print as coming from me. You appreciate it and my position. Let it go, let it go.