I have your bully letter with reference to the Spectrum story and the poem which was written to that Prince, Streamer. As to the poem, if Mr. Streamer is willing that it be published — let 'er go! Could you somehow tack his name to it? And (as a minor consideration) I need the money! My feeling for Streamer is such that the poem in question is sacred to me, but if he has given his permission, I'd be glad to let you use it. You are right, the man is a bully good fellow. O I'm finding a lot of good fellows, and you are certainly in the list.
Although —
You do throw wicked brick-bats my way now and then! There's the "Mignon" letter. Just today I wrote you a reply to that letter, and to show you that I keep nothing back from a friend, I shall mail it with this. If I thought you were a pin-headed person, I should hold the letter back. But I send it. I want you to see why I don't believe what you said about my dear wanton little girl, Mignon. File the letter away among the archives of friendship, and let's not go at each other with axes any more. You thrust and draw blood — I parry — is not honor satisfied? Put up the foils!
As to the "Spectrum", I think it one of my best bits of writing, but can readily see why you don't use it. And I must add that your cleverness is not wasted on me. I enjoy your thrusts. That's the kind of a fellow I am.
You may be sure that I shall give you the opportunity to show me these things that Streamer never saw, when I get back there — which will doubtless be this winter. I'll go anywhere with you but to a Baptist church.
I am very glad that you met Streamer; it's good to know him. I shall make a similar statement to Streamer.
Hope you can meet Louis Ledoux one of these times. He is one of my bully good friends. Do what you can for his Garden of Youth.
Jno. G. Neihardt
