Howard Pyle, a chronicle by Charles D. Abbott, with an introduction by N. C. Wyeth and many illustrations from Howard Pyle's works.

FRDUiTFUL ASSOCIA TIONS
the comparative merits of the Venus de Milo and the Torso
Belvedere; this would touch Reinhart to the quick and he
would immediately join in, the Hibernian and American
elements flowing happily together. Mr. Chairman would
presently express his opinion and then confusion would
reign. Thus we sat discussing club matters, beer, and
pretzels, until half after eleven. At the end of that time it
was determined upon to invite nine more men to meet us
and 'talk over matters.' If eleven men involve themselves
in such confusion, what will twenty do? Tomorrow night
we meet.
"Our composition class at the League still prospers. The
subj ect last week was 'A Cold Night.' I treated it by representing a highwayman who had just entered a roadside
inn (American) and is standing with his back to the fire
jealously watching a group of countrymen who are seated
around a table discussing hot whiskey punch. They are
whispering among themselves about the suspicious stranger,
and he slyly holds a pistol behind him to be in readiness in case of an attack.'
"It gives you at least an idea of the positions of the figures.
It is the best thing I have ever done and was very much
praised up by the boys (Shirlaw, Chase, and Reinhart).
I am going to send it to Harpers, tomorrow. I don't
believe it will go, but I may as well venture it00*
"Once more I have discreetly saved my most important
item until the last. A gentleman came to my studio, one
I have known for some time, and made me an offer as
follows: If I could get two other men or three others,
1 This sketch was afterward elaborated and published under the title
"The Mysterious Guest," in Harper's Weekly, vol. xxvii, p. x85.
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