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

THE RETURN
to see Scribners first, thinking it might be the means of
renewing my foothold with them. To tell the truth, one of
the reasons for the numerous fits of the 'blues' that I have
had lately has been my uncertainty as to how Scribners, regarded my desertion of them for the banner of Harpers'.
I wrote to them, you know, telling them that I could now
do work for them, but as I had not heard from Mr. Drake
I began to fear that they had gone back on me. Hence
my uncomfortable feelings. But I found that I was received with open arms, the blowing of trumpets, the killing
of the prodigal for the return of the fatted calf. (I think
that is a little mixed, but never mind.)
"Mr. Gilder, the acting editor-in-chief, was not there,
but Johnson, the 'sub,' was and seemed to think very well
indeed of the proposed matter, as did Drake, the art editor.
Of course, Johnson did not like to take the responsibility of
positively ordering the article himself so it looked a little bit
uncertain. My intention had been to offer it to Scribners
first and if they did not care for it, then to take it to Harpers, but Johnson did so seem to hate to let it go by, that
I promised not to submit the matter to Harpers until I
had heard from them. So as things now stand I am j ust
exactly where I was this morning. No, not exactly, either.
I feel I have established a foothold with them which is
something--a great deal.
"Hang these quill pens! I like to write with them but
they wear out so quickly-well, I'll take another.
"Johnson said that I should in all likelihood hear from
them on Saturday. I f they should not accept it I shall do
it anyhow and run the risk of Harpers taking it.
"I felt fairly sick when I saw some of the designs that
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