"Your paragraphs are pretty good, so far. But SHUN POLITICS AND RELIGION in any form, direct or indirect, as you would shun the devil. And please don't pun--it is so cheap."--Mr. A. A. Mosley, of _The Detroit Free Press_. Climaxes, Snap and Spontaneity: "We don't like to let this go back to you, and only do so in the hope that you can let us have it again. The sketch is capitally considered, the character is excellent, the way in which it is written admirable, the whole story is very funny, and yet somehow it does not quite come off. The climax--the denouement--seems somewhat labored and lacks snaps and spontaneity. Can't you devise some other termination--something with more 'go?' This is so good we want it to be better."--Editor _Puck_. Novelty and Exhilarating Effect: "We have no special subject to suggest for a serial, but would cheerfully read any you think desirable for our needs. The better plan always is to submit the first two installments of about four columns each. Novelty and exhilarating effect are desirable."--Editor _Saturday Night_. Saddling and Bridling Pegasus: "We are very much in need of a short Xmas poem--from 16 to 20 lines--to be used at once. Knowing your ability and willingness to accomodate at short notice, I write you to ask if you can get one to us by Saturday of this week, or Monday at latest. I know it is a very short time in which to saddle and bridle Pegasus, but I am sure you can do it with celerity if any one can."--Editor _The Ladies' World_. Carrying the Thing too Far: "We regret that we cannot make use of 'The Brand of Cain,' after your prompt response to our call, but the title and story are JUST A LITTLE BIT too sensational for our paper, and we think it best to return it to you. It is a good story and well written, but we get SO MUCH condemnation from our subscribers, often for a trifle, that we are obliged to be very careful. Only a week or two ago we were severely censured because a recipe in Household Dep't called for a tablespoonful of wine in a pudding sauce, and the influence of the writer against the paper promised if the offense were repeated."--From the editor of a woman's journal. And, finally, this from Mr. Davis: "We are of the non-complaining species, ourself, and aim only to please the mob. Rush the sea story. If it isn't right, I'll rush it back, by express.... Believe, sir, that I am personally disposed to regard you as a better white man than the average white man because you a larger white man, and, damnitsir, I wish you good luck." XXVI. PATRONS AND PROFITS FOR TWENTY-TWO YEARS On the 20th of this month (September, 1911) it will be just twenty-two years since Edwards received payment for his first story. On Sept. 20, 1889, _The Detroit Free Press_ sent him a check for $8. On that $8 the Fiction Factory was started.