It looks as if I may get to Sag Harbor for a week or so in the middle of the month. It is really not a question of expense, but Neale has blocked out a lot of work for me. He wants two more volumes--even five more if I'll make 'em. Guess I'll give him two. In a week or so I shall be able to say whether I can go Sagharboring. If so, I think we should have a night in New York first, no? You could motor-boat up and back. Sincerely yours, AMBROSE BIERCE.[14] [14] Addressed to George Sterling at Sag Harbor, Long Island. [Washington, D. C., Monday, August 7, 1911.] DEAR GEORGE, In one of your letters you were good enough to promise me a motorboat trip from New York to Sag Harbor. I can think of few things more delightful than navigating in a motorboat the sea that I used to navigate in an open canoe; it will seem like Progress. So if you are still in that mind please write me what day _after Saturday next_ you can meet me in New York and I'll be there. I should prefer that you come the day before the voyage and dine with me that evening. I always stay at the Hotel Navarre, 7th avenue and 38th street. If unable to get in there I'll leave my address there. Or, tell me where _you_ will be. Sincerely yours, AMBROSE BIERCE. If the motorboat plan is not practicable let me know and I'll go by train or steamer; it will not greatly matter. A. B. [Washington, D. C., Tuesday, August 8, 1911.] DEAR GEORGE, * * * * * Kindly convey to young Smith of Auburn my felicitations on his admirable "Ode to the Abyss"--a large theme, treated with dignity and power. It has many striking passages--such, for example, as "The Romes of ruined spheres." I'm conscious of my sin against the rhetoricians in liking that, for it jolts the reader out of the Abyss and back to earth. Moreover, it is a metaphor which belittles, instead of dignifying. But I like it. He is evidently a student of George Sterling, and being in the formative stage, cannot--why should he?--conceal the fact. My love to all good Californians of the Sag Harbor colony. Sincerely yours, AMBROSE BIERCE. [Washington, D. C., November 16, 1911.] DEAR GEORGE, It is good to know that you are again happy--that is to say, you are in Carmel. For your _future_ happiness (if success and a certain rounding off of your corners would bring it, as I think) I could wish you in New York or thereabout. As the Scripture hath it: "It is not good for a man to be in Carmel"--_Revised Inversion_. I note that at the late election California damned herself to a still lower degradation and is now unfit for a white man to live in. Initiative, referendum, recall, employers' liability, woman suffrage--yah! * * * * *