that where I said I could get along 3 months without drawing on you, that delay contemplated a visit from you to the machine in the interval, and your satisfaction with its character and prospects.  I had forgotten all that.  But I remember it now; and the fact that it was not “so nominated in the bond” does not alter the case or justify me in making my call so prematurely.  I do not know that you regarded all that as a part of the bargain—­for you were thoroughly and magnanimously unexacting—­but I so regarded it, notwithstanding I have so easily managed to forget all about it.

You so gratified me, and did me so much honor in bonding yourself to me in a large sum, upon no evidence but my word and with no protection but my honor, that my pride in that is much stronger than my desire to reap a money advantage from it.

With the sincerest appreciation I am Truly yours
                                             S L. Clemens.

P. S. I have written a good many words and yet I seem to have failed to say the main thing in exact enough language—­which is, that the transaction between us is not complete and binding until you shall have convinced yourself that the machine’s character and prospects are satisfactory.

I ought to explain that the grippe delayed us some weeks, and that we have since been waiting for Mr. Jones.  When he was ready, we were not; and now we have been ready more than a month, while he has been kept in Washington by the Silver bill.  He said the other day that to venture out of the Capitol for a day at this time could easily chance to hurt him if the bill came up for action, meantime, although it couldn’t hurt the bill, which would pass anyway.  Mrs. Jones said she would send me two or three days’ notice, right after the passage of the bill, and that they would follow as soon as I should return word that their coming would not inconvenience us.  I suppose I ought to go to New York without waiting for Mr. Jones, but it would not be wise to go there without money.

The bill is still pending.

The Mergenthaler machine, like the Paige, was also at this time in the middle stages of experimental development.  It was a slower machine, but it was simpler, less expensive, occupied less room.  There was not so much about it to get out of order; it was not so delicate, not so human.  These were immense advantages.

But no one at this time could say with certainty which typesetter would reap the harvest of millions.  It was only sure that at least one of them would, and the Mergenthaler people were willing to trade stock for stock with the Paige company in order to insure financial success for both, whichever won.  Clemens, with a faith that never faltered, declined this offer, a decision that was to cost him millions.

Winter and spring had gone and summer had come, but still there had been no financial