CHAPTER XXV.
_A PERSECUTED JOURNALIST_.
That the editor of every daily paper is persecuted by poetasters is an unquestionable fact; and it is probable that some of the worst of the sufferers would be justified in taking extreme measures to protect themselves from such outrages.

But that Major Slott of _The Patriot_ ever proposed to murder a poet in self-defence I doubt.

The editor of a rival sheet in our county declares, however, that the major actually thirsts for blood; and in proof of the assertion he has printed the following narrative, which, he says, he obtained from Mr.Grady, the policeman: "One day recently the major sent for a policeman; and when Mr.Grady, of the force, arrived, the major shut the door of his sanctum and asked him to take a seat.
"Mr.Grady," he said, "your profession necessarily brings you into contact with the criminal classes and familiarizes you with them.

This is why I have sent for you.

My business is of a confidential nature, and I trust to your honor to regard it as a sacred trust confided in you.