However, this story concerns him and has nothing to do with my extraordinary dilemma; I merely mention it as a fact which brought additional cares into his life.

All the time he was doing what could be done to help me he was also going through a most baffling and miserable time among the publishers; for 'At Strife,' unlike its predecessor, was rejected by Davison and by five other houses.

Think of this, you comfortable readers, as you lie back in your easy chairs and leisurely turn the pages of that popular story.

The book which represented years of study and long hours of hard work was first burnt to a cinder.

It was re-written with what infinite pains and toil few can understand.